Millwood expected to join Rockies, could replace Nicasio
The Colorado Rockies will give right-handed pitcher Kevin Millwood a look to take over Juan Nicasio‘s spot in the starting rotation. Millwood will join the team in Cincinnati, but the Rockies did not announce who will start Wednesday, which would have been the next scheduled turn in the rotation for Nicasio.
Millwood, 36, is 7-2 with a 4.32 ERA in three stops in the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox minor-league systems, most recently at the Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucker. The Red Sox released Millwood on Sunday.
I like him in the NL.
This move makes so much sense irregardless of the outcome. The 2011 season is lost already and there are no more Rockies minor leaguers that are close to being ready. So why not take a look at Millwood and maybe you can sign him to a team friendly deal as the #4 or #5 starter in 2012.
At the very least he can eat some innings until DLR and Nicasio can make it back next season. I realize that’s pretty optomistic on Juan especially but hey Doc C lent me those purple glasses of his – so why not hope for the best.
Millwood used to be considered pretty good. What happened to him? Loss of command, loss of velocity? Or was he just overrated?
That’s sad that we have no one in our system who is even good enough to deserve to get some experience as a starter in the major leagues, even if they aren’t quite ready. So instead, we have to sign a 36 year old.
@Julian, it’s poor drafts finally catching up with the Rockies…
I think the Rox said Drew Pomeranz and Alex White will be on the rotation in September if the season is lost.
Do you mean you would rather see Clayton Mortensen or Billy Buckner start on Wednesday night?
Yep…that is where we are (again, why we had to trade Ubaldo), having to pick up Millwood. Maybe we can catch a little lightening in a bottle with Kevin. He certainly knows how to pitch…is there anything left in that arm though?
Yankees and Red Sox didn’t think so, and last I looked both needed arms, especially Yanks.
Well another tryout. Will we ever push our minor leagues kids. really would’nt rather see what Friedrich could do or Houston or Bettis.
Probably not a bad move. Kevin can at least suck up innings. The season is lost anyway.
BIG TIME TONY, I have to disagree, none of those pitchers have dominated at AA (or above), that is a real good way to tell if a pitcher is ready to face MLB hitters. The way the AA hitters have hit Friedrich, as an example, his MLB ERA would +6.00 at the very least.
Kevin can at least eat some innings. Season is lost anyway.
That’s right, innings eater. Trip, you ask what happened to Millwood. Answer: he was never very good, and never warranted the big contract he got. But he really wasn’t that awful last year despite the 4-16 (ouch) record (that was for the Orioles after all), and he’s been fine in the minors since coming back this year. So yeah, he’s better than Reynolds and Mortensen … which isn’t saying a whole lot.
I wanted Friedrich, but after 2 awful starts in a row, I can’t say I disagree with this decision.
Friedrich? Not ready. The closest to ready will be White. I think I would even give Gardner a shot.
Is Millwood overrated? I’m not sure how you can be overrated at 36. In the grand scheme of pitching careers how many actually make it to 36? Will he come in and be the answer? Nope. If fans are realistic and understand that he is 36 and set correct expections then nothing lost.
Actually Curt I would rather see Mortensen or Buckner. The Rockies have a group of guys that are now nothing more than AAA stock pile. The revolving door is not working. They need to make serious decisions with guys like Reynolds, Mortensen and Buckner. Are these the guys destined to be the permanent AAA rotation only to be brought up in emergency situations or as a last ditch effort? Do they keep them on the 40 man? Tough decisions need to be made. They need pitchers that are developing and moving forward.
I know we seemingly put a lot on Mr. O’Dowd. Probably some of it is justified. I also think if you are going to say things like “poor drafts” then you need to include a few more names than just Mr. O’Dowd. What about Marc Gustafson or Walt Sylvester? I would even throw in Mr. Weil’s name along with his team. Drafting the player is only the 1st piece of the puzzle. There are other pieces needed to complete the puzzle and they all fit under player development.
For me, all the people (teams) mentioned above have a share in this.
Maybe we’re signing him as a pinch hitter!Think he used to be able to swing it alittle.Probably just a bridge to the Sept call ups.
Gary, I really want to know what September callups you are referring to? Other than White – who should be in Denver within days – there are no other starting pitchers in the minors that are ready for the MLB – September or otherwise.
Pomeranz will probably get a look, I would imagine.
When Millwood gets added to the roster, who goes out? Escalona? He’s pitched well since coming up. Roenicke? How about Brothers?
As far as Pomeranz, I hope he doesn’t get rushed up in Sept. For one thing, he’s only had a handful of starts above A ball. Besides, he doesn’t need to be added to the 40-man roster this winter, so why waste a spot for him? Just have him go to ST and start the 2012 season at CS and come up some time in June. Besides, I doubt the Rox would want to start his arbitration clock ticking.
Cisco – NO NO NO – you NEVER EVER start a prized pitching prospect at Colorado Springs, it has to be either Tulsa or the MLB for Pomeranz! I would like to seec Pomeranz get three starts or so in late September just to get the MLB butterflies over with – then start him at Tulsa for April and May 2012 – then see what happens.
I agree with rich M. Colo Springs is for emergency spot starts and roster fill ins. That place can ruin anyone’s confidence.