If he doesn't do something about Paulino, Tulo may go after O'Dowd next. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
I have to make an admission. I fell asleep last night. But, it didn’t happen until the middle of the fourteenth inning. Maybe it was because I knew the Rockies were cooked. The last thing I remember was watching Felipe Paulino leave the bullpen, knowing he was about to face Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. When I woke up, Helmer and Cowboy were on and I that’s all I needed to see. I knew exactly what happened. I still haven’t watched the replay of Fielder’s home run, and, to be honest, I don’t plan on it.
I’m not going to trash Jim Tracy today. Obviously, Tracy was only using Felipe and his barrel magnet fastball as a last resort. Instead, I’m going after Dan O’Dowd because this has gotten ridiculous and it’s his job to fix it. First of all, if the Rockies had done any research whatsoever, they would’ve known that Paulino is a fraud. His game is predicated upon heat, but the reality is that big league hitters feast on his fastball. This is a fact. Check out his wFB in every year of his career:
2007: -2.9
2009: -24.0
2010: -12.3
2011: – 6.5
The signature pose after seeing a Felipe Paulino fastball. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Rockies lose pretty much any time Paulino pitches. The manager has totally given up on him. When he comes into games, his teammates become visibly dejected. Yet, here he is, still on the roster, finding his way into games at crucial points. It’s like O’Dowd isn’t willing to admit a mistake. In fact, I’m pretty sure he is the only person in Denver that thinks Paulino should still be on this team.
Felipe needs to designated for assignment today. If the Rockies play one more game with him in the bullpen that is too many. Cut ties with Paulino and call up Rex Brothers. At the very least, Brothers will be able to get lefties out. Paulino can’t even get an out. His presence on this team is inexcusable. If the Rockies end up missing the playoffs by a game or two, you can bet I’ll be pointing to Paulino’s contributions.
If the rapture comes tonight, I’ll never forgive Dan O’Dowd. The last event in Rockies’ history will have been a painful loss on a walk off homer given up by someone that should’ve been off the roster weeks ago.
P.S. I just broke down and watched the highlight of Fielder’s home run. I feel violated.
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10 comments
T.O. Owens
May 21, 2011 at 11:33 AM (UTC -6)
Seriously…I mean SERIOUSLY!!!!
I have never wanted a guy to get hurt but could’t he cut his hand with a cigar cutter.
Any mysterious injury. You really cannot prove a bad back or a groin pull.
From here on out we should not use his name, just the word “inferno”
Logan Burdine
May 21, 2011 at 12:05 PM (UTC -6)
I like it. Today, Tracy should inform Paulino that he is injured. They can just keep it a secret.
CodenameDuchess
May 21, 2011 at 5:15 PM (UTC -6)
You could not be more right, however, let’s not give Mr. Street a free pass. The guy just doesn’t have the stuff to be a closer. Every one of his mistakes is a home run. I didn’t think it was possible to be as nervous as I used to be when watching Fuentes but Street has taken that title with ease. Fuentes had control issues and you always knew that you would never get a 1-2-3 inning but the man rarely got blasted.
I think it’s time for Mr. Lidstrom to take the role. At least when he misses it’s at 97mph and not a hanging slider or flat changeup.
Rich Kurtzman
May 21, 2011 at 8:40 PM (UTC -6)
Well Logan, he’s gone now, so no more “crapping the bed” as you say.
The Rockies had to rid themselves of Morales and Paulino, good to see they did just that.
CodenameDuchess
May 21, 2011 at 10:05 PM (UTC -6)
I’ll miss Morales, he was nails during the world series run and is as talented a lefty as there is in the league. My biggest fear is that the Rockies trade him to St. Louis and Dave Duncan turns him into the Hispanic Clayton Kershaw.
Jerry
May 22, 2011 at 7:27 AM (UTC -6)
Adios Senor Gasolino Paulino. And, I’m getting a little edgy living on ‘Anxiety Street’. We’re all whistling past the graveyard about this team’s post-season prospects unless there’re some changes of significance … in performance by existing players and/or roster revisions of consequence.
Cole C.
May 28, 2011 at 4:48 AM (UTC -6)
I wonder why the Royals (or any team for that matter) would even consider picking up Paulino, let alone paying the Rox to do it.
Bill
May 22, 2011 at 11:09 AM (UTC -6)
I agree. Street is not a closer. The entire bullpen blew that game. We need Brothers up and I don’t thing Reynolds is the long term answer. I would like to see Rex try the closer role. Maybe Houston can relieve 6-or 7 th innings. Good picture but too predictable.
Travis
May 22, 2011 at 6:46 PM (UTC -6)
I think rather than him being sent down for assignment that Pualino just needs be a human sacrifice to the baseball gods…he’s be a lot more useful that way
don quixote
May 23, 2011 at 2:13 PM (UTC -6)
Do you remember the Spilbourghs game vs the Giants a few years ago, and how great it felt to really stick it to them in extras, and how miserable Giants fans were after that game?
Yeah, the Brewers just did that to the Rockies.