Comments on: Rockies free agent possiblities? http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/ News and commentary about the Colorado Rockies from Tracy Ringolsby, Jack Etkin and Steve Foster Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:51:05 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: ProgMatinee http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9504 ProgMatinee Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:25:20 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9504 Barmes seems fairly solid offensivly, but 2b is becoming a position where the TOP teams get huge production. During the playoffs it felt like the Rox had a huge hole at that 8 spot. Combine that hole with the swing and miss style of Ianetta and Stewart, you just can't have 6-9 of your lineup as strike outs waiting to happen. Barmes seems fairly solid offensivly, but 2b is becoming a position where the TOP teams get huge production. During the playoffs it felt like the Rox had a huge hole at that 8 spot. Combine that hole with the swing and miss style of Ianetta and Stewart, you just can’t have 6-9 of your lineup as strike outs waiting to happen.

]]> By: Tracy Ringolsby http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9488 Tracy Ringolsby Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:49:03 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9488 Another thought on Hudson -- he is a type A free agent. If he is signed before Dodgers decline arbitration -- if they do decline -- the Rockies would have to give up their first-round draft choice next June, and that's not going to happen. Another thought on Hudson — he is a type A free agent. If he is signed before Dodgers decline arbitration — if they do decline — the Rockies would have to give up their first-round draft choice next June, and that’s not going to happen.

]]> By: Rockpile http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9483 Rockpile Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:10:32 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9483 HyukHyuk, I think Bobby Crosby is a great suggestion. He can play all the infield positions and even played the outfield last year. He's solid on D, hits for power and won the Rookie of the year a few years ago. I'd say go after him. He'd be a solid utility guy to replace Atkins. And we've had good luck with those Long Beach State guys--Giambi, Tulo. And the funny thing about those Oakland guys is when they leave there they end up hitting again, as we saw with Holliday and Giambi last year. Must be the football stadium they play in. No one can hit there. HyukHyuk, I think Bobby Crosby is a great suggestion. He can play all the infield positions and even played the outfield last year. He’s solid on D, hits for power and won the Rookie of the year a few years ago. I’d say go after him. He’d be a solid utility guy to replace Atkins. And we’ve had good luck with those Long Beach State guys–Giambi, Tulo. And the funny thing about those Oakland guys is when they leave there they end up hitting again, as we saw with Holliday and Giambi last year. Must be the football stadium they play in. No one can hit there.

]]> By: HyukHyuk http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9481 HyukHyuk Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:15:58 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9481 If we're going into the season without making a change in the starting IF, don't we need a utility guy, specifically an RH bat off the bench? EY's defense is only proficient enough for 2B and we have no one behind Helton and Atkins. I think Bobby Crosby would be worth a shot on a minor league deal. He can back up Tulo in a nice role reversal from their Dirtbag days and also play 1st and 3rd. If we’re going into the season without making a change in the starting IF, don’t we need a utility guy, specifically an RH bat off the bench? EY’s defense is only proficient enough for 2B and we have no one behind Helton and Atkins. I think Bobby Crosby would be worth a shot on a minor league deal. He can back up Tulo in a nice role reversal from their Dirtbag days and also play 1st and 3rd.

]]> By: Doctor Christopher http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9476 Doctor Christopher Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:59:08 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9476 I think we have to remember also that the budget means we cannot have A+ at every posiiton. If, and this is a big if, Stewart can figure out the strike zone and can take the pitch where it is pitched, he could become a top flight 4 tool 3B, and there are few of those in the majors. As for Barmes, you got to love the guy personally, and his D is plus and his power at the 2B position is rare. Can he hit .265 and avoid popping up so much? Can he and EY together form a 2B/Utility platoon that will provide plus O and enough D between the 2 of them? That along with Ianetta returning to 2008 form will be key in catching the Dodgers next year. As for the rotation and pen, every team accept the Braves have a ? in their front 5, and every team faces the chance a quality reliever has an off year. I think we are well set-up for the upcoming, especially if (again that word) Francis comes back strong, one of the young guys steps up, and the figure out the Lefty and 8th innning roles. Hey, we came close last year and no one had a "career" year accept for maybe Tulo (and at 25 do we know that). So lets stay positive and trust ODowd to make good use of the $ he has. Certainly do not sign Glaus. I think we have to remember also that the budget means we cannot have A+ at every posiiton. If, and this is a big if, Stewart can figure out the strike zone and can take the pitch where it is pitched, he could become a top flight 4 tool 3B, and there are few of those in the majors. As for Barmes, you got to love the guy personally, and his D is plus and his power at the 2B position is rare. Can he hit .265 and avoid popping up so much? Can he and EY together form a 2B/Utility platoon that will provide plus O and enough D between the 2 of them? That along with Ianetta returning to 2008 form will be key in catching the Dodgers next year. As for the rotation and pen, every team accept the Braves have a ? in their front 5, and every team faces the chance a quality reliever has an off year. I think we are well set-up for the upcoming, especially if (again that word) Francis comes back strong, one of the young guys steps up, and the figure out the Lefty and 8th innning roles.

Hey, we came close last year and no one had a “career” year accept for maybe Tulo (and at 25 do we know that). So lets stay positive and trust ODowd to make good use of the $ he has. Certainly do not sign Glaus.

]]> By: Matt G http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9475 Matt G Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:56:42 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9475 Thank you to Stace R for doing your research and making a solid point. As for those of you calling for the Rockies to make moves for 2nd and 3rd baseman...I don't understand your logic. After the disaster of signing Mike Hampton and another pitcher for a ton of dough (cant remember who) the Rockies management decided that it would be wiser to invest in a solid scouting and farm system in order to build talent from within and put out a solid, contending club without having to spend big money on aging players. And guess what...that's exactly what has happened! We have seen the Rockies play in October for 2 of the past 3 seasons because of excellent scouting, coaching, and a very savvy general manager. I guess my point is, stop your whining. The Rockies are not and never will be a big market team so stop calling for trades for proven players, especially when we don't need them! Barmes is a solid starting 2nd basemen as Stace R pointed out and Stewart is an incredible talent who has already produced decently and will only get better. And if you are going to complain, keep in mind that pitching wins championships, not slugging 2nd basemen. Thank you to Stace R for doing your research and making a solid point. As for those of you calling for the Rockies to make moves for 2nd and 3rd baseman…I don’t understand your logic. After the disaster of signing Mike Hampton and another pitcher for a ton of dough (cant remember who) the Rockies management decided that it would be wiser to invest in a solid scouting and farm system in order to build talent from within and put out a solid, contending club without having to spend big money on aging players. And guess what…that’s exactly what has happened! We have seen the Rockies play in October for 2 of the past 3 seasons because of excellent scouting, coaching, and a very savvy general manager. I guess my point is, stop your whining. The Rockies are not and never will be a big market team so stop calling for trades for proven players, especially when we don’t need them! Barmes is a solid starting 2nd basemen as Stace R pointed out and Stewart is an incredible talent who has already produced decently and will only get better. And if you are going to complain, keep in mind that pitching wins championships, not slugging 2nd basemen.

]]> By: Paul http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9473 Paul Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:52:24 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9473 While it was great to see Helton bounce back in 2009 and have a productive season, maybe the opportunity exists to get out from under that contract and help the Rockies going forward. It seems it would help both teams to trade Helton to Atlanta for Derek Lowe. I know Helton has a no trade but he might agree to Atlanta and the Rockies would have to believe in Hawpe as a first baseman. However, for less salary in 2010 and 2011, the Rockies could add a veteran ground ball pitcher and commit to their young outfield (Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez). The Braves have six starting pitchers, could get rid of their largest salary commitment (to Lowe) and need a first baseman. Helton's remaining contract (2 years) is for less total money than Lowes' remaining three years. Is this possible? While it was great to see Helton bounce back in 2009 and have a productive season, maybe the opportunity exists to get out from under that contract and help the Rockies going forward.

It seems it would help both teams to trade Helton to Atlanta for Derek Lowe. I know Helton has a no trade but he might agree to Atlanta and the Rockies would have to believe in Hawpe as a first baseman. However, for less salary in 2010 and 2011, the Rockies could add a veteran ground ball pitcher and commit to their young outfield (Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez).

The Braves have six starting pitchers, could get rid of their largest salary commitment (to Lowe) and need a first baseman. Helton’s remaining contract (2 years) is for less total money than Lowes’ remaining three years. Is this possible?

]]> By: Stace R http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9468 Stace R Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:53:57 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9468 I've been meaning to post on this topic for a while. Since when did second base become a spot in the lineup where you demand a 1-6 hitter's type numbers? I know the game has changed, but it wasn't so long ago, that Second, Short and Center were premiere defensive positions that didn't demand the offensive numbers that the corner infield and outfield positions usually filled. Clint Barmes detractors must be running out of things to complain about with this Rockies team. Or they are so offensively minded that that's how they judge everybody. Well, let's take a look at those numbers a bit. Barmes 2009 ranking vs. NL Second Basemen: 9th in Hits 8th in Runs Scored 7th in Slugging Percentage 5th in Doubles 4th in Runs Batted In 3rd in Home Runs Now I know those numbers don't scream Silver Slugger or Tripple Crown, but average to above average offensive numbers PLUS being solid to better than good defensively I think makes him one of the top 5 NL second basemen to have. I just don't think folks see the forest thru the trees. I’ve been meaning to post on this topic for a while.

Since when did second base become a spot in the lineup where you demand a 1-6 hitter’s type numbers? I know the game has changed, but it wasn’t so long ago, that Second, Short and Center were premiere defensive positions that didn’t demand the offensive numbers that the corner infield and outfield positions usually filled.

Clint Barmes detractors must be running out of things to complain about with this Rockies team. Or they are so offensively minded that that’s how they judge everybody.

Well, let’s take a look at those numbers a bit.

Barmes 2009 ranking vs. NL Second Basemen:

9th in Hits
8th in Runs Scored
7th in Slugging Percentage
5th in Doubles
4th in Runs Batted In
3rd in Home Runs

Now I know those numbers don’t scream Silver Slugger or Tripple Crown, but average to above average offensive numbers PLUS being solid to better than good defensively I think makes him one of the top 5 NL second basemen to have.

I just don’t think folks see the forest thru the trees.

]]> By: joseph http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9465 joseph Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:42:57 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9465 I see where the optimism on Stewart comes from, but I think it is risky not having a real viable plan B. The fact is that until he is not, he's a .220 - .230 hitter at best and that's pretty unforgiving at 3B. Would I be shocked if he broke out? Of course not but I also wouldn't be surprised if he hit .175. There is a reason that he wasn't playing full time down the stretch when the chips were down and assuming that it will be magically fixed in an off-season and not having a contingency plan seems foolhardy. I see where the optimism on Stewart comes from, but I think it is risky not having a real viable plan B. The fact is that until he is not, he’s a .220 – .230 hitter at best and that’s pretty unforgiving at 3B. Would I be shocked if he broke out? Of course not but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he hit .175. There is a reason that he wasn’t playing full time down the stretch when the chips were down and assuming that it will be magically fixed in an off-season and not having a contingency plan seems foolhardy.

]]> By: Tracy Ringolsby http://www.insidetherockies.com/2009/11/17/rockies-free-agent-possiblities/comment-page-1/#comment-9463 Tracy Ringolsby Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:22:23 +0000 http://www.insidetherockies.com/?p=4113#comment-9463 I will always wonder about Hudson. I have liked him as a player, but first Arizona doesn't attemp to re-sign him. He goes to the Dodgers, is extolled for his life in the clubhouse and lineup and then finds himself playing behind Ronnie Belliard when it counts. And we've all seen plenty of Belliard. I just wonder if the wrist injury is something that will haunt him forever. He is a great individual and sure look good on the limited basis the Rockies have seen him. I will always wonder about Hudson.
I have liked him as a player, but first Arizona doesn’t attemp to re-sign him. He goes to the Dodgers, is extolled for his life in the clubhouse and lineup and then finds himself playing behind Ronnie Belliard when it counts. And we’ve all seen plenty of Belliard. I just wonder if the wrist injury is something that will haunt him forever. He is a great individual and sure look good on the limited basis the Rockies have seen him.

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