Mailbag: Who's batting first?
11/07/2005I am a huge fan of Clint Barmes. Do you think that he will hit leadoff again next year and if so, why, since he did so much better in the No. 2 spot? Marlies H., Denver
In 2005, Barmes ended up at the top of the order in May because he was hitting well and Aaron Miles was not getting on base. However, the numbers suggest that putting him in the leadoff spot is not his best use.
For the full season, Barmes batted .255 with a .294 on-base percentage in 247 at-bats in the top spot, and .358 and .396 in the second spot. Of course, Barmes was a far less effective hitter after he missed 78 games with a broken left collarbone. But 136 of his 247 leadoff at-bats came before the injury, and he hit .287 with a .327 on-base -- figures that suggest the top of the order and its requirements to see pitches aren't conducive to Barmes' aggressive style.
Much depends on center fielder Cory Sullivan, who finished the season at .294 with a .343 OBP overall, but .245 and .287 at the leadoff spot.
If Sullivan can't grab the top spot, the Rockies don't have a prototypical leadoff hitter unless center-field prospect Jeff Salazar finds a comfortable swing between now and Spring Training. It has eluded him in the Arizona Fall League. If Sullivan falters, his lack of power could leave him on the bench and the Rockies will have to shoehorn Barmes or someone else into the top spot.
What role do you see Omar Quintanilla playing next year? Does he have chance to be regular second baseman or is he a utility player in the making?Tom S., Houston
For now, Quintanilla gives the Rockies a utility guy who can easily handle playing shortstop. After Desi Relaford slumped offensively and Anderson Machado proved not healthy enough and not good enough with the bat, Quintanilla provided what manager Clint Hurdle has sought since taking the job in 2002.
But the good part about a young player coming up with the Rockies is the opportunity to earn a greater role. Quintanilla has posted a .320 Minor League average with an OBP near .400. After joining the Rockies, he was in the Majors before he could adjust his swing to hit Triple-A pitching to all fields, and in the Majors he hit just .219 in 39 games. If he can make those adjustments, he could earn an expanded role -- the way Luis Gonzalez did at second base when the Rockies made their judgment on Miles.
Opportunity is there. Barmes has been erratic defensively at short and could be a better fit at second base, and some within the organization question whether Gonzalez is better suited to start or be a utility man. Of course, it's not beyond question the switch-hitting Miles could earn a fresh look.
Do you think Chris Iannetta has a chance to be their catcher in 2006?Joe, Littleton, Colo.
The Rockies are seeking a catcher with some experience this offseason, but they're not going to spend much money. It's even possible Todd Greene could be brought back to compete for playing time with 2005 holdovers Danny Ardoin and JD Closser as well as Miguel Ojeda, claimed off waivers from Seattle. Yes, a relatively low budget is one reason. But the rapid development of Iannetta, 22, a fourth-round pick out of North Carolina in 2004 who finished last season at Double-A, is another.
He played in last year's All-Star Futures Game in Detroit and has continued to progress defensively in the Arizona Fall League. There's no reason he can't debut in 2006 and have a chance to have a bigger role in 2007.
I'm excited to see all these rookies being successful in the big leagues, and I can picture a good Rockies team with all of them in it. Nonetheless, I fear that as soon as they start drawing attention from teams all over the leagues, it will be the same old story all over again. My question is: Do you think there's a legitimate chance that the organization is going to be able to hold on to them, even with several teams offering good money for them?Juan Z., Caracas, Venezuela
Fans are understandably concerned after watching the Rockies reduce payroll by ridding themselves of most of their expensive contracts. But the bright side of that is the Rockies don't have to worry much about other teams bidding on their players for a while if the club so chooses.
On the current roster, the earliest anyone is eligible for free agency is right-handed pitcher Jason Jennings after the 2007 season. His current deal runs through 2006 with a club option for his final arbitration year, 2007. The tough decisions will come when players are in their arbitration years and their salaries are uncertain, so the Rockies need to keep developing prospects so they can easily let go of players whose arbitration-driven salaries outweigh peformance.
On May 11, the Rockies traded outfielder Michael Restovich to the Pirates for a player to be named later. Have we received this player to be named as yet? How long is usual for this kind of transaction? Same for July 13, where the Rockies are owed a player to be named later or cash in the Preston Wilson/Zach Day trade?Mark B., New Zealand
Some trades are gifts that keep on giving. The Restovich deal remains incomplete. General managers meet in Palm Springs, Calif., starting today and the Winter Meetings are on tap for Dec. 5-8 in Dallas, so there is time for that. As for the deal that sent center fielder Wilson to Washington for right-handed pitcher Day, the player was determined at the time of the trade -- outfielder J.J. Davis, who finished the year at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
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