Future looks bright for Rox
01/01/2006
DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies have spent the better part of three years trimming large contracts off the books, and for the most part have stuck with a plan that depends heavily on young players from within the organization.
A 67-win 2005 is behind the Rockies, but they look ahead and see a future led by veteran first baseman Todd Helton and a host of young hitters -- most notably outfielder Matt Holliday, who excelled as cleanup man behind Helton, and third baseman Garrett Atkins, who received National League Rookie of the Year consideration.
The Rockies also feel good about a triumvirate of young, homegrown starting pitchers -- righties Jason Jennings and Aaron Cook, and lefty Jeff Francis.
The decision to go with an experienced bullpen to set up lefty closer Brian Fuentes is not as much a deviation from the plan as it is an acknowledgment that inexperience in the bullpen is a poor way to start the season. However, the Rockies have a number of potentially important relievers that started to make a mark toward the end of last season.
Taking the next step could be a case of staying healthy. Injuries touched the Rockies at every position last year, but they were particularly a problem for shortstop Clint Barmes and right fielder Brad Hawpe. Both were hitting better than .300 and providing power before suffering injuries. They could not regain their form after returning, but will have fresh starts in 2006.
Offseason report card: By re-signing right-hander Mike DeJean and adding Major League experience to the bullpen, plus beefing up the catching (opponents hurt the Rockies with the running game in 2005), the Rockies met most of their goals.
The Rockies still need an experienced starter, with re-signing righty Byung-Hyun Kim a possibility. Ideally, they need an experienced utility infielder and it wouldn't hurt to add infield depth. On a scale of one to 10, give them a 6: improved and still shopping.
Arrivals: LHP Ray King and C Yorvit Torrealba (trades), RHP Jose Mesa (free agent) and LHP Jaime Cerda (waiver claim).
Departures: C Todd Greene, OF Dustan Mohr, RHP Dan Miceli, RHP Jamey Wright (free agency), OF Larry Bigbie, RHP Marcos Carvajal, 2B Aaron Miles (trades).
Did you know? The Rockies, traditionally among baseball's worst teams on the road, posted a 17-14 record away from Coors Field from Aug. 1 to the end of the season, fifth best in the National League. They finished 27-54 on the road, but were 20-18 starting July 18.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Around the Horn: Starting pitching
01/04/2006
DENVER -- Take Colorado pitcher Jason Jennings' final 11 starts before suffering a finger fracture that ended his 2005 season. Add Aaron Cook's 13 starts after his return from thoracic outlet surgery and the often-encouraging work of Jeff Francis. Throw in Byung-Hyun Kim's work at Coors Field, assuming he is re-signed.
Such a potluck is enough to feed manager Clint Hurdle's optimism that the club will field a credible rotation in 2006.
The successful bits and pieces last season weren't enough for the Rockies to overcome the ills that led to a 67-95 finish, last in the National League West. Walks and poor pitch location from starters early in the season set that record in motion. By the All-Star break, Jennings led the NL with 61 walks and the Rockies' staff as a whole had walked 361 -- 37 more than the next-most control-challenged team.
However, the starters were key components in a post-break turnaround that saw Colorado go 36-39, even though two members of the season-opening five (Joe Kennedy, who struggled, and Shawn Chacon, who pitched well with little run support) were traded in July. Colorado managed to finish second in the league in walks with 604, behind Pittsburgh's 612.
Hurdle hopes the finish was a start toward better starting pitching in 2006.
"I think anyone that has experience at the Major League level knows that starting pitching is the backbone of an organization and of a club," Hurdle said. "If you look at our play late, it began with solid starting pitching. We're looking at guys that place the bar very high for themselves."
Right-handers Jennings and Cook don't have huge track records, but have done enough to merit consideration for staff ace honors.
Jennings went 20-9 with a 4.53 ERA in his first 39 Major League starts in 2001 and his NL Rookie of the Year performance in 2002, but is 29-34 with a 5.23 ERA since. Most of it is due to bad starts. But he was 5-3 with a 3.49 ERA in his final 11 starts last season. Over his career, Jennings has been a different pitcher after June 1, and this year he's taking a two-pronged approach to starting the year better.
One problem has been that early in seasons he has thrown too hard for his sinker to work. So having his 2005 season end on July 20 because of the injury meant he could begin his offseason program earlier, which means he can be a good kind of tired. On the other hand, he's trying to get stronger. He has impressed team officials with his physical program that concentrates on core muscles.
Cook went 7-2 with a 3.67 ERA after returning at the end of July, a performance that earned him the Tony Conigliaro Award for "the attributes of spirit, determination and courage." Couple the 2005 finish with his strong run before blood clots formed in both lungs in August 2004 -- 4-2, 2.78 in eight starts -- and Cook is on a nice run. However, he has not pitched a full season in the Majors.
The Rockies leaned hard on the left-handed Francis, their No. 1 pick in 2004, even though he led them in wins while going 14-12 with a 5.68 ERA. Francis went 8-4 with a 4.88 ERA at Coors Field. Kim, who has until Jan. 8 to re-sign or else be ineligible to sign a Major League contract with Colorado until May 1, posted a 4.50 ERA at home.
Respectively, Kim and Francis posted the third- and fifth-best ERAs in Coors Field history, and Jennings and Cook are a combined 15 games over .500 in a park that's still extremely hitter-friendly even though overall offensive numbers there dropped last season.
Competing for the fifth spot will be right-handers Sunny Kim, who went 5-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 12 appearances that included eight starts after being claimed off waivers from Washington (he also was 4-1, 5.16 at Coors), and Zach Day, who with 0-1, 5.15 in five appearances for Colorado before suffering a fractured right thumb when hit by a line drive at Arizona on Sept. 17.
Before joining the Rockies, Day missed time with Washington when he was hit with a line drive and suffered a broken right forearm, but Hurdle said Day has been throwing without problems.
The Rockies used much of a tight budget on veteran relief pitching, but the performance of the starters will go a long way toward the answer to whether that investment was wise.
"I know if we can keep healthy, we should be able to turn out five guys that could throw between 180 and 200 innings, and that's what we need to be competitive," general manager Dan O'Dowd said.
Colorado's biggest fear is injury, since the organization's younger prospects were no higher than Double-A at the end of last season. For that reason, Colorado will be looking to sign experienced pitchers to Minor League deals before Spring Training.
However, the World Baseball Classic during Spring Training could work the Rockies' way, even though it has the potential to take away three starters -- Francis, who could represent Canada, and the two Kims, who could assist South Korea's efforts.
That could mean meaningful Spring Training innings for righty Ubaldo Jimenez, whose progress was slowed by a shoulder strain in 2004 but began to find his form late last season in Class A and saw time at Double-A Tulsa; righty Juan Morillo, who reached triple figures on the radar gun with his fastball in Spring Training last year; and possibly young lefty Franklin Morales, who fanned 108 in 96 1/3 innings in Class A and could be eased into some Major League action.
Jimenez and Morillo are in their second seasons on the 40-man Major League roster. The Rockies are considering inviting Morales to big-league camp.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Cortes shows he belongs in Majors
01/06/2006
DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies beefed up their bullpen with seasoned additions, but largely unknown David Cortes has spent the winter making sure he isn't forgotten.
Cortes, 32, shed his career Minor Leaguer status by making the most of his 50 appearances with the 2005 Rockies (2-0, 4.10 ERA, two saves). He followed that with a dominant performance for Mexicali in Mexico this winter (1-0, 1.89 ERA, 10 saves, 24 strikeouts in 19 innings). The key was mixing a changeup and a two-seam sinker with his regular four-seam fastball.
"I had my changeup working, and I had all three pitches," said Cortes, who in his younger days threw a fastball and a split-finger pitch, but suffered an elbow injury that cost him the 2000 season and derailed his climb by reducing him to only the fastball. "They saw a different David than they saw before."
Mexican baseball officials liked this David enough to add him to the list of possible representatives for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic in March, and had a more detailed conversation with him Friday morning. Cortes' feats drew attention north of the border, as well.
"David Cortes did a real good job for us last year, and we're certainly not going to throw that away," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "He had a real good winter and could be in the World Baseball Classic, and he's on our radar screen."
But Cortes wants to leave nothing to chance. He said he likes the experience O'Dowd has brought to the bullpen by re-signing late-2005 acquisition Mike DeJean and obtaining, among others, Ray King and Jose Mesa this offseason. But Cortes, who signed his first pro contract in 1996 but had just six Major League appearances before 2005, realizes he'll have to work to keep his place.
"You can't go to camp thinking you've made the team," said Cortes, who likes pitching late in games but might have to be used earlier because of the presence of the veterans. "Of course, they know who I am and what kind of guy I am. I'm not just a guy they don't know. But I'm going to fight just like I did last year to make it hard for them to send me down again.
"I'll come to camp and do my job for the Rockies, then try to get out those big hitters from the U.S., Canada and South Africa. It'll be good for me to go against the great big-league hitters in that tournament."
Cortes came close to losing his footing last season.
He began last season with 11 strong appearances at Triple-A Colorado Springs before the Rockies purchased his contract on May 9. However, he was still trying to develop the changeup and sinker, so he relied too much on his four-seamer. The Rockies removed him from the Major League roster and sent him back to Colorado Springs on July 11. Cortes thought his opportunity had vanished.
He had pitched in one Triple-A game, but in side sessions seemed to discover his secondary pitches, so the Rockies brought him back on July 15. He posted a 1.21 ERA over his first 20 outings after his return.
Cortes tailed off a bit at season's end, but regained his form in Mexico. He sat out the early part of Mexicali's schedule to rest from the regular season, but still wound up tied for the second-highest number of saves in the league, even though the team finished last and did not make the playoffs.
The Mexican Pacific League is populated mainly with Triple-A veterans, so the competition level has to be included in an analysis of his statistics. But Cortes was happy with the quality of his pitches, as well.
"I had control of all of my pitches," Cortes said. "I threw both fastballs for strikes when I wanted, and I could get the sinker inside. With my changeup, I was throwing it to the same spot as the sinker so batters would think it was the same pitch, and it had movement. I could throw on the outside corner for strikes."
Cortes' winter performance was gratifying in more ways than one.
The Rockies plan to bring his younger brother, right-hander Humberto Cardenas, to Minor League camp. Cadenas went 4-5 with a 4.36 ERA last season for Lincoln in the independent Northern League. Cardenas was a teammate of Cortes in Mexicali, and went 4-5 with a 4.14 ERA this winter.
"He'll be 23 in March, the same age I was when I signed, so he's been around and he's not a kid anymore," Cortes said. "He didn't start pitching until three years ago. He had been a first baseman, third baseman and outfielder. He has good velocity. He doesn't throw as hard as I do, but he throws 88-91 [mph] as a starter, and who knows how hard he can throw as a reliever?"
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Rockies bring back Byung-Hyun Kim
01/07/2006
DENVER -- Figuring high-tech is just as good as face-to-face, the Colorado Rockies had their much-discussed meeting with Byung-Hyun Kim via a conference call, and the right-handed pitcher agreed Friday to one-year a contract that guarantees him $1.5 million.
The Rockies also took aim at other needs on Friday. They acquired middle infielder Josh Wilson from the Florida Marlins for a player to be named or cash and acknowledged that they've made a one-year contract offer to free agent Eli Marrero, who can play corner infield and outfield positions and add catching depth.
Kim, who turns 27 on Jan. 19, pitched well in a starting role last season and posted a 4.50 ERA at Coors Field that was third best (minimum 81 innings) in the park's history. Overall, he went 5-12 with a 4.86 ERA, and was 5-9, 4.37 as a starter.
The Rockies offered Kim arbitration in December to keep dialogue open. Manager Clint Hurdle said during the Winter Meetings that they wanted Kim to come to Denver for a meeting as a prerequisite to his re-signing. On Friday, Hurdle explained that it wasn't that the club was unhappy with Kim, who continues to develop his English and also has some preparation methods that are unique among Major League pitchers.
The issue, Hurdle said, was the Rockies saw a player who sometimes beyond his control was made to feel isolated on his previous clubs, Arizona and Boston. The Rockies wanted to increase his comfort level, and invite him to be more of a participant than simply a guy who pitched once every five days.
Various Rockies club officials and Kim achieved esprit de corps by the time they hung up on Friday.
"We had a real nice talk on the phone today," Hurdle said. "We had a number of talks with him through his agent and today when a lot of people sat down and talked it was very fruitful.
"The biggest thing we wanted to impress upon him is we want to embrace him. We want to make him one of 25, and not be isolated. We wanted to also let him know the role we envision for him and the responsibility and accountability that comes with it."
Kim could not obtain a visa that would get him to Denver before Sunday, the deadline for him to sign with the Rockies or not be eligible to sign a Major League deal with them until May 1. But general manager Dan O'Dowd, who looked at such veterans as Pedro Astacio and Shawn Estes, said Friday that not getting Kim to Denver was no big problem.
"It was really not any different from what we've done with anybody else, but the phone conversation was very much a good one," O'Dowd said.
Kim seemed to find a home with the Rockies, who acquired him from Boston late in Spring Training 2005. Colorado's young players appreciated the ability of Kim, who had more World Series rings (two) than many of his new teammates had years in the Majors.
In a holiday interview with OSEN (Online Sports Entertainment News) that was translated by a journalist versed in Korean and English, Kim said he has been strength training seven to eight hours a day with a trainer from a professional club in Korea, the LG Twins. At the time, he had not begun to throw.
Kim's contract becomes official when he undergoes a physical, most likely next week. Kim also is slated to pitch for Korea in the World Baseball Classic in March.
The Rockies will pay Kim a base salary of $1.25 million and there is a $250,000 buyout on a club option for 2007. Kim could earn an additional $1 million in incentives based on innings pitched in 2006. The option is currently valued at $2.5 million but could rise to $4 million based on innings pitched in 2006.
Wilson, 24, a third-round Marlins pick in 1999, fills the backup middle-infield spot that the Rockies originally offered to former Chicago White Sox speedster Willie Harris, who was enthusiastic about the opportunity but wound up far apart when it came to dollars. Wilson, whose path to playing time in Florida's middle infield was blocked by Alex Gonalez and Luis Castillo, batted .182 in 11 games with the Marlins in 2005.
Hurdle said Harris, who also plays the outfield, could be revisited. But for now, Wilson provides support for shortstop Clint Barmes and second baseman Luis Gonzalez, and gives the Rockies the option of sending slick-fielding shortstop prospect Omar Quintanilla to Triple-A for regular at-bats at the start of 2006.
"We do feel he's got a chance to be an above-average Major League shortstop, and we've got scouts that think he's a Major League player offensively," Hurdle said. "We like his makeup. His determination, character and attitude are off the charts."
Marrero, 32, is coming off a year during which he batted a combined .181 with Kansas City and Baltimore. Before that, Marrero spent his entire career in the National League with St. Louis and Atlanta and batted .250, including .320 in 250 at-bats with the Braves in 2004.
O'Dowd referred to Marrero as a "National League player" who could bounce back in Colorado. Hurdle said Marrero's right-handed bat is valuable, and he would like to bring him to Spring Training with pitchers and catchers to revisit his original position. Hurdle said Marrero had the physical tools and was learning to call games when the Cardinals decided to move him to take advantage of his athletic ability.
Promotion official: The Rockies made official the promotion of Marc Gustafson to player development director -- duties he had been handling increasingly since Bill Geivett was promoted to assistant GM last year. Gustafson, 36, has been with the organization since 1993 and with the club's baseball operations since 1997.
Zach Wilson, 27, who has been with the club for five years, has become manager of scouting. Jon Weil, 28, was hired from the Kansas City Royals' scouting staff as manager of Minor League operations.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Rockies add more depth with Marrero
01/08/2006
DENVER -- Spring Training competition just became tougher. The Colorado Rockies added competition and quality to several areas by getting versatile Eli Marrero to agree to a non-roster deal.
Marrero, fully expected to make the squad, will revisit catching, the position at which he was a top prospect with St. Louis in the late 1990s, but will also continue to play the outfield and corner infield positions. He is the latest addition during an offseason in which the Rockies haven't gone after established starters, but have concentrated on protecting themselves by increasing competition and versatility.
Marrero runs well enough to play all three outfield positions. His presence adds intrigue to a backup outfield picture that includes Choo Freeman, who is out of Minor League options, converted first baseman Ryan Shealy, center fielders Jeff Salazar and Ryan Spilborghs, pinch-hit whiz Jorge Piedra and, possibly, power-hitting third base prospect Jeff Baker.
The infield isn't spared competition, since Marrero plays first and third, and as he gets reacquainted behind the plate, he could cut into some playing time there. If that adds angst to a camp that'll already be full of competition in the middle infield and the bullpen, so be it.
"I think anytime you look to make improvements to your club, it makes the challenge more difficult," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said on Sunday. "We don't hide the fact that we won 67 games last year and we need to get better. We're still going to be looking out there. We haven't closed things out by any means."
Marrero, 32, batted .181 for Kansas City and Baltimore last season, but he returns to the more familiar National League. He could be a major find for the Rockies if he again becomes adept at catching, which he hasn't done in a game since appearing in six games there for the Cardinals in 2003. He made 251 appearances behind the plate from 1997 to 2002 before St. Louis manager Tony La Russa turned him into a utilityman whose speed and bat were used in other areas. He didn't catch at all for Atlanta in 2004 or last season.
Hurdle said it'll take some time for Marrero to fully regain his catching ability, although he could eventually challenge for regular duty there. But Hurdle has longed for a player who can move from another position to catcher to give him greater options, especially in extra-inning games.
"I talked to [Marrero] and he expressed to me that [catcher] was a position that got away from him," Hurdle said. "It was not so much that he didn't want to do it, it was just a case of what clubs asked him to do, and he ended up doing less and less of it. It's probably going to take some time to reacquire those skills, but to have a guy that can go back there and have us be able to put one of our other catchers into play is something we haven't had for the last three seasons."
Marrero, whose value was hurt by his struggles last season, is consistent with the Rockies' non-pitching acquisitions this offseason. The Rockies have traded with Seattle for catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who hasn't had the opportunity for extended playing time, and with Florida for middle infielder Josh Wilson, who was blocked by a strong middle infield with the Marlins. Colorado also has non-roster invitee Jason Smith, who has played in the Tampa Bay, Detroit and Chicago Cubs infields.
Their presence doesn't necessarily block some of the young players from the system from emerging, but this could be the big chance for the new arrivals. Of the three, only Torrealba is considered a starter, and he will share the catching with Danny Ardoin.
Towards that end, Colorado is in discussion with former Minnesota Twins second baseman Luis Rivas, who can play second base and shortstop. Hurdle said on Sunday that he has received positive reports from Twins manager Ron Gardenhire about Rivas. Hurdle also said the Rockies are researching Ramon Martinez as an infield possibility.
Hurdle also said that he has spoken with left-handed free agent reliever Alan Embree. Although the Rockies haven't offered the guaranteed roster spot that Embree seeks, his talks with Embree have been fruitful, and Embree also knows general manager Dan O'Dowd from when the two were together with Cleveland in the early 1990s.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Mailbag: Room for Quintanilla with Rox?
01/09/2006
If starting shortstop Clint Barmes is healthy heading into 2006, what happens to Quintanilla -- Rockies' bench or back to the Minors?-- Brad S., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
The Rockies' actions say they would like to send Quintanilla back to Triple-A to start 2006. They traded for former Florida prospect Jason Wilson last week, and they still are trying to bring in another middle infielder, with Alex S. Gonzalez, Ramon Martinez and Luis Rivas being prominently mentioned, and Willie Harris still willing to keep dialogue open.
But none of this should be construed as the Rockies not having faith in Quintanilla. In fact, it's more the opposite. After initially having his physical ability for the shortstop position questioned, Quintanilla played the position at the level of an above-average starter during his stint with the Rockies. Even if shortstop never comes available, Quintanilla's defensive ability should make him good enough to start at other positions.
But to be seriously considered, Quintanilla will have to hit better than the .219 (with a .270 on-base percentage) he managed in 39 Major League games last season. But the Rockies have reason to believe he can make the adjustment if given time.
Before Colorado acquired him from Oakland on July 13, Quintanilla was a high-average, high-on-base guy who hit the ball to all fields. But he had never been to Triple-A. The Rockies sent him to Colorado Springs, where he batted .346 with a home run but was more of a pull hitter than he had been. With nothing to lose and young players to see, the Rockies called him up knowing he had work to do.
The Rockies intend to go with Barmes and second baseman Luis Gonzalez in the middle infield. Quintanilla will be given a chance to back them up, but manager Clint Hurdle will have plenty other options.
"If Quintanilla shows up and wins the job, he's going to fill that role," Hurdle said. "But it's a win-win situation. For him to go to Triple-A for a hundred more at-bats -- I'm sure that's not what he wants to hear -- but I don't think it will hurt him by any means and it could help him."
Is Brad Hawpe going to be the regular right fielder next year or are the Rockies shopping around? I think he has the potential to be a .280/20/80 guy.-- Robb B., Durango, Colo.
The Rockies did not make an attempt at a starting corner outfielder this winter, feeling that the left-handed hitting Hawpe will claim the position, or at the very least play the position against right-handed pitching. Just before suffering a hamstring injury in 2005, Hawpe was hitting well enough that Hurdle was beginning to use him against left-handed pitching.
The Rockies could give right-handed power hitter Ryan Shealy, transitioning from first base, some chances in right, and there is enough depth on the roster should Hawpe falter. Getting versatile Eli Marrero to agree to a non-roster contract that could get him a $750,000 Major League salary added to that depth. However, the Rockies need for Hawpe to realize his potential for run production.
With Todd Helton at first base and Shealy performing well last year, do either of those guys become trade bait, perhaps for some starting pitching?-- Daniel B., Lafayette, Colo.
As long as Helton is on board with the Rockies' building program -- it helped that the front office listened to his concerns when it obtained veteran relief pitching -- he isn't going anywhere. And the Rockies have no reason to trade a potential young power hitter in Shealy, especially since he is transitioning to the outfield.
What are the Rockies' plans for Jorge Piedra? I always liked his bat and admired the way he came back from adversity last year and established himself as a pinch-hitter. I don't hear much talk about him this winter. It seems that the Rox are giving Choo Freeman and Shealy shots at the extra outfield positions. Where does that leave Piedra?-- Thomas F., Levittown, N.Y.
Piedra earned a spot solely with his pinch-hitting performance last season. The Rockies have plans for an outfield from left to right consisting of Matt Holliday, Cory Sullivan and Hawpe. Piedra, who has power, could be an option in case of injury or slumps. At the end of last season, Piedra said he hoped to show he can play center field, which can increase his prospects.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Rockies, Cook talking new deal
01/11/2006
DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies and right-handed pitcher Aaron Cook have begun talks about a possible two-year contract with an option for 2008, with the sides set to speak in earnest next week.
Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd acknowledged on Wednesday that talks have begun but "it isn't anywhere close to imminent." The talks are on hold because the Rockies are conducting large-scale, in-house meetings.
Cook, on the heels of going 7-2 with a 3.49 ERA in 13 starts last season after returning from thoracic outlet surgery, is eligible for arbitration for the first time. Earlier this offseason, the Rockies avoided arbitration with left-handed closer Brian Fuentes by agreeing to a two-year, $5.5 million contract. Talks thus far have been gone well, according Cook's agent, Joe Bick.
"We are having conversations about it," Bick said. "We're going to take a look at this and see if it makes sense for both sides. If it doesn't, we'll do a one-year deal and there will be no problems whatsoever."
Cook, who turns 27 on Feb. 8, saw his 2004 cut short because of blood clots in both lungs that flared during a game, and he didn't appear in a Major League game again until July 30, 2005. But in his last 22 starts, Cook is 12-4 with a 3.40 ERA. He and right-hander Jason Jennings are prime candidates to earn the start on Opening Day, April 3 at Coors Field against Arizona.
The Rockies will seek one-year contracts with the other arbitration-eligible players to whom they tendered offers -- right-handed starting pitchers Zach Day and Sunny Kim, and newly acquired catcher Yorvit Torrealba.
Under arbitration rules, each side submits a desired salary for 2006.If they cannot come to an agreement, a hearing will be conducted during Spring Training during which a panel of arbitrators will assign the player either his figure or the club's. Just once in club history has there been a hearing. In 2002, pitcher Dennys Reyes, who was not with the Rockies the previous season, won a hearing.
Also, O'Dowd called the club's pursuit of veteran left-handed reliever Allan Embree "a long shot" that has become "longer now." The Rockies are pursuing right-handed veteran Brian Meadows.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Cook inks two-year pact with Rockies
01/13/2006
DENVER -- The celebration hasn't ended for Colorado Rockies right-handed pitcher Aaron Cook.
He was in Boston on Thursday night to receive the Tony Conigliaro Award, which goes to a Major League player who has overcome adversity. On Friday, he had another reason to celebrate -- a two-year, $4.5 million contract agreement with the Rockies with an option for 2008.
The contract, agreed to pending a physical scheduled for next week, means Cook avoids arbitration. It also means the Rockies have three pitching cornerstones signed to multiyear contracts that could keep them together through next season.
Right-hander Jason Jennings, who joins Cook as the possibilities for Opening Day starter, is in the second year of his two-year deal and the club has an option for 2007, and left-handed closer Brian Fuentes is signed through next season.
General manager Dan O'Dowd originally thought that negotiations would be put on hold until next week because the Rockies are involved in organizational meetings. But the sides were already close enough to work out the deal. Cook will receive salaries of $1.2 million this season and $3.05 million next, with a club option for 2008 that's currently valued at $4.35 million but vests at $5 million if he throws 400 innings over the next two seasons. His also is guaranteed a $100,000 signing bonus and a $200,000 buyout on the option.
The Rockies are down to three arbitration-eligible players -- right-handers Zach Day and Sunny Kim, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba.
Cook is 19-13 with a 4.50 ERA in 81 games, including 50 starts. After missing nearly a calendar year because of surgery to relieve blood clots in both lungs, Cook joined the Rockies at the end of July last season and went 7-2 with a 3.67 ERA in 13 starts. He has achieved "quality starts" -- six or more innings, three or fewer runs -- in 15 of his last 19 career starts.
The Conigliaro Award, in its 16th year, is presented to the player who "who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage" at the Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America's annual dinner.
"Aaron has been through a lot and he appreciates all he has," his agent, Joe Bick, said. "He's pitched well and I think he's going to keep getting better and better."
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Gonzalez thrives in winter ball stint
01/13/2006
DENVER -- Luis Gonzalez plays enough positions well enough that the Colorado Rockies are never at a loss for ways to use him.
Gonzalez finished 2005 as the regular second baseman, but the Rockies have seen him make plays at third base and the corner outfield positions, and play adequately at shortstop and first base. The Rockies have not acquired a frontline second baseman this offseason so Gonzalez is slated to start at second base and bat seventh, but that doesn't preclude the Rockies from putting Gonzalez's versatility to use in the future.
So Gonzalez went home to the Venezuelan Winter League believing it was important to play well, and be prepared for what the Rockies ask. If he hits the way he has for the Caribes de Anzoategui, the Rockies will be asking him to play often.
Gonzalez, going into his third year with the Rockies, batted .333 with five home runs and 34 RBIs, with a .381 on-base percentage, while playing mostly third base. Through seven games of the ongoing round-robin stage of the league's playoffs, Gonzalez is 5-for-27 (.185), but three of the hits were home runs and he had driven in five runs.
The Rockies selected Gonzalez from Cleveland in the Rule 5 Draft before 2004, and Gonzalez batted .292 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs in 102 games mostly in utility duty that season. In 2005, Gonzalez was slowed early because he was hit on the wrist with a pitch during Spring Training and had a repeat incident during the season. But by August, he had grabbed the second base job. He finished again at .292, although his run production was down on average -- nine homers, 44 RBIs in 128 contests.
Also in winter playoffs:
• Gonzalez is playing with a Rockies teammate and a prospect on the Caribes squad. Recently acquired catcher Yorvit Torrealba hit .282 with a home run and seven RBIs in 37 regular-season games, and is hitting .320 through seven playoff games. Switch-hitting shortstop prospect Jonathan Herrera, who made stops at Class A affiliates Asheville (.310 in 19 games) and Modesto (.258 in 73 games) in 2005, batted .222 with one homer and five RBIs during 27 regular-season games. But he is hitting .417 (5-for-12) with two doubles, a triple and four RBIs through seven playoff games.
• Right-hander Jose Acevedo planned to develop a more consistent delivery in the Dominican Republic this winter, and the round-robin playoff results are encouraging. In three relief appearances for Aguilas, Acevedo is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA, and 20 strikeouts (which leads playoff performers) in 18 1/3 innings. Acevedo was non-tendered, but he signed a Minor League contract with the Rockies and expects to compete in camp for a job.
• Left-handed prospect Franklin Morales has appeared in one Venezuelan playoff game for Caracas and gave up four runs, three earned, while winding up with a loss.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Mailbag: Can Baker break into lineup?
01/16/2006
Prospect Jeff Baker got a chance to start the season at third base last year after Garret Atkins' hamstring injury. He struggled and there has been talk of moving him to the outfield. What are the Rockies plans for the former fourth-round pick (2002) out of Clemson?-- Bill G., Woodbridge, Va.
Baker started and homered on Opening Day but struggled for about a month before being sent to the Minors in 2005. That was understandable, considering that he had played just 166 Minor League games, and the previous two years were cut short by injury.
The injuries continued after Baker was sent to Triple-A. The Rockies have made several offseason moves for backup types and could have at least one more in the works, so it appears the only way Baker will break with the big club will be in the event of injuries.
But it's hard to imagine Baker, 24, begin forgotten for long, provided he finds a way to stay healthy. After setting the Clemson career home run record, he has homered once every 23.7 at-bats in 228 Minor League games. Colorado can't afford to forget about that kind of power. Atkins was solid at third last season, so Baker's decision to visit with first base coach/outfield instructor Dave Collins this offseason for outfield work was done to enhance his value to the big club.
Who are some of the top players to look for at Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2006? Are there any pitching prospects in that group?-- Chris M., Colorado Springs, Colo.
Any discussion of Colorado Springs has to start with two returnees from last year's rotation, right-hander Mike Esposito and left-hander Justin Hampson. Both were inconsistent last year while playing at the Triple-A level for the first time. They have to show they can handle the altitude and pitching in a hitter's league, since they could be the first ones to get a call if a Rockies starter is injured.
Righty Zach McClellan, who pitched for Colorado Springs in relief last season, is also an intriguing returnee. Outfielder Tony Miller should get his first Triple-A look, and outfielders Jeff Salazar and Ryan Spilborghs should be there, too.
As for pitchers who should be reaching Triple-A for the first time, righty Jon Asahina, claimed from Florida at the end of Spring Training in 2005, could make a mark there after going 12-10 at Double-A Tulsa, as did lefty Zach Parker. Organization pitcher of the year Jim Miller fits into the Colorado Springs bullpen, too. Righty relievers Ramon Ramirez and Eduardo Sierra, obtained from the New York Yankees for pitcher Shawn Chacon, could also become Sky Sox.
The most exciting prospects, though, won't be there in the beginning, but they could arrive as the year progresses. Iannetta, right-handed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez and a strong trio of infielders -- third baseman Ian Stewart, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and second baseman Matt Macri -- are candidates to get to Triple-A and possibly even set foot in the Majors.
Another possibility for Triple-A is second baseman Jayson Nix, who was the team's top pick in 2001 but has struggled for two years in Double-A.
I have followed Choo Freeman since he was drafted by the Rockies. He has to break through soon, or the Rox will lose his rights. What are the Rockies looking for from him?-- Chris W., Littleton, Colo.
The Rockies have enough confidence in Freeman's raw tools to play him at any defensive position, but his future with Colorado depends on his offense. Freeman, a supplemental first-round choice in 1998, is out of options, meaning he must either make the club or be exposed to other teams via waivers.
A baseball-football prospect in high school when he was drafted, Freeman has shown flashes of the skills he needs, but hasn't completed the task. Last season, a hamstring injury while he was at Triple-A Colorado Springs cost him a possible callup, and center fielder Cory Sullivan's late-season hot streak zapped him of playing time after he was promoted.
If Freeman is exposed, plenty of organizations will want to claim him and develop his athletic ability. Many have been watching the Rockies for the past couple of years hoping they make that decision. But the Rockies still like Freeman and appreciate the tireless effort he has given; they will think long and hard before cutting ties.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Rox ink Day, swap figures with pair
01/17/2006
DENVER -- Colorado right-handed pitcher Zach Day agreed to a one-year, $600,000 contract with incentives on Tuesday to avoid arbitration. Now he hopes he can avoid line drives.
Last May 23, Day was pitching for Washington when a line drive by Ken Griffey Jr. caused a hairline fracture in his wrist. The Rockies acquired him on July 13 and gave him some time in Triple-A to complete his recovery and regain his form. But on Sept. 16, Day suffered a season-ending thumb fracture when hit by another liner, by Arizona's Craig Counsell.
"I don't know how many guys can say they had two injuries with line drives in one year, and that's not the way you want to go down in the record books, for sure," said Day, who also had his 2004 season end early because of a broken finger suffered during a bunt attempt. "It's a year I want to put in the past. I celebrated New Year's pretty well. I was looking forward to '06 flipping over."
Day, 27, went a combined 1-3 with a 6.85 ERA in 17 games, including eight starts, for Colorado and Washington. But in the new year, he will compete with righty Sunny Kim for the fifth spot. Day can earn an addition $25,000 with 140 innings pitched, and $25,000 beyond that with 150 innings pitched.
"The amount of physical work he's done is tremendous," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "He looks great. We really feel he's going to bounce back and be very good this year. He's going to get his innings and give us some wins this year. He's healthy and in a great frame of mind."
O'Dowd is counting on Day to return to his pre-2005 form, when he was an effective sinkerballer with the Montreal Expos. Day pitched well in 2004, posting a 3.93 ERA even though he had the worst per-game run support in the Majors (2.47) and therefore finished 5-10.
Day began throwing in November and reported no problems, and he believes his time in Colorado Springs with then-Triple-A pitching coach Bob McClure (now with the Kansas City Royals) helped him learn.
"I've looked at videotape and I've become a big advocate of watching other successful pitchers -- Bob McClure got me stated with that," Day said. "I did that when I was healthy at the end of last year, and I've carried that over to my offseason workouts. Everything is feeling fine."
Day signed before arbitration-eligible players and their teams exchanged figures on Tuesday. Last week, the Rockies avoided arbitration with right-hander Aaron Cook by agreeing to a two-year, $4.5 million guarantee.
Remaining arbitration-eligible players are Kim, who requested $800,000 while the team offered $600,000, and catcher Yorvitt Torrealba requested $1.05 million while the team offered $815,000. If the club cannot sign Kim or Torrealba, their 2006 salaries -- either the player's figure or the club's -- will be set by an arbitration panel at a hearing during which both sides present their cases. Such hearings would take place in February.
Odds and ends: O'Dowd said the Rockies continue to look for "a veteran utilityman who plays a number of positions, shortstop being one of them," but he added that young players Omar Quintanilla or Josh Wilson could fill that role if the right guy cannot be found. O'Dowd also said the Rockies are not necessarily looking for a sixth competitor for the rotation, but would like someone who could start or pitch out of the bullpen.
Medical mini-camp: This week the Rockies have begun workouts at Coors Field with nine prospects that either saw their 2005 seasons shortened by injuries, underwent postseason procedures or have injury concerns. The work they're doing gives the Rockies a chance to see their progress and oversee their rehab, and at the same time allows them to get accustomed to Coors Field and to working with the Rockies' staff.
The players are:
• 2003 No. 1 draft pick Ian Stewart, a third baseman who recently had a cyst removed from his wrist;
• 2005 No. 1 pick Tory Tulowitzki, a shortstop who battled a groin problem in his first pro season;
• Matt Macri, an infielder who suffered a fractured wrist and also needed cartilage repair in that area;
• Seth Smith, an outfielder who batted .300 at Class A Modesto and recently had Lasik eye surgery;
• Chris Iannetta, a catcher who played at Modesto and Double-A Tulsa last year but also dealt with a wrist fracture;
• 2005 fifth-round pick Josh Sullivan, a right-handed pitcher who is recovering from labrum surgery;
• Shane Lindsey, a right-hander who was chosen MiLB.com's Short-Season Starting Pitcher of the Year but has been dealing with labrum issues;
• Darren Clarke, a right-handed relief prospect whose 2005 was cut short by shoulder problems;
• 2005 seventh-round pick Geoff Strickland, a shortstop who was limited to designated hitter duty because of an elbow injury.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Rox sign trio to Minor League deals
01/18/2006
DENVER -- Veteran left-handed relief pitcher Tom Martin visited at Coors Field on Wednesday to complete a non-roster agreement with the Colorado Rockies. Martin is an established pitcher with recent big-game experience, yet he is reveling in the uncertainty of a make-good contract.
"Most of the jobs I've won in Spring Training have been just like this, I've had to go in and prove myself," Martin said. "It's actually a pretty neat way to make a team.
"I don't know of anyone personally, but there may be a certain type of player that when he got guaranteed money would come in and just kind of go through the motions because the money is there and they've got the spot locked up. There's something cool about having a little edge to you, not knowing what the season has in store."
The Rockies also reached Minor League agreements with two other players. Right-hander Keiichi Yabu, 37, a former Japanese baseball standout who went 4-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 40 relief appearances with Oakland last season, was signed by the club as someone who could pitch various relief roles and spot start.
Additionally, the club signed first baseman Carlos Rivera, 27, who batted .312 with 17 home runs for Double-A Round Rock in the Astros organization last season and has appeared in 85 Major League games with Pittsburgh in 2003 and 2004.
Martin, 35, is the best known among the signees. General manager Dan O'Dowd said Martin will compete for an "early-game role."
Martin is 9-9 with a 4.88 ERA in 282 appearances with six teams over nine seasons. Martin was one of the top left-handers in the National League in 2003 and 2004, pitching for Los Angeles the first year and most of the second before being obtained by Atlanta late in 2004.
However, Martin struggled in his four April appearances for Atlanta last season, giving up six earned runs in 2 1/3 innings before being released. Martin signed with the Houston organization and went 0-0 with a 3.62 ERA in 20 games at Round Rock, but did not return to the Majors.
In Colorado, Martin is fighting for a job on a staff that, outside of lefty closer Brian Fuentes, has two left-handed relievers on the Major League roster -- Ray King, obtained in a trade with St. Louis, and Jaime Cerda, claimed off waivers from Kansas City. Also in camp will be non-roster lefties Randy Williams and Steve Colyer.
"The more you have in your 'pen, the easier your options," Martin said. "It makes running a bullpen a lot easier when you can go to different guys."
In 10 appearances at Coors, Martin has not figured in a decision and has a 6.23 ERA with 11 strikeouts against 13 hits, including one home run, and five walks in 8 2/3 innings. Much of his work against the Rockies came as a specialist to face left-handed hitting first baseman Todd Helton, who is 3-for-14 with a home run, three strikeouts and three walks against Martin.
Yabu will get plenty of chances to impress the Rockies. The World Baseball Classic could take as many as four pitchers -- starters Jeff Francis (Canada), Byung-Hyun Kim and Sunny Kim (Korea), and closer Brian Fuentes (USA) -- from the Rockies during Spring Training. The Rockies intend for Yabu to pick up a good share of the workload during that time.
O'Dowd said Rockies special assistant GM Marcel Lachemann, a key voice for the Rockies on pitching matters, scouted Yabu last season. Despite his workload during 11 seasons in Japan, Yabu threw his fastball at 90-92 mph last season with Oakland, and has an effective split-finger pitch as a change of pace.
"He's powerful -- 6-2, about 190 pounds with an athletic body," O'Dowd said. "He has a history as a starter and has pitched a lot of important innings."
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Prospects look to make an impression
01/20/2006
DENVER -- Troy Tulowitzki, a shortstop who was Colorado's No. 1 pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, completed a workout at Coors Field this week when star first baseman Todd Helton offered a veteran tip -- dress for success.
After playfully admonishing Tulowitizki, 21, for wearing a T-shirt from one of the tournaments he played in at Long Beach State, Helton tossed him a stylish, Rockies-issued workout jersey. Tulowitizki answered with an excited "Thanks," but don't mistake that for awe.
"It's always been a dream of mine to be in a Major League locker room, not only as a fan but as a player," said Tulowitzki, sharing with several other top prospects training at Coors the goal to return to Denver -- not just for a T-shirt, but playing time before this season ends.
Among those also in Denver are third baseman Ian Stewart, 20, the 2003 No. 1 pick and the most touted player in the farm system; Matt Macri, 23, an infielder who has risen rapidly since being drafted in the fifth round out of Notre Dame in 2004; and Chris Iannetta, 22, a catcher selected in 2004 in the fourth round out of North Carolina. All are slated to begin the 2006 season at Double-A Tulsa.
The Rockies usually are conservative in discussion how quickly their prospects can move, but not with this group -- even though the big club is young at those positions.
"It's a very talented group," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "It wouldn't surprise me if any or all of them are in the big leagues at some point this season. It really depends on how they perform and the opportunities that are presented."
Last season, the prospects were part of an advanced Class A Modesto club that qualified for the California League playoffs. Promotions and injuries helped derail title hopes, but none of that lessens the Rockies' hopes for the four players. Technically, they've been invited to Denver for a "medical mini-camp" because all suffered injuries in 2005, but they are healthy.
Here's a look at each:
Stewart: A hamstring injury halted Stewart's Spring Training in 2005 and kept him out of action until May 1, and he batted just .211 with three home runs and 16 RBIs the first month. After having launched 30 homers the previous year at Class A Asheville, Stewart was looking at the other side of being a top prospect.
"I think this was the first time in my life I've ever felt pressure playing baseball," said Stewart, who signed a $1.95 million bonus after the Rockies drafted him out of La Quinta High in Garden Grove, Calif. "I never really felt until this year that I had something to live up to, a name or something like that."
After going through the inevitable adjustments that often push a player deep into a hole, Stewart decided to simply be himself and the pressure was lifted. From June 1, Stewart batted .296 with 14 home runs, 23 doubles and six triples. He finished at .271 with 17 homers and 82 RBIs, even though he missed a week in June with a right wrist injury. He suffered another wrist injury in Arizona Fall League play, but reports no problems after receiving a cortisone shot.
Stewart's adjustment to offspeed pitches and breaking balls is still in progress and he has to move quicker defensively. But he is on a fast track after coming out of high school to hit 57 homers in his first 300 professional games.
"I don't know when it's going to be, but hopefully we'll be around when the team finally gets back to the postseason again -- I think it's going to be awesome to be on that team, the first team to do it since '95," he said. "But if not, I'd love to get called up as soon as I can and show this team that I'm ready to be here for the long haul."
Macri: It was a case of what he calls "a diverse education" at Notre Dame that has allowed Macri to flourish in a farm system where there are prospects at his primary positions. He was a shortstop, but he ended up playing extensively at third base in his final year with the Fighting Irish.
Macri played third at Tri-City in 2004 and batted .333, convincing the Rockies that they needed to keep him on the field even though he and Stewart would be with Modesto in 2005. Macri batted .283 with a healthy .381 on-base percentage in 64 games. A wrist injury that required surgery ended his season early, although he did play one game for Tulsa in July.
With Tulowitzki on a fast track, the Rockies invited both to the instructional program in Tucson to work together in the middle infield, with Macri at second base.
"We got a lot of talented draft picks coming up here, real mature," Macri said. "At this point, as long as I can get in the lineup, it doesn't matter where they put me."
Iannetta: The 2005 season, Iannetta's first full year as a pro, was a durability test.
He did well enough at Modesto (.276, 11 home runs, 58 RBIs) to earn an invitation to the Futures Game during All-Star Weekend in Detroit, and to be promoted to Tulsa in late July. However, he suffered a broken bone in his left hand after being hit by a foul tip. Although he played through the injury, it hurt his offensive performance (.233, two home runs, 11 RBIs) in Tulsa.
In the Arizona Fall League, the continued recovery and sporadic playing time because his team carried as many as four catchers led to less-than-inspiring numbers. But fatigue was not an issue, and Iannetta is healthy now.
"The only time that I struggled, I was trying to play with a banged-up wrist," Iannetta said. "Other than that, it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be a lot harder. I was fortunate enough to hold up and keep pretty good legs. I'm glad I got the first one done."
Tulowitzki: Beginning Tulowitzki's career at Modesto was a bold move for an organization that usually starts its top picks in short-season leagues. He didn't lose confidence after beginning 1-for-13 through three games and 5-for-29 through seven.
"I didn't feel I was overmatched talent-wise," he said. "I felt I was right where I belonged but it just took me awhile to get used to my surroundings and just being in pro ball. But after those first few games, I think everything fell into place and I played OK."
A groin injury cost Tulowitzki much of August, but he hit .308 after his slow start to finish at .266 with a homer and 14 RBIs. Also, in five playoff games Tulowitzki hit .348 (8-for-23).
In addition, he made a defensive adjustment by backhanding more balls, so he could make quicker throws to beat runners who were speedier than those he encountered in college.
The four spotlighted prospects are not the only top Rockies organization talents bound for Tulsa in 2006.
Outfielder Seth Smith, also training in Denver, is a fast-rising outfielder, as are Joe Gaetti and Jordan Czarneicki, who split his 2005 with Modesto and Tulsa. First baseman Joe Koshanski hit 36 homers at Asheville before leaping to Tulsa, and he should return. They aren't talked about as much because the Rockies are already working through a logjam of outfielders and have Helton at first base.
For now, Iannetta, Macri, Tulowitzki and Stewart are in the right place.
"To have us on the field together is going to be really something special," Stewart said.
It'll be more special if they make the trip together to Coors.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Nuts central to '7th Heaven' plot
01/23/2006
MODESTO, Calif. -- The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball Club will play a prominent role in an upcoming episode of the WB's family drama, "7th Heaven."
The show is a family drama about a minister, his wife and their seven children. "7th Heaven," currently in its 10th season on air, is the longest running family drama in television history. The episode will air on Monday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m.
In the episode, Martin Brewer (played by actor Tyler Hoechlin) must decide between attending college or joining the Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team. Hoechlin is best known for his role as Tom Hanks' son in the critically acclaimed film "Road to Perdition." The Modesto Nuts team name, logo and jersey will be seen and mentioned throughout the episode.
"We are very excited to be a part of a great family-oriented television show," said Nuts general manager Mike Gorrasi. "Our focus is always on family entertainment, and we are proud to partner with the greatest family television show in the history of television drama."
The series has confronted several problems facing youth in our country today, including: teen pregnancy, sibling rivalry and violence in schools. Other hot-button topics included: racism, hate crimes, vandalism, drug use, drinking and driving and teen suicide.
"7th Heaven" has received honors from the Parents Television Council, the Media Project's Shine Awards, Entertainment Industries Council's Prism Awards, Viewer's Choice, Anti-Defamation League, Film Advisory Board, Academy of Religious Broadcasting, Kids Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Family Friendly Forum Awards and TV Guide Awards.
Source: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/
Helton undergoes 'minor' surgery
01/23/2006
DENVER -- Colorado standout first baseman Todd Helton underwent what the club classified as "minor" surgery on his right (non-throwing) elbow on Monday morning.
The operation, performed by Rockies medical director Dr. Thomas Noonan at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Greenwood Village, Colo., was to remove a "loose body" from the elbow. Helton suffered the injury while working out at Coors Field.
Helton is expected to be fully able to begin Spring Training next month. The first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 24 in Tucson, Ariz.
"This was a minor procedure that we expect will sideline Todd for a couple of weeks," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said in the club's official statement. "We anticipate him being completely recovered for the start of Spring Training."
Helton has the highest batting average among active players with 3,000 or more plate appearances, at .337. Helton started 2005 poorly -- a start that, it was revealed recently, was attributable to a back problem that occurred before Spring Training. But starting July 1, the first baseman batted .383 to bring his final average to .320.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Mailbag: Is Francis king of the road?
01/23/2006
It would seem that a rookie pitcher whose home games are at Coors Field winning 14 games -- when the Rockies won just 67, total -- would receive a little more notice than left-hander Jeff Francis did last year. At least that's how catcher Danny Ardoin saw it.
"He didn't get enough credit," Ardoin said recently. "Winning 14 games as a rookie is not bad."
A fan agrees with Ardoin, and wonders what's next.
I know it's hard to compare a Rockies pitcher to other pitchers around the league, considering he pitches half of his games in Denver. What was Francis' road ERA in '05, and what will his stats look like this year?-- Brad W., Wellington, Colo.
Francis seemed to enjoy pitching at home, going 8-4 with a 4.88 ERA at Coors Field and 6-8, 6.40 on the road. Interestingly, on the road, he gave up more home runs (17 to 9) and more walks (45 to 25). He also posted a slightly higher rate of strikeouts per nine innings at home (6.44 to 6.12).
The big question for Francis appears to be other National League West parks.
Last season, he was 3-4 with a 6.08 ERA in nine combined starts at San Francisco's SBC Park, Arizona's Chase Park, Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium and San Diego's PETCO Park. He was at his worst at SBC, where he gave up 14 hits, including six homers, in 10 innings over two starts. He was 2-0 in three starts at Chase, but he gave up 14 hits, including four homers, and walked eight against three strikeouts in 16 innings.
He was good at Dodger Stadium and PETCO during his brief stint in 2004. I won't say he has mastered Coors. Joe Kennedy posted a 3.59 ERA there in 2004, but saw that figure balloon to 7.05 last season before he was traded to Oakland. True acclaim for Francis will come once he can carry his best form on the road against his most frequent opponents and further build his record.
What is the deal with Todd Helton not playing in the World Baseball Classic? I have never heard anything about him choosing not to participate, but I also know he isn't on Team USA's provisional roster. He's one of the top first basemen in the game; certainly there should be a spot for him if he wants to play.-- Dave O., Berthoud, Colo.
It's hard to argue against including Helton, who was among the game's top hitters after his slow start in 2005 and played better defense than many people realized. But it's also tough to knock Derrek Lee, who had monster power numbers and is a much-needed right-handed homer threat. After that, it's a matter of how many first basemen the team needs.
In the case of primary performers at such a high profile position, there are only so many spots.
I'm not going to pretend to know what USA officials were thinking, but Helton not being a part of the provisional roster seems a sign of understanding what is necessary to win. This is not the All-Star Game, where the best players perform. The countries are trying to win, so they're building teams. As with any team, it needs players for specific roles.
Discussions of superstars don't generally include Craig Counsell, but his versatility and experience with a winner make him a good fit for this squad. Randy Winn isn't at the top of the list of center fielders, but his speed would be good to have if winning requires chasing down a fly ball in the championship game in PETCO Park's spacious and quirky center field.
So, if Lee is the primary first baseman, I can see where it makes sense to give a spot to Lance Berkman, who gives manager Buck Martinez extra options with his ability to switch-hit and his experience shuttling from the outfield to first base and vice versa, depending on the game situation, with the Astros.
If the makeup of Team USA changes and a starting first baseman is needed on short notice, Helton would be an outstanding option. He will be in Tucson, a short drive away from the USA camp in Phoenix.
But if he's not going to be the primary first baseman, sitting on the bench would be a waste of his time and a needless interruption of preparation for the season. Having a one-position star who isn't used to a bench role would be limiting to the manager. In that case, Helton is better off staying with the Rockies, getting at-bats on a normal schedule and, most importantly, being around a familiar training staff as the Rockies monitor his tricky back.
Just wanted to know if you thought Ryan Shealy has any possibility of playing the outfield this year. I keep reading that his defense will be a liability, and he strikes out too much. Sounds like he could potentially be treated just like Jack Cust, who, I think, got ripped off and was not given a fair opportunity. Shealy has immense power, doesn't he? Do you think has any chance in Colorado's future plans?-- Dan P., Moline, Ill.
I am not a scout, but I see Shealy as a superior athlete to Cust, whose difficulty finding a position in the National League was an issue legitimate enough to reduce his chances here. Shealy has a more muscular frame, better hands and greater explosive movement.
Before drafting him out of high school (Shealy didn't sign, but he was drafted again by the Rockies out of the University of Florida), Colorado scout John Cedarburg watched him play high school basketball to see the footwork. Shealy also had some interest from college recruiters as a tight end. That ability shows in his baserunning, which is pretty good for someone his size.
Shealy also gains confidence from the fact that he already plays a position well. His hands and footwork could make him an above-average first baseman, and the Rockies have been encouraged by reports that Shealy has trimmed his frame to suit the outfield.
The Rockies have enough outfield depth to send Shealy to Triple-A Colorado Springs for more work, if necessary, but they want his power bat on the Major League roster.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Around the Horn: Corner infielders
01/25/2006
DENVER -- During an era wrought with change and disappointment for the Colorado Rockies, first baseman Todd Helton always being present and productive has never changed. It just hasn't been as automatic for the last year.
Early last season, Helton battled a back problem -- a winter injury aggravated a problem that first flared in 2002 -- which was kept quiet, although it showed in a batting average that dipped to .252 on June 16. In late July, a calf strain sent him to the disabled list for the first time in his career. Still, Helton rallied to bring his batting average to.320, fourth in the National League, and to lead the league with a .445 on-base percentage.
After seeing Helton overcome last season's troubles, and after being assured that this past Monday's surgery to remove a "floating body" from his right elbow would not affect Spring Training, manager Clint Hurdle maintains faith that Helton will be himself again.
"Not in my mind is there anything to worry about; he'll be good to go," Hurdle said.
If all is well with Helton, and his back doesn't become an issue, the infield corners, which also include 2005 rookie standout third baseman Garrett Atkins, becomes a segment in which Hurdle can trust -- arguably more than any other area of the club. Also, if injuries occur, Colorado will be in position to put a promising player in the lineup.
Helton's health is the key. Late last season, Helton said he also was going to review his swing to find power that he had lost. He felt there were pitches that he knocked for doubles last season -- he tied for second in the NL with 45 -- that might have been home runs in the past. Helton's 20 homers marked the fewest of any of his eight full seasons.
Before the surgery, Helton was going through demanding workouts and looked trim, maybe below his listed 210 pounds. Although surgery is never good, Hurdle said the time off might be.
"Two weeks of rest is not going to hurt him," Hurdle said. "It may help him, because it will give him the opportunity to relax."
Atkins, 26, faced questions about his run production and his defense going into last season, after Vinny Castilla left via free agency. In comparing the post-All-Star break stats of Atkins last season (.272, 51 RBIs in 73 games) and Castilla in 2004, when he led the NL in RBIs (.270, 60 RBIs), Atkins has a chance to mean close to what Castilla meant to the club.
Castilla had far more homers in '04 than Atkins in '05 (30 to 13), but the Rockies are happy enough with his other numbers to give him time to grow into his power. Defensively, Atkins finished fourth in the league with 18 errors, but showed clear improvement over his shaky 2004 cameo by demonstrating the ability to complete difficult plays.
"He's our third baseman," Hurdle said. "We'll give him the freedom to play. We're not going to give him any power goals. We feel he's a good enough hitter and a smart enough hitter to be a good run producer."
The Rockies have safe choices to spell Helton and Atkins. Luis Gonzalez, who hit .292 each of the past two seasons and finished 2005 as the starter at second base, plays either position well. The Rockies also signed versatile Eli Marrero, who hit .181 with Baltimore and Kansas City last season, but hit .320 with Atlanta in 2004 and could be more comfortable in the NL.
But the Rockies have some bright, young options at the corners.
Helton's injury last season meant an opportunity for power-hitting Ryan Shealy, who responded by hitting .330 in 36 games, some at designated hitter. He knocked two homers and seven doubles, drove in 16 runs and finished with a .413 on-base percentage.
Shealy, 25, has been working in the outfield to increase his versatility and compete for time backing up or platooning with Brad Hawpe in right field. But he figures into the first base equation if the Rockies choose to give more rest to Helton, who never played in fewer than 152 games before appearing in 144 last season.
The other wild card is third base prospect Jeff Baker, a 2002 bonus baby whose career has been slowed by injuries. Baker, who began last season at third base because of Atkins' hamstring injury just before Opening Day, is also learning to play the outfield, but Hurdle said Baker would be suited to play first base if asked.
At some point during the season, 2003 top pick Ian Stewart could be ready for the Majors. A third baseman, Stewart has hit 57 homers and batted .302 over his first 300 professional games. He is expected to begin 2006 at Double-A Tulsa.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Rox ink Asencio, add spring invites
01/25/2006
DENVER -- Colorado catching prospect Chris Iannetta, one of nine Rockies prospects that have been invited to Major League camp, views next month in Tucson, Ariz., as an opportunity to learn, not show off.
"I'm going to see how everyone handles their business, see how an organization at that level is run," said Iannetta, slated to begin the 2006 at Double-A Tulsa. "If I can go there, stay relaxed, play well and have fun, then I will be able to show what I can do."
In addition to Iannetta, the Rockies announced Wednesday that they've extended camp invitations to left-handed pitchers Justin Hampson and Zack Parker; right-handed pitchers Jim Miller, Sandy Nin, and Judd Songster; catcher Dan Conway, and infielders Ian Stewart and Troy Tulowitzki.
Colorado also announced on Wednesday the signing of right-hander Miguel Asencio to a Minor League deal with a Major League camp invitation. Asencio, 25, has undergone multiple right elbow surgeries the last three years. He is 6-8 with a 5.14 ERA in 39 Major League games, 29 starts. Injuries limited him to four Minor League starts with Kansas City last season.
Iannetta, 22, represented the Rockies in the Futures Game during All-Star Weekend in Detroit last season, and batted a combined .268 with four homers and 69 RBIs.
The club is inviting two of its last three top picks in the annual First-Year Player Draft in Stewart, 20, who hit .274 with 17 homers and 86 RBIs in 122 games at Class A Modesto, and Tulowitzki, 21, who hit .266 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 22 games at Modesto. Stewart was Colorado's top pick in 2003, Tulowitzki in 2005.
This could be a chance for the young pitchers to put themselves on the Major League radar as well. They could see ample Spring Training action because several of the frontline hurlers could be involved in the World Baseball Classic.
A couple of relievers, especially, have a chance to make themselves options as the season progresses.
Miller, 23, was chosen the Rockies' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2005, when he earned 34 total saves at Class A Modesto and Double-A Tulsa. Songster, 26, a 17th-round choice out of the University of Southern Colorado in 2001, put himself on the Rockies' radar by going 3-2 with a 2.10 ERA in 50 relief appearances. He also made one appearance at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Nin, 25, went 10-6 with a 3.19 ERA in 20 starts at Tulsa last season. The Rockies acquired Nin from the Toronto Blue Jays in the three-way deal that also brought the Rockies pitcher Joe Kennedy from Tampa Bay before the 2004 season.
Hampson, 25, was on the 40-man roster in 2004, and will make his second straight trip at a non-roster invitee. Last season, Hampson went 5-13 with a 5.99 ERA in 27 games, all but one of them starts, for Colorado Springs.
Parker, 24, was slowed by elbow and shoulder injuries in 2003 and 2004, but last season he made 27 starts for Tulsa and went 12-10 with a 3.79 ERA.
Conway, 26, an eighth-round choice in 2000, split last season with Tulsa (.247, 5 HR, 28 RBIs) and Colorado Springs (.216, 1 HR, 18 RBIs).
Pitchers and catchers are due to report Feb. 17. Position players report Feb. 22.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Lachemann ready to pitch in for U.S.
01/26/2006
The headlines related to Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic have focused on names like Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez.
However, perhaps the most important name related to Team USA is one that has gained little attention -- Marcel Lachemann.
That's just the way Lachemann likes it, operating under the focus of the headlines.
He prefers the sidelines, the bullpen or the dugout, where you will see him in conversation with the men who control the games -- the pitchers.
The biggest concern Major League teams have with the World Baseball Classic has to do with the health and season preparation of their pitchers.
And much of that concern has been removed for Team USA because the man in charge of the pitchers is Lachemann.
Marcel Lachemann is 64 years old and has spent most of his life in baseball. His Major League playing career consisted of only 70 games as a relief pitcher for Oakland between 1969 and 1971.
Lachemann has been a student of the game for as long as he can remember, and he had a chance to learn under the legendary coach Rod Dedeaux at USC before turning pro in 1963.
Teaching the art of pitching was to be Lachemann's forte, and it was the area he enjoyed the most. He stepped from his role of pitching coach into a more visible role only when asked, taking over as manager of the California Angels during the 1994 season and remaining until he resigned the post in 1996.
Lachemann knew he could best serve a team as a pitching coach, and that's why Team USA finds itself in a fortunate position today with the veteran baseball man in charge of the pitchers.
Team USA doesn't open camp for the World Baseball Classic until March 3 in Arizona, but Lachemann and team manager Buck Martinez have already been in contact with most of the 23 pitchers on the provisional roster.
There are 52 players on the USA roster at this time, and the fact that nearly half of them are pitchers reflects the importance of the position in the WBC.
"Our goal is to send the pitchers back to their respective clubs after the competition in better shape than they would have been under a normal spring schedule," said Lachemann. "And the last thing we want to have happen is to get someone hurt."
Anyone who knows Lachemann knows that he cares about his pitchers, and he will put their health first and foremost in any program.
"The key to all of this will be the communication with the pitching coaches of the teams involved," said Lachemann. "We want the coaches to know our plans so they can send their pitchers to us with an understanding of how we plan to schedule workouts and assignments. This will be a coordinated effort with a great deal of communication before and during the actual competition."
A great deal of discussion has been given to pitch counts, but Lachemann doesn't see this as a major factor.
"Our original thought was to go with six starters and seven relief pitchers," said Lachemann, "but the more you look at the schedule and time frame, you can see the key will be the relief pitchers.
"It's possible we could even go with three starters and have a heavy reliance on the relief pitchers. This makes sense from a couple of standpoints.
"The relief pitchers are used to throwing every other day in the spring, and they normally are working on only two pitches, whereas a starting pitcher needs to get command of three or four pitches," concluded Lachemann.
And what a relief staff Team USA could have with the likes of closers Brad Lidge of Houston, Huston Street of Oakland, Billy Wagner of the New York Mets, Chad Cordero of Washington, Brian Fuentes of Colorado, Todd Jones of Detroit and Joe Nathan of Minnesota.
Lachemann pointed to Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins as one of the potential starters who is already ahead of his normal spring schedule as he prepares for Team USA.
Lachemann serves as a special assistant to Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd, and in that capacity, he will be keeping close tabs on a number of young pitchers in the Rockies organization who will be pitching for the different teams in the WBC.
As for his pitching staff on Team USA, Lachemann finds an easy summary: "You wouldn't hesitate to call the bullpen with the group of guys we are going to have."
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Fan Guide: Colorado Rockies
01/30/2006
Those watching the Colorado Rockies conduct 2006 Spring Training at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Ariz., will see essentially the same team as last year, only a year older. How much can a team mature in a year? The six weeks or so between when the pitchers and catchers report and the season opener against Arizona on April 3 at Coors Field should provide some answers.
At the end of camp last year, rookies and second-year players were the primary performers at six positions. Partly because of the youth, the Rockies went 67-95. But out of that came a set of everyday starters the club likes. First baseman Todd Helton, headed into his ninth full season in purple pinstripes, is the lone established star. But at least six other players -- none with more than three years of experience -- who became primary starters last year are projected back in their roles this year. And right-handers Jason Jennings and Aaron Cook lead a young starting rotation.
Where the team should look markedly different from a year ago is in the bullpen. Rookies dominated last year's relief staff, but right-handers Mike DeJean and Jose Mesa and lefty Ray King give the new 'pen a grayer tint and, the Rockies hope, a better chance of success out of the gate.
As Rockies fans prepare to journey to the desert, here's some information that should help.
When do the Rockies arrive at camp? Colorado pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 17 and have their first workout on Feb. 18. The rest of the position players report Feb. 22, and the first full-squad workout is Feb. 24.
When do games start? The Rockies' Cactus League schedule opens March 1 at Tucson Electric Park against the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox return the favor the next day, visiting Hi Corbett Field for the Rockies' home opener. Both of those games and most of the others in Arizona start at 1:05 p.m., but check the schedule for the few different start times.
Unlike in past years, when the Rockies would break camp but play exhibition games against Major League clubs or their affiliates, the entire exhibition schedule will be in Arizona this year. Colorado completes the Hi Corbett Field schedule on March 31 against Milwaukee and plays its Cactus League finale on April 1 in Phoenix against Milwaukee at Maryvale Baseball Park.
How do I get tickets? The 8,665 seats at Hi Corbett Field range from $2 to $23, and there are many ways to get them, the easiest of which is by visiting the Rockies' Spring Training Tickets page. Fans may also call (800) 388-ROCK or buy tickets in person in Arizona or Colorado.
Where is Tucson, and how do I get there? There are plenty of flights from Denver to Tucson, but flying to Phoenix and driving the roughly two hours south might shave some bucks off the airfare.
Or it's a nice drive of about 950 miles from Coors Field to Hi Corbett via I-25 south and I-10 west. The Sandia Mountains provide a breathtaking view, but cell phone service south of Albuquerque, N.M., is iffy. Then again, is that really a drawback?
Veterans of this trip skip off I-25 at Hatch, N.M., and take SR 26 west for a little under 100 miles before picking up I-10 west at Deming.
Once in Tucson, take the I-10 exit east on Broadway and turn right at Randolph Way to get to Hi Corbett Field. Parking is plentiful, but be smart -- many spaces are in harm's way of foul balls.
One more hint: There's good shopping in the outlets at Casa Grande, about 100 miles from Tucson.
How can I watch the team work out? Workouts are free, and you can get a good view of everything in the area where the three fields meet. The Rockies have morning and afternoon workouts.
Where can I get some autographs? The best time to catch Rockies players is during the two-a-day portion of camp, before the games begin. Practices take place on three adjacent fields. Some players sign between drills while moving from one field to another, or they may sign after workouts are complete. There also is a fourth field on which position players who report early take batting practice or perform other informal field work.
On game days, the best place to catch the Rockies is on the first-base side as they enter and exit the clubhouse area. Go to the third-base side to seek autographs from visiting players.
What else is there to do in Tucson? Hi Corbett Field is in Reid Park, and the Reid Park Zoo is a nice diversion. The giant anteater is this zoo's big project, and it's not to be overlooked.
For the young ones, word is that the Tucson Children's Museum (at 200 S. 6th Ave.) not only is worth a trip but also begs a return visit.
Another impressive use of about three hours is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is more of a zoo and walking trail. You're up close with a re-created habitat for many desert mammals and birds.
For more information on Tucson, visit the city's Visitor Index on its Web site (http://www.tucsonaz.gov/visitor.html).
When do the Rockies open the regular season? The Rockies will play Arizona at Coors Field on April 3 at 2:05 p.m. MT.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Mailbag: Is the NL West title reachable?
01/30/2006
What is pitcher Mike Esposito's future with the Rockies? He pitched late in the season and didn't do well.-- Chris L., Riverton, Wyo.
The Rockies are not closing the book on Esposito, who went 8-9 with a 5.49 ERA at Triple-A Colorado Springs and 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in three starts to end the 2005 season with the Rockies.
Esposito spent much of the time in Colorado Springs improving his offspeed pitches, and was not through with the work when he was forced into Major League duty because of Zach Day's season-ending thumb injury.
Manager Clint Hurdle said recently that he'll keep an eye on Esposito this spring, and he stands to get some innings against top hitters during Spring Training. If he performs well, I can see him serving as a safety valve in the case of early-season injuries.
In 2005, the Padres won the National League West with a dismal 82-80 record. All four teams, including Colorado, have been relatively quiet this offseason. So, is it a stretch to believe that the Rockies may have a legitimate shot at pushing for the division title?-- Jeff W., Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
The winner was barely above .500 in 2005. If you're talking record, I think matching the Padres' mark last year, or doing better, is reasonable. Certainly, the Rockies' home is tough on pitchers, but they've had some do well there and the experienced bullpen is a plus.
But before addressing whether the Rockies can contend, let's address the chances of the division playing out the same way in 2006.
First of all, key injuries had something to do with the division's performance in 2005. San Francisco's Barry Bonds and Los Angeles' Eric Gagne, assuming they're healthy, could transform those two teams by themselves.
Also, each time that a close-to-.500 club has won a division, the winner of the same division the next year finished with an improved record. After the New York Mets went 82-79 to win the NL East in 1973 (one game wasn't played), Pittsburgh won it at 88-74 in 1974 -- admittedly not a great division-winning record, but a 5 1/2 game improvement is still significant.
Minnesota won the American League West at 85-77 in 1987, and Oakland raced to 104-58 to win it the next year. In 1997, Houston won the NL Central at 84-78, but repeated the next year with a 102-60 mark.
So, I'm going to approach it like a normal year in which 90 wins represents contention. A 22-game improvement for the Rockies might be too much to ask. But it's not too much to ask that the starting pitching and bullpen put forth a solid effort and the lineup make enough forward strides to keep Colorado in the running for meaningful September games.
If you were the GM, what one move would you make to most improve the Rockies?-- Lloyd W., North Port, Fla.
The building of a winner in Colorado is more than a one-move proposition. Money spent and mistakes made in the past have dictated that the Rockies build with inexperienced players. However, the one spot I'd be proactive is in establishing a leadoff hitter.
Shortstop Clint Barmes and center fielder Cory Sullivan finished last season atop the lineup and the Rockies are looking their way again this year. If one of them develops, it's a huge step toward a strong offensive club.
If both players prove unsuited to the role, I look aggressively for a young (low-cost) player that has true leadoff skills, even if it means going outside the organization.
Why did the Rockies let infielder Eddy Garabito go to the Orioles? He impressed me while in Colorado and his numbers weren't too bad, both in the bigs and in Triple-A. -- Dylan P., Shiloh, Ohio
The emergence of shortstop Omar Quintanilla and the need for roster flexibility in order to make offseason moves led the Rockies to remove Garabito from their 40-man roster, making him a Minor League free agent.
Garabito had spent nine years in the Orioles system, often overlooked. Maybe the Orioles realized that Garabito went 6-for-13 in a three-game Interleague series at Camden Yards. Baltimore signed Garabito to a Minor League contract, and has invited him to Major league camp.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Around the Horn: Middle infielders
02/01/2006
DENVER -- From a league-leading beginning to a season-ending slump, from sudden stardom to instant pain and ridicule, Colorado Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes packed more extremes into his rookie season in 2005 than many players experience in a career.
"I got as high as I could possibly be and as low as I could possibly go," Barmes said. "I definitely had a lot more fun at the highest point."
Understandably, Barmes is looking for a less-eventful, or at least less-turbulent, second season as he attempts to solidify his place in Colorado's middle infield. He and second baseman Luis Gonzalez return after finishing last season as the Rockies' starters. Behind them is talent, but little experience.
Barmes opened April with a .410 batting average, was tied with eventual National League batting champ Derrek Lee atop the league at .416 through May 2, and homered to win a game against Cincinnati on June 5. He left the park with a .329 bating average, eight home runs and 29 RBIs. But that evening, his beginning abruptly ended.
Barmes suffered a fractured left collarbone that evening. Amid speculation that he suffered the incident riding ATVs, Barmes revealed that he slipped carrying a bag of deer meat up the stairs leading to his apartment. "It will never be funny, but I can laugh about it," Barmes said.
He missed 78 games and struggled to a .216 average in 27 games after his return. Follow that up with so-so numbers at Escogido in the Dominican Winter League (.233, one homer and eight RBIs).
The difference in Barmes' numbers pre- and post-injury can be best attributed to patience and the lack thereof. So while Barmes is doing the physical work that any player does in the offseason, his biggest offseason project is "staying back and using my hands."
Counting trials in the Majors in 2003 and 2004, Barmes has a .289 average through his first 113 Major League games. He also wrapped up his Minor League apprenticeship in 2004 by hitting .328 and leading the Pacific Coast League with 175 hits at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
The Rockies will have to decide where to put Barmes in the batting order. He was a leadoff man in the Minors, but he struggled last season (.255, .294 on-base percentage) in comparison to what he did in the No. 2 slot (.358 and .396). Nonetheless, Barmes and the Rockies have reason to believe that he'll find his hitting stroke and regain his production.
"Clint Barmes went down and played for three months in the Dominican so that shows you the kind of quality kid he is," Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd said in a recent MLB Radio interview. "So I have no doubt. Not only will he come back, he'll be better than he was last year because the kid's intangibles are off the chart."
How Barmes handled his time in the Dominican provides an example into the type of self-evaluation that the Rockies prize.
During last regular season, Barmes tied for second among NL shortstops with 17 errors, despite playing in just 80 games. The good news was Barmes showed an outstanding ability to stretch his 6-foot frame to get to balls, but his zeal to make plays sometimes worked against him.
Barmes still made errors in the Dominican, but it was a time to hone his technique and learn ways to trim the degree of difficulty on plays.
"I feel like I read balls better and put myself in better position," said Barmes, who turns 27 on March 6. "I learned to take a couple of steps in, toward the batter, on a routine ball to allow myself more time to focus on making a good throw. That's something I'm going to bring back."
The Rockies believe Omar Quintanilla, who showed stellar defense in Barmes' absence last season, could develop into a frontline player if his offense improves. Also, 2005 No. 1 draft pick Troy Tulowitzki, a shortstop out of Long Beach State, is being given a good shot to earn his big league debut by season's end. But manager Clint Hurdle said none of this should be construed that he expects Barmes to be pushed aside.
"He is completely healed, and with his ability we believe he'll keep improving," Hurdle said. "I believe that. He believes that, and his teammates believe in him."
Gonzalez, 26, has batted .292 in each of his two Major League seasons. But in 2005, when he supplanted Aaron Miles (now with St. Louis) at second base, his games increased from 102 to 128 but his run-production numbers didn't follow suit. He followed up 12 homers, 40 RBIs and a .469 slugging percentage his rookie year with nine homers, 44 RBIs and .421 slugging.
Hurdle would like to rest Gonzalez more and use some of his starts at other positions, particularly third base when Garrett Atkins sits. Therefore, the primary backup middle infielder stands to get most of his starts at second but has to be capable at short.
Quintanilla is a .320 hitter in the Minors. In Double-A when acquired from Oakland, Quintanilla played 13 games for Colorado Springs before joining the big club and hitting .219 in 39 games. Hurdle likes the way Quintanilla handles the bat well on bunts and hit-and-run plays, and feels with more comfort he can be a good bottom-of-the-order hitter.
If Colorado sends Quintanilla, 24, to the Minors, the current options are Josh Wilson, obtained in a trade with Florida, and non-roster invitee Jason Smith.
Wilson, 25 on March 26, was a shortstop before the Marlins called him up last season and put him at second, but after the campaign he spent time at second in the Arizona Fall League. Smith, 28, has played for the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay and Detroit.
The Rockies remain in the market for a more-experienced backup in the middle infield.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Rockies settle with Kim, Torrealba
02/02/2006
DENVER -- The Rockies wrapped up their offsesason of arbitration on Thursday by prevailing in a hearing with right-handed pitcher Sunny Kim and avoiding a hearing with catcher Yorvit Torrealba, completing a one-year contract with incentives.
A three-judge panel in St. Petersburg, Fla., sided with the club's offer of $600,000 for Kim in 2006, rather than the $800,000 he submitted as part of the arbitration process. Kim, who went a combined 6-3 with a 4.90 ERA for Washington and Colorado but 5-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 12 games with Colorado, is a competitor for the fifth spot in the rotation with right-hander Zach Day.
Kim will pitch for Korea, along with Rockies starter Byung-Hyun Kim, in the World Baseball Classic.
"He's going to join us in Spring Training before he goes," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "I talked with Sunny today. He's excited and ready to go. He'll play an important part of our club this year."
O'Dowd said that he did not know whether former Pirates pitcher Josh Fogg had accepted the Rockies' offer of a 40-man roster spot. Fogg would join Kim and Day in competing for the fifth spot, but he is reportedly weighing offers from teams whose rotations he might have a better shot at making. Danny Horwits, Fogg's agent, could not immediately be reached on Thursday.
Torrealba and the club had a hearing set for Tuesday, but they averted that by settling on a one-year contract worth $850,000. If Torrealba reaches the maximum in incentives included in the contract (115 starts and 425 plate appearances), he'll earn $1 million total. The Rockies obtained Torrealba from Seattle during the Winter Meetings for right-handed pitcher Marcos Carvajal. Torrealba and Danny Ardoin enter the season as Colorado's top two catchers.
Torrealba batted .234 with three home runs and 15 RBIs last season for San Francisco and Seattle. A backup for Benito Santiago and Mike Matheny in San Francisco, Torrealba set a career high with 76 games played last season.
"They compromised a little on the base, and we compromised on the upside," O'Dowd said. "That's how deals get done."
Before Thursday, the Rockies reached two-year contracts with left-handed closer Brian Fuentes and right-handed starter Aaron Cook. Colorado did not tender an offer to its other Major League arbitration-eligible player, right-hander Jose Acevedo, but the club did sign him to a Minor League contract.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Speier undergoes shoulder surgery
02/01/2006
DENVER -- Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever Ryan Speier will miss the 2006 season after undergoing surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn labrum -- an injury he suffered when he fell while playing basketball this offseason.
Club medical director Dr. Thomas Noonan performed the procedure at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Greenwood Village, Colo. Speier, 26, went 2-1 with a 3.65 ERA for the Rockies in 22 appearances in 2005, and he was 2-2 with a 4.99 ERA in 45 outings at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
"I don't remember the exact date [of the injury], but he attempted rehab but didn't get any better," said Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, who said the club has no hard feelings against Speier over of the circumstances of the injury. "It's a bad break for Ryan. He's a good kid, and I feel very bad for him."
Speier, the Rolaids Minor League Relief Man Award winner in 2004 for his work at Double-A Tulsa, took advantage of a chance last spring and made last year's Opening Day roster. However, he gave up eight earned runs in 9 2/3 innings over 10 appearances, and he was optioned to Triple-A before the end of the month. Speier adapted the slider that had brought him Minor League success to the altitude of Colorado, and in two other stints with the Rockies, he held opponents to two earned runs in 17 2/3 innings and a .190 batting average. He did not give up a home run while with the Rockies, and his 24 2/3 innings without one were third-most in the Majors.
Colorado reacted to the struggles of young pitchers such as Speier by acquiring veteran relievers, a strategy that continued this offseason. The re-signing of Mike DeJean and additions such as Jose Mesa and Ray King would have made it difficult for Speier to make the Opening Day roster.
"I think it would have been difficult, but you never know because he finished last year so good," O'Dowd said. "He would have been a go-to guy for us right off the bat. But these things happen. Ryan was very honest with us. It's an unfortunate accident."
In other developments: Hearing time: The Rockies were involved in the second arbitration hearing in club history on Wednesday, with right-hander Sunny Kim. O'Dowd said he did not expect an answer until Thursday. The arbitration panel will assign Kim either the club's offer of $600,000 or his requested figure of $800,000 as a salary for the season.
Kim, 28, was 6-3 with a 4.90 ERA in 24 games, including 10 starts, with the Nationals and the Rockies last season. After the Colorado claimed him from Washington on Aug. 5, Kim went 5-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 12 games, including eight starts. Kim threw a complete-game shutout -- the first for the Rockies in a record 645 games -- against the Giants on Sept. 24 at Coors Field.
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba, the Rockies' other arbitration-eligible player, has a hearing scheduled for Tuesday. The Rockies have offered $815,000, and Torrealba has requested $1.05 million.
The Rockies lost their only previous arbitration hearing, with pitcher Dennys Reyes in 2002.
Waiting on Fogg: O'Dowd said the Rockies were awaiting an answer from right-hander Josh Fogg, formerly of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Rockies have offered Fogg a spot on the 40-man Major League roster and a chance to compete for either a spot in the rotation or a spot-starter/long reliever job.
"There's a difference between depth and quality depth, and Josh would be quality depth," O'Dowd said. "We want to have a guy like that, but if not, you move on."
Cover boy: Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday is gaining recognition for his strong second half of 2005, when he brought his batting average to .307, seventh in the National League, and drove in the second-most runs of anyone in the NL after the break (64). Holliday, already selected for Team USA's provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic, graces the cover of the local edition of Street & Smith's Baseball 2006 Yearbook. The magazine is in its 65th year of publication.
Source: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/