SB Nation User Blog: theoldgrizzlybear

Dan O'Dowd named The Sporting News' Executive of the Year

theoldgrizzlybear — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:50:40 -0000

According to The Sporting News' Jeff D'Alessio, Colorado General Manager Dan O'Dowd has won the publication's Executive of the Year award.

The man well known in the past around these parts as "Dealin' Dan," "Dan O'Dud," and "Dan O'Clown" was largely viewed as a genius this season, simply for firing Clint Hurdle and replacing him with Jim Tracy. However, O'Dowd should definitely be more recognized for the string of terrific deals he's made over the past year. Lassoing Huston Street and Carlos Gonzalez for Matt Holliday unexpectedly paid immediate dividends, and will continue to do so for years to come. Plus, when the team started to gain momentum toward a possible postseason berth, DOD went out and picked up relievers Joe Beimel and Rafael Betancourt to shore up the team's biggest weakness. On top of all of that, O'Dowd turned Luis Vizcaino and Aneury Rodriguez into Jason Marquis and Jason Hammel, respectively. Both pitchers largely contributed to what ended up being arguably the best starting rotation the Rox have ever had.

In addition to the aforementioned acquisitions, the Rockies recently completed what was arguably their most successful draft in team history, and certainly the best of any MLB team this season (based on what we know now). With all of those things combined, the future looks very bright for the Rockies and their fans, and as we all know, O'Dowd will soon be (and rightfully so) rewarded with a contract extension and a likely pay raise.

Check out this article for more from D'Alessio, including some great insight by the winner himself (including his admittance of the absurdity of the Chone Figgins/Kimera Bartee deal, and a quote that may make you sad).

Congratulations Dan, and GO ROCKIES!

Sammy Sosa = the new Michael Jackson?

theoldgrizzlybear — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:55:33 -0000

Sammy Sosa = the new Michael Jackson?

Apparently it's not steroids (although the article mentions that one of the side effects is the possible lightening of skin). Rather, Sosa is going through a "skin rejuvenation process."

Saturday Rockpile: Options are all a guy really wants

theoldgrizzlybear — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:10 -0000

Rockies decline options on Torrealba, Embree | All Things Rockies
No surprises here, as both players have filed for free agency. Yorvit Torrealba could return to the Rockies for less money, but there's also a decent chance that he will find more money elsewhere. Meanwhile, Alan Embree could catch on somewhere with a minor league deal, but probably won't command much more than that. But, what do I know?

Eleven Option Decisions Made Today: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com
Option decisions of note that were made yesterday (in addition to the ones mentioned above: The White Sox declined Jermaine Dye's $12MM option, while the Phillies and D-Backs picked up their options on Cliff Lee and Brandon Webb. There are sitll a whole slew of options remaining.

Texas Rangers Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News
Evan Grant takes a close look at the Rockies' offensive numbers with Clint Hurdle as their hitting coach.

Report: San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum has deal to settle drug charge - ESPN
Tim Lincecum will likely pay a $250 fine for possessing a marijuana pipe. Apparently, the charge for possessing the actual marijuana will be dismissed. According to a Clark County prosecutor, the situation with Lincecum doesn't differ from that of any first-time offender for something of this matter.

Saturday Rockpile: Several young Rockies participating in Venezuelan League, more

theoldgrizzlybear — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:27:27 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

Jhoulys Chacin has produced mixed results in a couple of starts in the Venezuelan League.

Browse more photos »

Plenty of Rockies participating in Venezuelan League
Tracy Ringolsby posted a link to this site in InsidetheRockies.com, and I figured I'd do the same here. Chino Carvajal, who runs the site, posts daily updates for the VZL games. According to Chino, Franklin Morales, Jhoulys Chacin, Edgmer Escalona, Carlos Gonzalez, Daniel Mayora, and Kenny Perez are all representing the Rockies' organization there.

Chacin pitched yesterday and struggled through four innings, getting just 34 of 59 pitches over the plate and allowing two runs on five hits. He walked one and struck out two. In the same update, Carvajal also mentions that Morales almost surely will be used as a starting pitcher.

Buster Olney blog -- MLB -- This winter's large, lackluster free-agent market likely will be flooded with non-tenders - ESPN
In Buster Olney's mind, the biggest name that will be part of the expected abundance of non-tendered players is our own Garrett Atkins. There's no way in hell the Rockies would offer Atkins $8-10MM in arbitration, and I'm not so sure they'll find a match for him in a trade, either. Plenty other teams will make similar decisions to contribute to the overpopulation of the free-agent market, according to an unnamed veteran executive.

BaseballAmerica.com: Majors: Awards: Rookie Of The Year: 2009 All-Rookie Team
Dexter Fowler has been named to Baseball America's All-Rookie Team (although, as a right fielder). Way to go, Dex!

Saturday Rockpile: What the Rox should consider doing with Eric Young Jr.

theoldgrizzlybear — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:53:12 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

2 months ago: Colorado Rockies' Eric Young, Jr. hits a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning of a baseball game in Denver on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Browse more photos »

There is an agonizingly extreme shortage of Rockies-related news today, so I figured I'd dive into a topic that was explored a bit in an ESPN.com chat with Jim Callis.

Chat: Chat with Baseball America's Jim Callis - SportsNation - ESPN
Scroll down a bit and you can see that Callis thinks highly of our very own Ubaldo Jimenez. Most people do, and rightfully so. Also, when asked to compare Dee Gordon and Eric Young Jr., here's Callis' answer:

I would take Gordon because I'm not convinced Young can stay in the infield. Gordon isn't a lock to stay at shortstop but I think he'll figure it out.

That begs the question: what should the Rockies do with EY2? The good thing about the possible conundrum the club will face with the talented youngster is that he is very versatile - as he has shown the ability to play in the infield and outfield. That said, he is probably an average-to-below average defender at both spots. You have to think, though, that with more reps he will improve at one (or both) of the positions, which will increase his value.

With Garrett Atkins and Omar Quintanilla being likely non-tender candidates (not to mention the fact that Brad Hawpe will probably be on the trading block, despite what the Rockies' front office is saying at this point), the younger Young is pretty much a lock for a spot on the 25-man coming out of Spring Training in 2010. However, am I alone in thinking it may be wise to place him back in Triple-A to have him get more work at one position or the other (instead of being a super-utility guy for the big league club, as we all know Clint Barmes will be penciled in at second base in the Opening Day lineup, along with the likely trio of Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez, and Seth Smith in the outfield)? Given the Rockies' current solid outfield depth, I'd like to see him spend all of his time honing his skills in the infield, as I think his value there will be of more importance/relevance to the big league team.

I've rambled on about as much as I can regarding this subject. Now, commence the inevitable Barmes flaming/Brian Roberts trade mongering in the comments. Also, you should humor me a bit and suggest a few players who could fill EY2's spot in the unlikely (but again in my opinion, very reasonable) event of him starting the year in the Springs.

Purple Row Awards: American League Rookie of the Year

theoldgrizzlybear — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:27:10 -0000

Throughout this week, we will be presenting our MLB Award Winners in the three major categories (MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year). The MVP winners were voted on by the entire Purple Row staff (minus Rox Girl), using the following scoring system:

1^st place = 50 points

2^nd place = 40 points

3^rd place = 30 points

4^th place = 20 points

5^th place = 10 points

The Cy Young and ROY voting was scored as such:

1^st place = 30 points

2^nd place = 20 points

3^rd place = 10 points

So, based on the figures you see above, your American League co-Rookies of the Year (!) are... (join us after the jump to find out!)

1. (tie) Brett Anderson

#49 / Pitcher / Oakland Athletics

Height: 6-4

Weight: 215

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Feb 01, 1988

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Brett Anderson	11-11	30	30	1	1	0	0	175.1	180	94	79	20	45	150	4.06	1.28

AND

1. (tie) Andrew Bailey

#40 / Pitcher / Oakland Athletics

Height: 6-3

Weight: 235

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: May 31, 1984

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Andrew Bailey	6-3	68	0	0	0	26	4	83.1	49	17	17	5	24	91	1.84	.88

3. Gordon Beckham

Apparently the Oakland Athletics grow pitchers on trees, though they have the advantage of playing half their games in a hitter's worst nightmare (a la Petco Park). Two young A's teammates had very good debut seasons for a team that scuffled through the first half of the season before starting to figure things out down the stretch (after they traded the high-priced veterans they brought in before the season).

Andrew Bailey was one of the elite back-end bullpen guys in all of baseball, allowing less than a baserunner per inning while maintaining a strikeout-to-walk ratio of almost 4. In addition, he was selected to the American League All-Star team in July - the only rookie in baseball to garner the achievement.

Brett Anderson, meanwhile, was thrown into the fire as a starting pitcher for the sub par A's, and definitely made it out of the long season alive, to say the least. He got off to a rough start, losing his first four decisions and posting a 6.03 ERA, but he recovered nicely and ended up finishing the season strong, as his 4-1 record and 2.20 ERA in September would suggest. Even more impressive was the fact that he struck out 31 batters in 28.2 innings in the final month of the season and walked four.

In the "others receiving votes" section: Matt Wieters (who made two ballots and almost got into the top three because I actually picked him to finish first among AL rookies. What can I say, I value catchers...), Rick Porcello, Jeff Niemann, and Elvis Andrus (who received a lone vote from Jabberwocky).

Full disclosure of votes:

AL RoY	RMN	PF	togb	Russ	Silver	Jabbs
1	Brett Anderson	Andrew Bailey	Matt Wieters	Gordon Beckham	Andrew Bailey	Brett Anderson
2	Andrew Bailey	Brett Anderson	Gordon Beckham	Rick Porcello	Rick Porcello	Jeff Niemann
3	Gordon Beckham	Jeff Niemann	Jeff Niemann	Matt Wieters	Gordon Beckham	Elvis Andrus

Tomorrow, we'll unveil our selection for National League Rookie of the Year (I'll give you a hint - it's not Henry Rowengartner).

Saturday Rockpile: Will we be saying goodbye to some old friends?

theoldgrizzlybear — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:41:36 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

"Well I'd love to stay, but Iannetta is going to take my job for good this time!"

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Posting from the road, so I'm keeping it short (and late). The stove is already heating up...

Brad Hawpe: What’s His Trade Market? " The Ghost of Moonlight Graham
Adam Bernacchio looks at the trade market for Brad Hawpe and goes through his pros/cons as well as potential suitors, which include the Red Sox (aren't they potential suitors for EVERYONE?), Mets, and Cubs.

What The Rockies Should Do With Betancourt, Hawpe and Torrealba | Around the Majors
Tyler Hissey ponders what the Rockies should do with three of their upcoming free agents. It seems like he pretty much echoes the sentiments of the crowd here at Purple Row, saying that Betancourt should be brought back, while Hawpe and Torrealba should receive their walking papers. He does make some compelling arguments along the way, so check it out.

Renck: Baseball in November is ridiculous - The Denver Post
In Troy E. Renck's piece about the hilarity of baseball being played in November, he has the following quote from Dodgers' coach Larry Bowa regarding our very own Rox: "Well, the mauling occurred early in the season. The last (three series) we played against them, they were great games," Dodgers third-base coach Larry Bowa said. "They are young. And they have a lot of talent." Bowa apparently went on to gush about budding star Carlos Gonzalez. Also, buried in the article is an update on Yorvit Torrealba, whom the Rockies would like to bring back but at less than half of his $4MM club option. As Renck says, Torrealba will likely bolt if a starting job is offered for similar (or more) money.

A great pic from my favorite place in the world. If you want, you can look at my incomplete (and...

theoldgrizzlybear — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:40:36 -0000

A great pic from my favorite place in the world.

If you want, you can look at my incomplete (and hilarious) photo album from the trip HERE (password is gorockies).

Why the Rockies lost to the Phillies

theoldgrizzlybear — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:14:56 -0000

Why the Rockies lost to the Phillies

I wrote a recap of the Rockies/Phillies series for The Hardball Times. Check it out, unless you're already tired of looking at stuff like this.

Tonight's Game Postponed

theoldgrizzlybear — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:04:05 -0000

via graphics8.nytimes.com

Jabberwocky:

According to 9 News, there will be no postseason baseball in Colorado today. Game 3 will instead be played tomorrow night at 8:07 MDT with Game 4 happening at a time TBA on Monday.

Official MLB Press Release

Tickets to tonight's game will be accepted tomorrow and game 4 tickets will be good on Monday. If it is necessary, game 5 will still be played in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Looking outside my window and seeing a blanket of snow covering the ground, I'm not surprised in the least.

This is bad news in my opinion for the Rockies, who instead of an ineffective Pedro Martinez might now face lefty J.A. Happ in game 3 and game 1 winner Cliff Lee in game 4 at Coors.

/Jabberwocky

Sad puma:

via ugliesttattoos.com