A really tough loss. (Ed Hille/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT)
The eight-inning complete game is a tough little pill to swallow. I’d like to think that Jorge De La Rosa pitched so well last night that the Phillies didn’t even bother to use their turn in the bottom of the ninth. However, it was the Rockies’ offense that caused the statistical anomaly. They were completely dominated by the combo of Cole Hamels and Ryan Madson, wasting what was perhaps the best start by De La Rosa in a Rockies’ uniform.
When the Rockies signed Jorge to an extension, they were hoping that he would eat up more innings. However, while he’s been solid this season, he hasn’t been able to go deep into games. In eight starts prior to last night’s contest, DLR failed to get out of the sixth inning three times. So to see him go a full eight was very encouraging, even if the Rockies took the loss.
Obviously, Jorge’s performance was an infrequent occurrence, but most probably don’t realize just how rare the outing truly was. First and foremost, it was DLR’s first complete game as a Rockie. Yes, even though it was only eight innings, it still counts. Last season, Jorge pitched past the seventh inning just once. In eighty-four starts with the Rox, he’s completed eight innings of work only three times. All three of those starts were in the 2009 season. His start was a gem by anyone’s standards. Too bad it was wasted.
As I said before, Cole Hamels was dominant last night, but the Rockies didn’t exactly put their best foot forward. Once again, with his team playing in a huge game against one of the NL’s top teams, Jim Tracy made some very curious lineup decisions.
Jonny Herrera is small in stature. Nobody is going to argue against that point. However, it’s a bit absurd to assume he’s fragile because he’s short. In fact, Herrera’s career track record seems to suggest otherwise. In the minors he was always able to play every day. Jim Tracy’s attempts to coddle Herrera are off base and detrimental to the Rockies’ success. Jonny is a productive weapon on a team that often struggles offensively, particularly on the road. He needs to play as much as possible. Injuries happen in baseball, but you can’t let that control how the team is run. Obviously, Jonny’s going to need an occasional day off, but Tracy needs to plan better and make sure he’s in the lineup when the Rockies are facing a tough pitcher.
Madson celebrates after one of the easiest strikeouts of his career. (Ed Hille/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT)
This brings me to Jason Giambi. Quite frankly, it’s time for the Giambino to go. I love him, but he can’t play defense, can’t run, and can’t hit. He is a waste of space on the roster, even if he is a great clubhouse presence. Yet, Tracy insists on using Giambi in high leverage situations. Last night in the ninth, the Rox were down one run with runners on first and second and two outs. All they needed was a hit to tie, but Tracy chose the guy that’s hitting .115 over the guy that’s hitting .282.
These kinds of decisions are inexcusable. A high school cheerleader would know that Herrera should’ve been hitting in that situation. Tracy reminds me of somebody’s grandfather. It’s like he’s been given a brand new high definition television, but he’s afraid to break the remote so he still watches the old tube that he purchased in the 80′s. It’s time for Dan O’Dowd to be a good grandson and force Tracy to adapt by removing the old television.
Tonight, the Rox go for the split. They have a favorable pitching matchup. Hopefully, Tracy will start his best lineup.
Loading ...
Loading tweets...
6 comments
T.O. Owens
May 19, 2011 at 12:40 PM (UTC -6)
FOR THE LOVE OF DINGER:
You nailed this. The starters are solid (except for 3rd base) but the bench is terrible. We would be better off clearing out Lopez, Morales, and Giambi. EY II, Blackmon, and a broom with a catchers mitt would be better.
Any while we are at it home about Daley and Brothers for Paulino and Morales.
It kills me when the desire no to throw away money already spent keeps the best team off the field
Logan Burdine
May 19, 2011 at 12:50 PM (UTC -6)
Speaking of Dinger, I believe he would be a better option than Giambi.
This week’s minor league report will focus on the need to promote EY Jr. and Blackmon. I’m in total agreement.
Carlos Gonzalez and Tulo are young, but they won’t be in their primes forever. It would be a shame to waste even one season because they don’t want to admit they made mistakes.
Rockies Woman
May 19, 2011 at 1:35 PM (UTC -6)
Completely agree with your thoughts on Herrera and Giambi. I cannot scratch out a satisfactory explanation for why Herrera isn’t in the lineup every single day, especially when the alternatives are Lopez and Amezaga. And Tracy still puts Giambi in w/ 2 outs in the 9th like it’s 2009. It makes me sad.
CodenameDuchess
May 19, 2011 at 6:53 PM (UTC -6)
Giambi must have read this before the game today.
Doctor_Christopher
May 19, 2011 at 11:26 PM (UTC -6)
As Codename Duchess said, Giambi must have read this. I have been suggesting that Giambi would gone after inter-league, where they will need someone who knows how to DH. What he showed tonight is that when his swing is in sync, it is still very powerful. The video work Tracy and Lansford did seemed to get the swing back in sync. He has true thunder in there, which they need right now. But after interleague, where do tehy use it on a regular basis…he can only play 1B and Todd when healthy is having the best season on the team.
Have to disagree on Herrera, a guy I love. He is slightly below league average and I do think he is getting worn down already. He might have been the bestter choice to hit in the 9th Wednesday night, but they need to have him start fewer games. But unless Lopez or Wiggy is really ready to get untracked, you simply cannot do that.
Still, all things considered they should have won both against the best team in the NL right now, at their park. Pretty good place to be sitting.
Logan Burdine
May 20, 2011 at 6:23 AM (UTC -6)
I hope he did.
Chris, what are you basing that on? I mean, he’s not hitting .400 anymore, but I’ve seen nothing to indicate that he is getting worn down. Plus, it’s only May. Surely he isn’t tired yet. Also, dating back to last season, he’s sustained over a .355 OBP for 400 plus at-bats. His WAR totals seem to suggest that he is better than a league average player.
Is he Chase Utley at second? Absolutely not, but he’s solid. And, I’m still not buying into the idea that he’s fragile. There have been countless diminutive baseball players that didn’t have to be handled with kid gloves.