This is not a major league caliber outfielder. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT)
I’ve lost all faith in the Rockies. Watching them play is like being slowly pushed through a meat grinder. It’s excruciating. Every game begins with a slight bit of optimism, but then the Rox spend nine innings pooping on our hope. In one month they’ve gone from a team that might run away with the West to a team that looks like it has quit. I used to think they would win every game, but now I just hope they can keep it competitive for five or six innings and give me something interesting to watch.
I’m out of answers. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had numerous debates over pointless position changes, e.g. Herrera to third. Last night on Twitter, I found myself arguing the outfield defensive merits of Ty Wigginton and EY Jr. These discussions speak for themselves. The fact that Herrera to third is even up for debate is a testament to how bad things have gotten. If you are forced to play Ty Wigginton or Eric Young Jr. in the outfield, you have some serious depth issues.
There has been a lot of talk about the need to fire Jim Tracy. Perhaps that’s right. Tracy’s nightly post game lip service is almost unbearable at this point. For example, take this quote from last night:
“I know this group very well. I’ve been with them for quite a while. They understand what we’re going through. To sit here and have anyone think or feel like we’re enjoying this? You’re kidding yourself. It’s not fun, but it’s part of the challenge of the game.”
(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Do they really understand what they’re going through? It certainly doesn’t look that way. They appear to be lost, confused, and ready for the season to end. Also, it’s a bit disconcerting that Tracy brags about his strong acquaintance with the team, yet doesn’t have a clue what’s wrong with them or how to fix it. He frequently postures in front of the media, demanding accountability and promising changes, but doesn’t follow through. Yes, I do realize that I just described a politician.
I’m not a big fan of calling for the manager’s head, but I honestly think Tracy has lost this team. Aside from a three week stretch in April, they’ve been playing miserable baseball since last September. Last year, they played themselves into position to win the West before unraveling and losing thirteen of their final fourteen. They just lost twenty one games in May after building a four game NL West lead in April. That’s two major melt-downs in three months of play. Somehow, I seriously doubt that a few minor league call-ups are going to change anything. There are some deep fundamental issues affecting this squad.
Maybe it’s not just the manager. It’s time to demand a little accountability from the GM too. To be honest, Dan O’Dowd didn’t do much to improve this team in the off-season. They struggled to hit on the road last year, so he added poor hitting veterans, Ty Wigginton and Jose Lopez. The Rockies didn’t need a lot, but they definitely needed something more than Wiggy and Lopez. If there is any defense of Tracy, it’s that he’s not exactly playing with a full deck.
As long as I don't get blamed, I'm not worried.
Also, when was the last time O’Dowd made a dramatic in season move that really helped the Rox? Other than the additions of some nice relievers over the years, nothing comes to mind. A trade of some sort is desperately needed, but highly unlikely. That’s not really Dan’s style. Making risky moves means putting his neck on the line and he has survived a decade plus of fielding mediocre baseball teams because he doesn’t put himself out there.
At some point, the Monforts have to put a stop to all this. Like I said earlier, I don’t like calling for people’s jobs. However, if O’Dowd and Tracy continue to guide a team this talented to a sub-.500 record, changes must be made. Unfortunately, this season will probably be a lost cause before anything happens.
Disagree? As always, comments are welcome.
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16 comments
Jerry
June 1, 2011 at 9:32 AM (UTC -6)
Spot-on, Logan. There’s certainly sufficient evidence in performance to indict players, manager AND the G.M. At this point, it’s sobering to realize that the Rox are only 1.5 games ahead of the putrid Padres. The on-going attitude that “we’re better than our record” is self-delusion and fantasy. There are obvious deficiencies with this team and substantive actions are required before we hear the “Thud” as the Rox fall into the basement of NL West. There is a case study within the division: the D’Backs. They’ve righted the ship virtually overnight (of course I’ve always liked the competitive fire of Kirk Gibson when with both the Tigers and Dodgers). Maybe we need more of his a**-kicking attitude and less of that of a politician?
Justin
June 1, 2011 at 10:41 AM (UTC -6)
As of right now, we are 4.5 games outta the lead of the NL West. Given how poorly the month of May we should be feeling lucky that we are still in such a good position. You’ve mentioned in past posts the unlucky streak that we’ve also seen…
That being said, it’s time for our young guns to build the leadership they are going to need in the coming months and years.
Justin
June 1, 2011 at 10:43 AM (UTC -6)
There should be this link between those two paragraphs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8ufRnf2Exc
Logan Burdine
June 1, 2011 at 3:32 PM (UTC -6)
Tremendous comment. Youtube links are strongly encouraged everyone.
Steve
June 1, 2011 at 11:20 AM (UTC -6)
Couldn’t agree more. The Rockies are downright painful to watch right now. I shelled out for an mlb.tv subscription so I could finally watch my team all the way through, but lately it’s been a chore to get through each game. I’m tired of hearing about the black hole at 3rd and lack of depth at 2nd. I can only imagine what Fraizer and Goodman are saying to each other between innings. I don’t think the season is lost yet, but I don’t see any reason for hope if things keep going the same way. We’ll see what June brings.
Anna
June 1, 2011 at 11:22 AM (UTC -6)
There are no good reasons for why the Rockies are performing so pitifully the last five weeks, but there are a multitude of excuses. The players added in the off season have, with the exception of Wigginton, been more of a burden than a help. The ‘relief pitchers’ made the term into a grand oxymoron, you know, like jumbo shrimp. Stewart bombed badly and appeared to be handled with no real plan in mind. In the middle of this, add Amezaga who helped no one. The regular players who were having normal ups and downs had their efforts completely wiped out by those ‘relief pitchers’ and Jonathon Herrara got jerked around every time new players were dropped in place. (I have to admit to having a lot of respect and affection for Jonny due to his hard work and consistent performance.) All those things impact team morale, i. e., they suck. Now E Y and Nelson have been brought up; who knows what they will contribute? Nelson appears to have a clue and a good attitude. E Y seems to be himself, fast on the bases but defensively weak. Fowler is struggling offensively. With all those things in mind, there is still no reason for the pitiful play. There is something wrong in the clubhouse. But I cannot stop watching. They are still my guys.
Logan Burdine
June 1, 2011 at 3:39 PM (UTC -6)
Really appreciate the comments everyone. I need you guys to check me when I get all emotional and start tossing around absurd scenarios like moving Herrera to third. May was a miserable month. With that said, I’m confident that they will turn it around tonight.
Hank
June 2, 2011 at 12:37 AM (UTC -6)
It’s early. I believe this slump will only help the Rockies. You look at Ubaldo’s performance tonight against the Dodgers and I see a pitcher who is coming on. He appeared to have the best adversity I’ve ever seen him play with.
As far as the Herrera playing third base, if you’re going to switch players in and out, this is a good time to do it. There is still plenty of season left for the Rockies to get it together. They still have the best defensive team in their division. Give the Rockies pitchers some time to get better. I still believe they will take off in August and September and win the NL West. Jim Tracy is a good coach because he’s not afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.
Ashton B
June 2, 2011 at 12:45 PM (UTC -6)
Lets not sell the farm Logan. I know Tracy is nearly unbearable some nights. We all wish we could go into the clubhouse and throw some tables around until this team finally got with it. Lest we forget however, not only did the Rox hit a tough time uin their season, we’ll call it “May”, but right in the middle of it DLR goes down for the year. As for your reference to last year, let us not forget that it was Cookee we lost for the year just as we got back into the race. There is no doubt this team is emotional. That can be a detriment when something goes wrong but when you get a big W like last night, you never know …
Drew Lorentzen
June 4, 2011 at 4:04 AM (UTC -6)
I don’t know if Tracy should be fired, but it is time to stop playing it so cool. Your team sucks right now and I don’t see any fire. Give me at least one Ozzie Guillen type outburst. Bottom line, the Rox will have Helton, Tulo, CarGo, Smith and Ianetta come up in a big spot with RISP and more often then not you can count on a roll-over into a DP, K or pop up. The frustrating thing is that they will usually get a hit in their next at bat or the next hitter will hit a solo shot. As for Dex, he has way too many Ks and ground-outs to 2nd or 1st. His defense is great, but at some point the .240 AVG needs to take a seat. I have seen way too many games this season where the ROX will have a chance to get a key hit with RISP and 2 outs and they fail. It seems like the next inning the opposing team will get that hit with 2 outs and the game unravels from there. Extremely high expectations have been replaced with a feeling that at some point a slump is no longer a slump, they just can’t hit with Lansford or Baylor as the hitting coach.
Sports-Glory
June 4, 2011 at 9:31 PM (UTC -6)
I think the biggest problem with Monfort, Tracy and O’Dowd is that they are emotionally attached to the Rockies players. The Rockies do not demand success with their players.
doug shields
July 27, 2011 at 11:38 AM (UTC -6)
Look at where Clint Hurdle has Pittsburgh, Jim Tracy has failed everywhere need I say more, to much talent on the Rockies and now talking of getting rid of Ubaldo please! ownership must be on drugs. Get rid of that wet noodle Jim Tracy ASAP
Tim Carver
September 23, 2011 at 9:58 PM (UTC -6)
Jim Tracey is a terrible manager. He doesn’t know when to pull pitchers, and he can’t inspire the team. The GM IS responsible, but I wouldn’t sink any money into a team that is performing so poorly. Look at the Indians. They’re BIG move to get Ubaldo got them them what, .500!!!
Simone
September 24, 2011 at 10:05 AM (UTC -6)
Ending the season so poorly should seal the deal on Tracy getting the boot…and hopefully the team will consider getting rid of O’Dowd.
The Diamondbacks have been around less years than the Rockies and have just won another NL West title. How many times have the Rockies won it? That’s right, 0.
It’s time to do a 180.
Brian
September 27, 2011 at 9:26 PM (UTC -6)
It is time to fire Jim Tracy! He is my homeboy but not my manager!
Anonymous
June 19, 2012 at 9:44 PM (UTC -6)
Jim Tracy is a nice guy, but he needs to go. The Rockies cannot beat a high school team, Goodbye Jim you suck