The Rockies Anthem

Guts and Glory

What are the Rockies made of? I have no idea, but we’re all gunna see in the next three games when the Rockies take on the Dodgers who they have only beaten once this season. That was the Clint Hurdle underperforming Rockies though. This is a different team, this team plays as a team. They all have each other’s back every night. Jimenez, Marquis, and Hammels pitch during the series and that should give us a good chance at winning the series. Will we sweep? No, I don’t see that at all, but the Dodgers will come on strong because slowly but surely, their lead in the NL west is getting smaller and smaller. The Rockies now are only 7.5 games back from the NL west. I first thought that the division was impossible to get for any team in the west, but now as we watch the Rockies surge and the Dodgers plateau, the division is in reach for the second half of the season. I think the Rockies will win the first two games behind Jimenez and Marquis then lose a close one as the Dodgers avoid the sweep. This is the Rockies biggest test so far this season.


Aaron Cook Interview
here


Chris “Birdman” Andersen Interview
here


GO ROCKIES

Can i get a large dose of hitting please?

Today, I really didn’t feel like posting today and even though I currently don’t have as much readers as I would like, I still feel the need to post! So here we go. Rockies once again held off the A’s for its second straight win. So we saw it, they went from a disappointing series loss against the Angels to coming into Oakland and potentially sweeping the series this afternoon. So far, we are seeing a completely different Rockies team than we have ever seen in its history. They get leads and are now learning to hold them until the end of the game. Something that is very rare to see from a Rockies team we have all watched for so long.


Todd Helton is playing baseball like he’s part of the old school power hitting Rockies teams of the 90’s. Hitting, hitting, and some more hitting. We were all skeptical about how he would play coming off of back surgery and a bad 2008 season caused by the back. Well, he’s back and here to say. Now, I would love to see him in the All Star game but to be realistic, there are so many big named first basemen now in the National League, he really has no shot. Someone who does have a shot though and has about a 99% chance of making the team is Brad Hawpe. There will be two Rockies who make this year’s All Star team and that will be Brad Hawpe and Jason Marquis. There are no way the players or the manager of the NL can leave these guys off the roster. Marquis is among the top of the NL in wins and Brad Hawpe seems to be in the top 5 in every hitting category. If these guys don’t get the invite, it will truly be another great MLB blunder once again screwing us, the fans. Vote on mlb.com for Hawpe.


Go Rockies

Rockies start it back up and the future of Garret Atkins

Scary ending to last night’s game where I almost thought we might let it slip away. Like I’ve said though, this is now a different Rockies team. Under Clint Hurdle, the Rockies would have blown that lead and probably lost the game furthering the teams plummet in the NL standings. Jim Tracy makes all the right moves, pulls pitchers when they need to be pulled (with exception to Jimenez against the Angels) and leaves pitchers in when they need to stay in. Last night he did that and it lead the team to a big win after a disappointing series against the Angels.


Garret Atkins is now starting to hit the ball now which is good since we are playing against the American League, but when we go back to playing NL ball, what will Tracy do? Ian Stewart has cooled off a bit but I believe he is the permanent third basemen for the Rockies now. We are getting closer to the trade deadline and the Rockies continue to look like buyers as we continue to win. One thing that should be done is trading Atkins and gives him a chance to start somewhere and succeed. We could get a back end pitcher to the rotation and perhaps a middle reliever for him to sure up the bullpen. Atkins is an All Star caliber third baseman but with the resurgence of Ian Stewart and his pure power both offensively and defensively, it’s time to let Atkins go and move forward towards October.


Go Rockies

Ty Lawson Press Conference

Ty Lawson, Welcome to Denver....Finally

There is only one word to describe last night’s NBA draft and that word is criminal. The Nuggets stole Ty Lawson last night from Minnesota. He was one of three point guards that the Timberwolves drafted for some reason and the Nuggets took advantage and traded a first round pick for next year’s draft to gain the rights to Lawson. Why I say finally? Well, the Nuggets wanted Lawson last year when he tested the draft waters. Of course he decided to go back to school and win a national championship with the Tar Heels.


Is this guy a future Michael Jordan? No, definitely not. He is a 5 foot 11 inch point guard who is lightning quick and a winner. One thing that will have to be worked on with Lawson is his very poor defense. With head coach George Karl and on court coach Chauncey Billups coaching Lawson, he will be playing somewhat solid defense by the end of the year.

I’m listening to my new favorite sports talk station, denversportsradio.com. Now, they are currently talking about top teams in the NBA after the draft and I’m not hearing the Nuggets in the top 5 in the NBA. Some think Richard Jefferson will make the Spurs better, but really, what has he ever done. Some say Vince Carter will make the Magic better, no, what has Vince Carter ever done since 2000? Nothing. The only good trade that made a team drastically better is Cleveland getting Shaq. Here are my top 5 NBA teams.


1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Boston Celtics
5. Orlando Magic


Other considerations, Portland Trialblazers, Houston Rockets, and the San Antonio Spurs.


I am excited about what we will be seeing at Pepsi Center with the Nuggets next season. Today at 1:30 will be the Ty Lawson press conference. I’m guessing you will be able to catch that on Altitude.


In other quick news, the Rockies start their last interleague series tonight against Oakland. The NHL draft is tonight and the Avs have the third overall pick in the draft. I know nothing about players in the NHL draft so I won’t even pretend to tell you what the Avs might do. Go to www.denversportsradio.com for draft coverage.


Go Nuggets
Go Rockies
Go Avalanche

Short memories and the NBA draft

Today whether you’re a Colorado Rockies player or fan, we must all have a very short memory. Especially after last night’s game. Being on the road, playing one of the best teams in the American League, we did as best as we could and now must move on to Oakland starting Friday. Obviously it was not a start to remember for Jason Marquis, but like every team in the bigs and no matter how well you are playing, you are bound to get whooped like we did last night. The key thing for everyone is to forget about the series and respond by winning the series against the A’s.


We all knew this was bound to happen. The Rockies were going to at some point, lose a series. It happens to every team in Major League Baseball. The good teams forget about it and move on and continue to win series and climb the standings. The bad teams will get down on themselves and continue to lose series and close games. Good teams have short memories; bad teams get down on themselves. We will see what kind of team the Rockies are in the coming series.


Now, the Nuggets will actually draft a player this season! The Nuggets have the 34th pick in the draft today. It really seems that the last time the Nuggets picked someone was Carmelo Anthony. Now, I have no freaking clue that the Nuggets will or could take. What I think they should go after is a point guard that Chauncey can teach. Unless there is a semi-decent big man available. I would rather the Nuggets pick a point guard in this year’s draft. I’ve read about how the Nuggets could try to trade up to try to get North Carolina’s Ty Lawson. I really don’t know who we could actually trade to get that. Linas Klieza? Definitely not. Future draft picks, more likely since that’s what the Nuggets do best. Either way, it will be interesting to see what the Nuggets do. Either way, I’d rather see Chris Andersen signing on the dotted line with a new contract.

Right here is an interview with Mark Warkentien done by FM 104.3 the Fan in Denver.. http://www.fm1043thefan.com/channels/audioOnDemand/Story.aspx?ID=1106565


Go Nuggets


Go Rockies

No worries, we got this

Here we go, tonight we start streak number 3, right? No, we can’t just expect the Rockies to keep going on these unreal winning streaks and occasionally losing. The Rockies are not the baseball version of the New England Patriots. I’ve said before, it’s all about responding to losses and winning series. Keeping losing steaks to a minimum and staying focused and smart for nine innings.

Last night, Jim Tracy made his first mistake as manager of the Rockies, leaving Jimenez in the game in the 8th inning after he let the first two men on. Jimenez then went on to load the bases and give up the game winning hit. Jimenez had a great start and I don’t remember a pitcher for the Rockies that could throw into the high 90’s after 100 pitches in a game. Jimenez will win a Cy Young award by the end of his career. He still has a lot of work to do but if the Rockies keep working with him and by working with him I mean coaching him and when its time, extending his contract with the team, he will be an elite pitcher in the league.


Rockies ace Jason Marquis is pitching tonight so we have a very good chance at taking the series. Although it was hard watching former Rockies closer Brian Fuentes close out the game for the Angles last night and strike out Clint Barmes to end it. I hope the Rockies blow out the Angles tonight, but if it is close, nothing would make me happier than watching Fuentes blowing a save against his former team.


Go Rockies

Not just a run...

So, is this getting old or what? The Rockies in again. I don’t know about you, but I sure am sick of it already. No, no, I’m kidding of course. Watching the Rockies win never gets old and never will get old. All you hear now is “can the Rockies sustain the winning all season?” Yes, they can. Will they? Yes, they will. This is a different team compared to what we saw in the first two months of the season. Colorado Rockies fans have not seen baseball like this ever. No, not even in 2007. What we will see this season, disregarding the first two months, is constant winning baseball at Coors Field. This is not just some run as some people *cough* John Kruk *cough* at the 4 letter are saying. The Rockies are not playing well because they feel bad about Clint, they are playing better because Clint’s ‘sit back and lets see what happens here’ style of managing didn’t work at all and Jim Tracy brings a new style of aggressive baseball that fits the Rockies perfectly. If you think this is just some run, you’re an idiot and you should probably watch soccer or something. The way they handled the Angles last night is proof of it. The Rockies’ foot is on the gas from the first inning till’ the ninth, never letting up, and always keeping the opposition thinking what we will do next. You will see the Rockies in the playoffs this year. Will they catch the Dodgers? Of course it is possible, but we should also see how the Rockies play the dodgers next week. The wild card though, the Rockies will take that no matter what.


Go Rockies

I told you so, becuase im a Rockies genius

Watching the Rockies so far in the past weeks remind me of the Nuggets and how good they were this year. If you followed the Nuggets at all, you knew the Nuggets promo saying was “Can you feel it?” I get that feeling from the Rockies now that they are in contention. After 2007 and especially after last season, I never thought the Rockies would win this way ever again or at least another 20 years. I’ve said in the past that this is a fun team to watch and it is looking up for us LOYAL Rockies fans.


I don’t want to say I told you so, but I told you so. Jim Tracy is the major factor of the change of the team. Really though, it’s not just Jim Tracy it’s the absence of Clint Hurdle in the dugout. I was calling for him to be fired since about mid-season 2008. His ways were no longer working and the players obviously didn’t think so either. It was complete dysfunction when he was managing and now with a new face managing this team, we are seeing the potential in our team. We have not hit the peak, that’s for sure. I just wanted to say, I told you so!


Mistake from last post:


I said the Rockies play the Angels this next series then the Dodgers this weekend, they play Oakland then they play the Dodgers, my bad. (FSN confused me)


Go Rockies

Are you kidding me?!

All anyone can say is, Todd Freaking Helton. The most clutch player in the league this year. All he does is hit and hit when it matters. Todd has hit 9 homers’ this season and the Rockies are 8-1 when he does go yard. That says a lot. He hits in clutch situations and gives the team a very good feeling in the dugout and in the clubhouse. Now I’m starting to believe in this team. I first thought, good for them, they are on a run, most teams have some sort of run during the season. They then remember who they are and go back to what they’re supposed to be, look at the Royals. I think this team can keep up consistent winning until September. We also have not seen Helton hit balls like this since he was hitting behind Larry Walker back in the day. The only two spots that need work is the back end of the starting rotation. When Hammel or De La Rosa pitch it makes me very nervous. Especially De La Rosa because he is either on or off. Hopefully today, he will be on. The biggest thing so far is when the hitting isn’t hitting, the pitching steps up and when the pitching isn’t pitching, the hitting steps up and that is huge. Rockies have two huge series coming up after today. Going on the road to L.A. and playing the Angles for 3 and then the Dodgers. It will be interesting to see how the Rockies fare against the Dodgers this time around. The feeling is good.


Happy Fathers Day


Go Rockies

Never thought i'd see the day

June 20, 2009 and the Colorado Rockies have a winning record. Really never thought I would see this even after the streak. In the past, the Rockies would get close to .500 and maybe to .500 but could never just get over that hump. So far, they have and it’s fun to watch. I would really like to get to a game sometime soon, but being broke and in Colorado Springs doesn’t help much! At lest they are televised and it’s always fun to watch a team in June playing relevant baseball. I’m happy for the players; it always feels good to win. Also the real fans out there that have been watching the team all season and hoping for somewhat competitive baseball in lower downtown. Who I am really happy for is all the businesses down and around Coors Field. It was never fun going to a game when the Rockies are 10 games under .500 and no one is at the restaurants and the fans get to the game in the second inning and leave in the eighth inning. When the team wins, everyone in lower downtown wins. When I make my move to Denver in August, I am looking forward and hoping the Rockies are still in contention for at least a wild card. Denver is a baseball town and like we saw two years ago, when winning happens, the people will come.


Go Rockies

Look at a calander, its June still.

Late day today but I really needed to post since I’m now superstitious about posing and the Rockies winning. I know, it doesn’t matter what I do, but I think it does and I will not risk it! Finally at .500, first time since April and we have the Pirates to beat up on now. I wouldn’t say we sweep this series but we should win it with no problem. Now to what is bothering me…

To all Rockies bloggers/newspaper writers,


STOP TALKING ABOUT ROCKTOBER! I’m not saying the Rockies won’t make the playoffs this year, I’m just saying that saying crap like Rocktober in June as we play non NL west teams is very pre mature. We have over 90 games to go in the season and many tough games ahead. Is this the best Rockies team ever? Maybe, why not. I’m pretty sure the Rockies went on a nice little run when Clint Hurdle was hired 8 years ago. If the Rockies are still in contention for the Wild Card in August, I will give them the credit they deserve, but until then, we are watching the resurgence of a team that fail under another manager. If the Rockies pitching keeps playing the way they are and getting the timely hitting then yes, this is the best Rockies team in history, hands down. We all know 2007 was a fluke and unreal and that makes that team not even the second best team in history. Either way, it’s nice to watch a somewhat relevant team play in June. No football, no basketball, no hockey. All we have right now is the Rockies and it’s good to see.


Go Rockies

Back at it

Yep, so I’m pretty convinced that it was my fault now that the streak ended. I didn’t post on Tuesday, they lost, I posted yesterday, and we won! Aaron Cook had a few shaky times but kept his composer and helped lead the Rockies to their 12th win in 13 tries. Jimenez on the hill today and has a great to help the Rockies win the series. That’s exactly what we need to do, win series. This is a short post today basically because I have a lot to do this morning then I work until 7 so sorry about that. Tonight I see the Rockies taking this game behind Jimenez and by the end of the day, the Rockies will FINALLY be at .500. Thanks for readying today and every day.


Go Rockies

I'm sorry Colorado Rockies...

I’m sorry everyone, it’s my fault. It’s my fault that the Rockies 11-game winning streak ended last night to Tampa in a pretty big whooping. Why is it my fault, well, I didn’t post anything yesterday! It wasn’t because I didn’t want to, but I was so busy yesterday I really didn’t have time. I’m pretty sure I jinxed it and that’s what caused Jorge De La Rosa to throw like garbage and for the Rockies to not be able to keep up with the Rays last night. I’m sorry to all the bandwagon fans that came out of their caves to watch yesterdays game and to the team that was looking to hit .500 for the first time since April. Hopefully today we can start a new streak. As I’ve said before though, did you really expect the Rockies to keep this going? Of course not, unless you are Rockies bandwagon fan, but I’m not talking to you. To the fans that have been watching the team all year, we knew this would come and let’s hope the Rockies got a lot of bad baseball out of their systems last night because it was not pretty at all. The Rockies need to focus on winning series no matter what. They need to take the next 2 games from Tampa and win the series, that’s all. It’s simple really. It’s time to put Franklin Morales back in the number 5 starter spot. He kinda got jammed so far this season. Pitching a great first game against the D-backs then straining his shoulder in his second start and have not had a chance to get back yet. De La Rosa at the record of 2-7 should move aside and let Franklin get some innings. He could be a great back rotation guy that could help spark the team when they need it. With Cook going tonight and Jimenez going tomorrow, we have a great shot at taking the series. Sorry again for jinxing the streak, it will never happen again!


Go Rockies!

Rockies tie a franchise record and Brandon Marshall

Well, not even two full years later and the Rockies have tied their club mark with 11 wins in a row. No one thought the Rockies would sniff .500 based on what we had seen during the first two months of the season. It was nice to see Garrett Atkins get three hits and Todd Helton with yet another multi hit game. The Rockies lineup from 1-8 are deadly no matter what. As soon as Chris Ianetta gets it going and the Pitching can keep going into the 7th inning, there’s no reason why this team won’t make it to the playoffs. With that, it’s still June and we have 3 ½ months to go. We know how bad the Rockies can play so that makes me not want to say anything about the wild card, or just playoffs in general. They have the talent to go to the playoffs, that’s for sure, but if they can keep riding series wins, we will be seeing our Rockies in the playoffs.


Now, shifting gears to the NFL. I have not written anything really about the Broncos because I hate all the offseason crap that goes on in the NFL. I wanted to talk about Brandon Marshall. Brandon, really? You’re going to hold out for a contract? Hmmm, why is this? Probably because you know you won’t get anywhere close to the numbers this upcoming season than what you had with Cutler last season. I guess if I were him, this is probably my best chance to get something. No Jay Cutler, no catching 20 passes a game, because the Broncos will not see that many balls flying around Invesco this year. He knows it and the Broncos know it. The funny thing is, no one seems to care. Especially coach McDaniels who said they would win with what they got if he were not there. Let the fiasco begin.

Give the boot to Corpas, PLEASE!

The big 10th win in a row are in the books and the Rockies are cruising right now. Even after our worst bullpen pitcher, Manny Corpas blew a hold, we managed to come back, get timely hitting, and win the game. Why the Rockies even consider using Corpas and any game is over my head, but he is lucky the team is playing the way they are. Corpas needs to be sent down or traded A.S.A.P. Perhaps a Atkins/Corpas combo for a middle reliever that can through a slider. Corpas was only good during the run in 2007 and has not done anything since but blow wins and gives up leads. Now that the infield is basically set with Stewart, Tulo, Barmes, and Helton, there is no longer a need for Garret Atkins in Colorado. He is in a slump and will not get a chance to get out of it because of the way that Stewart has played during the recent weeks. What really makes me mad is that Corpas got the win last night. I get he was the last pitcher of record before the Rockies took the lead, but really, he blew the hold and doesn’t deserve the win at all. I’d rather give it to Street, but really to Marquis. It was a crap “win” for Corpas to get and hopefully we won’t see him today.


The Rockies are doing everything right, with exception to Manny Corpas. They have hit when the need to, especially in the late innings. Majority of the bullpen has done their part and held the other team to a minimum. The starters though are going at least 7 every night and that helps the bullpen as well. Jim Tracy has shown how good they are and now the Rockies are seeing it. Only 3.5 games back of the top spot in the wild card, things are looking good for the Rockies, right now anyways. Number 11 tonight, let’s go Rockies!

9 and wanting more!

Last night, the Blake Street Streakers kept the streak alive. On Ubaldo Jimenez’s back, he went the distance for his second complete game of the year. I was thinking though, Jimenez threw 127 pitches for the complete game, but what if Clint Hurdle were the manger still. Come on an play the game, it will be fun! If Clint Hurdle was manager, of course there is no way we’re on a 9 game winning streak, but last night, Jimenez would not have made it into the 9th inning. Hurdle was weird about pitch counts and I’m guessing the bull pen would have blown it (we’re due). What Jim Tracy is showing the team during this streak is that he trusts the players and now the players trust him and the decisions he makes for the team. He’s not pushing them for wins in fear of losing his job, he lets them play and we are seeing how well the Rockies can play.


If the Rockies continue the good pitching and timely hitting the Rockies have a good chance at winning the majority of their remaining series and contending in September. Then again, it’s still June and the season is long. Not taking away from how far they have come, we still have to be realistic about the season and we have lots to work on to be good for a full season. The streak continues, Marquis is on the mound and this thing will hit 10. You heard it here first.


Go Rockies

8 in a row and counting

8 is great! Okay, that was a little lame, but still, 8 straight road wins for the Rockies is something. 7 of the 8 wins were against good teams too, which is even more impressive. I didn’t watch the game because I didn’t double check what time they played. The game went pretty well except for the 9th inning scare, thank you Mr. Street. Other than that, the Rockies did what they have done the last 7 games. Pitch well and hit the ball when they needed to. That is something they could not figure out under Premier Hurdle. Aaron Cook is looking like the Cook of last year and the team is on a roll.


Tonight we start up some more interleague play against Seattle. Now, I don’t watch ANY AL games ever, so I have no idea how the Mariners play. What I do know is they are 30-30 and second place in the AL west. So, based on that, I think we got a shot! This is based on the fact that they don’t get to use a DH. The Rockies are rolling and no matter what, will win the series. Tonight’s pitchers, (4-6, 3.91ERA) Jimenez vs. (3-4, 3.07ERA) Wasburn.


Go Rockies

Lucky number 7 and win number 8!

Well, I’m a little late today on the post, been really busy. So the Rockies have won 7 in a row. The surprising thing is not that they have won 7 in a row; it’s that they have won 7 in a row on the road. Throughout the Rockies history, they have been not so good on the road. This is why I find this so surprising. During their run in 2007, they played a lot of home games and had that to their advantage, but now, it’s been all on the road. Cooky going tonight for the sweep of the first place Brewers, we have a good shot at this. We are slowly but surely climb in the standings in the NL west. Really, I’m just glad we are not in last. It’s just embarrassing to be last in such a weak division.


Jim Tracy has set the mind set and the players are now doing what they are suppose to, having fun playing baseball for millions and winning. I don’t know about you, but if I were just making league minimum I would be busting my tail for wins. Right now, for once this season, it really feels good to be a Rockies fan. Im pretty exhausted so just a couple notes. Clint Barmes is hitting the cover off the ball in the 2 hole and Brad Hawpe is on a 12-game hitting streak. Tulo has also hit 2 home runs as well in the series, so that’s good news for the hitting. If the line up hits like they are suppose to, they will be among the most feared in the league. Also, Ian Stewart had proven himself and it’s time to trade Garret Atkins for some pitching. Maybe a 4th or 5th starter or a middle reliever. He has not done his job this year and Stewart is hitting them a mile out of the park. Just a thought.

Okay, so this is how out of it I am. I didn't even know the Rockies played this afternoon. THEY WON! 8 in a row! Cook moves to 5-3 and guess who did it again, Ian Stewart with another home run, yes, good bye Atkins, thanks for the memories. More on this win tomorrow!


Go Rockies.

6 in a row and feeling good

6 in a row and on the road. Now only if we could figure out how to win at home, we may have something here. Not only did the Rockies win, they actually came from behind in the 7th inning and win. The bullpen is not giving up huge innings with 2 outs (because they traded Jason Gilli), and are hitting when they need to. Even Tulo hit a homer run last night to help with the win. Right now, the Rockies are clicking on all cylinders.


Tonight though, may be the night the streak ends. 1-6 Jorge De La Rosa is pitching and like we have seen all year, when he pitches, the hitting goes to sleep. If the Rockies can give him just a little run support, they can ride this to a 7 game streak. Bullpen needs to strap down and keep doing what they have done so far.


Did you know that the Rockies haven’t lost since the call up of Carlos Gonzalez? I mean, all he did in Colorado Springs was win, so it makes since that they are winning now. With him and Dexter manning the outfield with Brad Hawpe, the team’s potential is very high. The speed alone between Carlos and Dexter is insane and I’d like for someone to name a pair of outfielders on the same team that match speed of the left and center fielders of the Rockies. Also, did you notice what number Carlos is wearing? That’s right, number 5. Our old boy Matt Holliday’s number when he was here. I have to give Dan O’dowd a little credit, as much as I thought that was a garbage trade to Oakland, it really seems to be working out at this point. Street is saving games, Carlos is hitting and playing great defense. Maybe the Rockies are starting to find out who they are and figuring what they need to do to win. Tonight is a good test.


Go Rockies

History made

Yesterday, the Rockies made history. They swept the Cardinals in a 4 game series for the first time in franchise history. I would say that pretty amazing judging by the horrible season for the Rockies so far. Jason Marquis with his 8th win makes him the first in the NL to get to 8 wins. Never thought I would say that about any Rockies pitcher. Now if only Jimenez and Cook could pitch like they’re suppose to, the Rockies could be in a pretty good place right now. Also, the Rockies are no longer in the basement of the NL west! Arizona lost and now falls to last place in the division. We can’t get ahead of ourselves. The Rockies are still 13 games back of the Dodgers who seem to win even without Manny. Oh, its only June 9th, we are far from September.


Could anything happen? Yea, sure. Even last night watching local sports in Colorado Springs, the genius anchors keep mentioning Rocktober and it makes me wanna rip my hair out. Why is it when the Rockies go on a winning streak now, were all of a sudden in the hint for the playoffs, sorry we’re not. The Colorado Springs sports anchors are garbage in the first place and have no idea what they are talking about most of the time, so I have to let them slide. “It’s okay, you’re a Colorado Springs freaking sports anchor, you don’t count.” So yeah, we have won 5 in a row, congratulations Rocktober bandwagon fans (and I know there are still some of you idiots out there), most teams in baseball will at least have a 5 game winning streak during the season. Real baseball fans know this, but now I’m speaking to bandwagon fan. Keep the noise down, stop talking, go back to the basement and keep managing your last place fantasy baseball team you got into last year after the Rockies went to the World Series and you thought you knew something about baseball.


The Rockies are only doing what they are suppose to. Win games against good teams. They have the pitching and hitting to do it as we have seen. The key is to stay consistent and win series. We’re not going to sweep everyone and they are not expected to go on a run at the end of the season. They need to play a FULL season of good baseball. I don’t know about you, but I would rather have a full season of contention opposed to some miracle fluke. That’s just me though.


Go Rockies

Rockies hopes and dreams

I don’t know about you, but June for the Rockies has been very good so far. Another win for the Rox pushing the winning streak to 4 games, the longest of the season. These wins so far are not against a team like the Nationals, they are beating a very good Cardinals team with ease. Is it a fluke? Maybe. I would say it’s not though. The Rockies are winning in every category. Hitting, pitching, and defense. With our ace so far this year, Jason Marquis on the mound today, our chances of sweeping the wrap around 4 game series is very possible.


I’ll go back to the distraction factor that was Clint Hurdle for the first two months of the season. I think the Rockies knew that Clint would not make it the full season if they did not perform. Perhaps the Rockies were pushing too hard to play well and it backfired which lead to the release of Clint Hurdle. Now that the elephant is gone, they can just play ball. Jim Tracy seems to have a handle on the group and they seem to be responding well to his “managing.”


Either way, the Rockies are by far playing the best baseball of the year and like many of you, it makes me happy to see this. Why? All I really want is a winning baseball team. At least a team that is fighting for at least a wild card spot, a team that keeps me interested in to September. Now, iv read some ridiculous blogs talking about a big “turnaround” and mentioning ridiculous words such as “Rocktober.” Sorry no named blogger, but you obviously haven’t been watching the same baseball I have been watching. No, there will be no Rocktober, we are 13.5 games out of the division, 6 games out of a wild card. Its June, the team is in obvious rebuilding mode. (Front office rebuilding, not player) I would consider saying we may have a shot at a playoff spot if we 1.) Didn’t dig such a big hole and 2.) Weren’t such a streaky team. This 4 game winning streak has been nice to watch, but we all know the Rockies could start a 4 game losing streak just as fast. Not to be pessimistic about the team, it’s just the reality of it all. I feel good about the team, but they are still young and learning how to win constantly at the major league level.


Go Rockies

What is going on here?!

The Rockies did it again and I’m not talking about getting beat again. No, no. They scored in double digits for the third game in a row! So, what is really going on here?! Being aggressive at the plate, Ian Stewart knows how well that works out now. Dude hit two more home runs last night and is hitting the cover off the ball. Guess what Rockie fans? We’re on a WINNING STREAK. I know, I didn’t think I would see it either this year. The Rockies are playing complete baseball. Their pitching has been great, defense has been great, and of course their hitting has been unstoppable. Atkins is starting to come on, Helton and Hawpe are doing what they’ve been doing all year. After Tracy gave Ian Stewart an earful after striking out looking in the first inning, he showed him that he was listening and gave the Rockies the boost they needed. Maybe Jim Tracy does have a bigger influence on the team. It makes me think that maybe the Rockies were just sick of Hurdle and his time had just run out. We’ll never know, but if the Rockies can continue to respond and turn this thing around, we might just have an okay season. Right now, an okay season is alright to me.


On a side note, I’m still not going to any Rockies games this year. They did fire Clint Hurdle, but now Dan O’dowd must fall in order for me to think about giving the Monforts any of my money. There is still a lot of work the Rockies must do to become relevant in the National League. The work will get done when Dan O’dowd is unemployed.


Go Rockies

Another big inning... Wait, what?

Oh great, here we go again. Another big run inning and the Rockies are a part of it. Wait, what? The Rockies didn’t give up 9 runs in an inning? The Cardinals did? Maybe things are perhaps, turning around for the Rockies. A powering 9 run inning with a towering 3 run BOMB by Ian Stewart to put the exclamation point at the end. I’m really just shocked it wasn’t the Rockies giving up the 9. I’m happy though and Jorge De La Rosa got the run support he’s been looking for all season long.


The Rockies need to use these last two big run wins to give them some sort of hope for their poor season. I think in the Rockies eyes, if we could get to .500 or close to it, they way this season started, that would be a positive year and a good step forward for next season. We just need to see the talent that is in the dugout. Brad Hawpe is killing it, Helton is hitting like he use to, Atkins is showing signs of life, and when the cards fall in to place for the Rockies, they are a dangerous team. Now, they can’t out score everyone, so the pitching needs to be consistent and they need to compete with each other. Baseball season is a marathon and if they can get their cards in line, they have a shot at least of hitting the .500 mark and if you are any type of Rockies fan, that’s a successful season. Also, don't forget to vote for Brad Hawpe to be in the All Star game! He made a great diving catch last night! VOTE NOW! @ http://www.mlb.com

ITS ALIVE!

Indeed, it’s ALIVE! Well, Garett Atkins was alive for at least one game. Yea, he hit two homers over the left field wall in Houston were t-ballers jack homers. It’s nice to see him actually hit the ball out of the infield. Although, all we did was avoid a 4 game sweep by the freaking Astros.



One important thing I want to start pushing is for everyone to vote for Brad Hawpe to get into the all star game. He is having a great season and he deserves to be there. You can vote here. He needs this so the Rockies can trade him for more prospects. That’s what its all about with the rox. Really, Brad does deserve to go to the all-star game and vote vote VOTE!



Side Note: Carlos Gonzalez was called up today from Colorado Springs. You may have heard of him. That’s right, part of the Matt Holliday trade. He has been killing it in the Springs and I even saw it firsthand this year and he hit the cover off the ball. They sent down Matt Murton back to the Springs. This is a good move, we need more fire in the lineup and I think Gonzalez will bring that to the team. Rockies/Cards tonight. First pitch 6pm Mountain.

Rockies Future and Larry Zimmer!

Like I said yesterday, all we are getting from the Rockies is more of the same.  With the Rockies, I don’t expect them to get to the World Series every year.  Even after 2007, I didn’t expect them to be in the World Series in 2008.  All I want is steps forward.  A little progress in the Rockies system, it always seems like we have the best farm system in the league, then they get to the big show and either don’t perform or we trade them away.  This Rockies disaster was not just Clint Hurdles fault.  It’s everyone in charge of scouting talent.  The leader of that group is GM Dan O’Dowd.  Now, I honestly don’t see him getting fired during the season.  If we keep this pace, he will not have his contract renewed and we will be looking for a new GM. 

I was just thinking about something that could perhaps help the Rockies pitching staff.  I know this is a long shot but it could help the young Rockies pitchers be around someone who has been successful his whole career.  Tom Glavine was released by the Braves yesterday after he said he felt good and was ready to come back to the majors.  The Braves then let him go.  There’s nothing for the Rockies to lose to either try to get him or actually get him.  Maybe he is done, but he doesn’t think so.  Really, he can’t do much worse than what we’ve had so far from Rockies pitching.  I just think he would really help out the young pitchers work with and see a pitcher who has had a hall of fame career. 

Finally today, I wanted to congratulate Larry Zimmer, the real voice of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, who won the Chris Schenkel Award.  This award goes to broadcasters who have spent a large amount of time with a single program.  Zimmer has spent over 35 years with the Buffs and has made many classic calls in Buffs football history.  Congrats Zim, can’t wait to hear you this season! (Photo from CUbuffs.com) 

And now it starts again plus some Avs talk

More of the same here in Rockie Land.  Although I didn’t expect a drastic change in the team after Clint Hurdle was fired last week, I did think that maybe the team would tighten up and stop losing close games.  After 11 innings last night, the Rockies could not close out a close, 1 run game and lost its third game in a row since the promotion of Jim Tracy.  Nothing will change in the Rockies organization until major changes are made.  Like I said, the master mind behind the train wreck, you may have heard of him, Dan O’dowd has to be booted out of the state of Colorado.  Any time he talks, he always talks in a way that you think he knows what he’s talking about, but the reality is, he’s probably blacked out and has no idea what he is saying.  They need new scouts for pitching, especially bull pen pitching.  Josh Fogg thankfully has been un touchable since his call up.  We need more like him, but 10 years younger.  I’m always asking myself, is Coors Field in their head?  I really don’t think that matters anymore since the humidor.  Why is it that most pitching the Rockies get, can’t pitch or pitch consistently?  I’m telling you guys now, it’s not Coors Field anymore, and it’s the scouts and GM that has failed the Colorado Rockies and us fans who pay to see the team.  They think they know what is right for Colorado and it’s obviously not working and something needs to be done. 

Now, a little Avalanche talk.  I have really not paid attention to the Avs since the lockout.  I use to be a HUGE Avs fan before the shut down a season.  Since the lockout, the Avalanche has gone away from their consistent winning to a Rockies like style of losing.  Kinda almost there, but not close at all.  That’s how they make me feel.  Well, the fired Tony Granato for like the 10^th time today.  Not sure why they keep hiring him, firing him, hiring him, ect.  So here is where I go off the deep end.  Why would the Avalanche wait so long to fire him?  The team is run by smarter people than that.  I would expect a coach to be named very soon.  Although Patrick Roy has said no, I still think that’s what the Avalanche are hoping for.  Perhaps Roy said no because the team still had a coach in place and maybe he didn’t really think the Avalanche were all in for THE Patrick Roy to coach the team.  My theory is, the Avs fire Tony today, then that makes them look serious about hiring Roy.  So right now, the Avalanche front office is on their knees HOPING and PRAYING that Patrick returns their call.  This is just a silly theory though.  Let me know what you think!

Rockies Lose and some Buffs News

Well, tough loss last night for the Rockies as they were once again owned by Roy Oswalt.  The last 10 start against the Rockies, Oswalt is 7-1 against the us with less than a 2.00 ERA.  He definitely has our number.  Aaron Cook took the loss and dropping to 3-3.  This is definitely not the Aaron Cook of last year.  This is why I ask, why is it that Rockies pitching pitches good only one year at a time?  For example, Jeff Francis last year.  He had a solid 17 win season in 2007, and th

en came out flat in 2008.  I know he had some shoulder issues, but what’s Aaron Cooks excuse?  How is he giving us line drive homeruns to Carlos Lee.  He’s a sinker ball pitcher and from all but maybe one start, the balls are not sinking.  Bob Apodaca, can we get on this please and get it fixed.  Cook was an all star last year.  At least we have Jason Marquis pitching as good as he is this season.  We would probably be at least 15 games under .500 opposed to the 10 games under now.  Jimenez needs to come out strong tonight and go at least 7 innings.  He finished last season off strong but has come out flat this season.

6-2-2009 – Colorado @ Houston – Jimenez (3-6, 4.37 ERA) vs. Paulino (1-4, 6.75 ERA)

Now for some sad Buffs news.  Josh Smith, you know the guy, he wears number 1, the Buffs number 1 receiver, and big kick returner who was up there in receiving yards last season and oh yea, Darrell Scott’s uncle?  Well, he is leaving the CU football program to pursue a singing/music and football career in California.  Apparently Colorado-Boulder does not offer such a music program for his liking.  This is going to REALLY ser the Buffs back and we are going to have to rely more on the run game this season.  There were also others that left the program and you can see who at the Ralphie Report. (link in the sidebar)  I was very disappointed when I read this and my first thought was “oh s---, D. Scott is going to go with him.”  So far, there have been no indications that Scott wants to leave Colorado and lets all hope it stays that way.

Go Rockies Go Buffs!  

Rockies Time

HAPPY JUNE!  Now that the Nuggets season is all done, all I have to talk about now is the Rockies!  Yea yea, I could talk broncos but really, we can wait till summer training camps to get going on the NFL.  Im sure ESPN is still doing NFL live shows every day! 

Welcome to the Jim Tracy era.  Although we lost yesterday afternoon, it has gotten off to a good start.  Winning the first two games but dropping yesterday.  Can someone tell me how Jorge De La Rosa still has a starter job?  Really?  He is now 0-6 as a starter.  Can you say Franklin Morales?!  I know I can!  Put De La Rosa in the bullpen or send him down here to the Springs for some starts to work on some stuff because it has not worked this year.  I know, the Rockies decide not to hit when he’s pitching, but still.  0-6 is unacceptable and he no longer deserves a spot in the rotation.  It’s time for Morales to really show us what he’s got.  What can we lose at this point?  Franklin at least has a win under his belt this season.  That’s my thoughts on the pitching.  As for the hitting, hey Tulo, stop thinking so much and just play the damn game.  I really think the World Series loss is still in their heads and it needs to get out.  We need to make some sort of run to make this season somewhat productive.  I think they are very talented and Clint Hurdle was a very big distraction in the clubhouse.  He’s gone, play ball.

One more thought, remember how horrible we thought the Matt Holliday trade was?  Have you noticed what he has done so far this season in lonely Oakland?  Let me refresh you.

Matt Holliday - .270 Avg. 6HR, 28 RBI’s, .366 OBP

Well Matty, these types of numbers won’t get you that huge contract you and your boy Scott Boras are looking for.  Come on back to Colorado, where you actually hit the ball, take less, and drop the ZERO (Scott Boras), and get with the HERO (Any other agent in the freaking world).  Us Rockies fan will welcome you back. 

Game Preview:

6/1/2009 - Colorado @ Houston – Cook vs Oswalt 6:05MT