A great sight. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)
Any time the Rockies play the Giants it’s an important game. I’m not willing to call any game in May a “must-win”, but today’s contest is particularly meaningful for a number of reasons. A win would go a long way in turning around the Rockies’ recent swoon.
First and foremost, this is a game that the Rockies should win. They are at home, and, despite their early record, they will be a good home team this year. On paper the pitching match-up is in their favor. But, obviously, Ubaldo Jimenez has been scuffling while Jonathan Sanchez has been very good. Still, anytime the Rockies are going for a series win and U is on the mound, they need to take care of business. Ubaldo has been a very good pitcher for three years. Today would be a great day for him to finally regain that form.
Secondly, winning this game and sweeping this series would send a message. With a win, the Rockies will retake first place. That would be quite significant. I’d imagine that blowing a four game lead in two weeks was a psychological hurdle for this squad. After everything that’s happened, clawing back into first place this quickly would be an enormous boost.
Gearing up for bully-mode. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)
Finally, apparently, there was another closed door team meeting yesterday. This was the second one in the last few weeks. I don’t have a problem with team meetings. As they say, communication is very important. However, in baseball, there is a tricky fine line with these come-to-Jesus sessions. If used appropriately, they can be a shot of energy during a rough stretch. But, if over used, it all becomes lip service. If Jim Tracy stands in front of the team once every two weeks and demands accountability, but doesn’t actually require it, he’ll lose his team. If the losing continues, the next team meeting will be even less effective.
Last night, the Rockies were aggressive and relentless — kind of like they were at the start of the season. When they’re going well, they wear out pitchers and grind out wins. They bully opponents with ridiculous defense, lights out pitching, and thunderous bats. Actually, that’s what I call it — bully-mode. However, lately, the Giants have been the bullies. Today is a great chance for the Rox to hit back.
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4 comments
Ken
May 17, 2011 at 1:04 PM (UTC -6)
Your final point is interesting, Logan. You didn’t come out and say it, but like 3rd Base and the depth of our bull pen, management might be another weakness in the Rockies’ organization. Pardon me if I read to much into your words, but I have been disturbed by the some of the decisions made by management over the last several weeks: pulling Herrera for Giambi, keeping Morales and Paulino in the pen when there are ready and able alternatives in the Springs (I realize that neither have minor league options), not letting Herrera start the opener when he was clearly out pacing everyone else at second, and this is but a small list of puzzlements.
Anyway, I’ll keep an open mind about Tracy… for now.
Logan Burdine
May 17, 2011 at 1:27 PM (UTC -6)
That is pretty much what I’m talking about. Loyalty is great and all, but at some point it has to come down to production.
Jeff
May 17, 2011 at 3:14 PM (UTC -6)
Good post. Hopefully management has some plans in place to fix the holes but Tracy has been driving me crazy for a while now. How does he has the patience to let Carlos battle through his struggles in ’09 and Ianetta for the last 3 years but plays yo-yo with Ian Stewart? Its time to figure out what he brings to the table when actually given the role. Hell the last time he actually had it he hit 25 HRs. Give him 10-15 straight games as the starter vs Righties and Lefties and see if he can find his way. If he can’t its time to look elsewhere. I think we owe it to him and with the sub-par production out of Lopez and Wiggington it’s not like it is a big gamble. It is so frustrating watching this team and knowing they are right on the cusp. Right now we are consistent ABs and Ubaldo finding his control away from running away with the division. Hopefully they can figure it out.
Logan Burdine
May 17, 2011 at 3:28 PM (UTC -6)
Thanks, Jeff. I agree, they were not very patient with Ian. Hopefully, O’Dowd is working hard behind the scenes, trying to scrounge up a third baseman on the trade market. Either that or bring up EY or Nelson and move Herrera to third.