The Rockies’ infield has been a model of inconsistency this year. At short and first, they’ve received some very solid production — defensively and offensively. However, they have had major issues at second and third and the lack of production from those spots might be the biggest reason for the Rox disappointing first half. Overall, I’ll give the infield a B, with the acknowledgement that Tulo and Helton are carrying the class.
Todd Helton — A+
Before the season, Helton was one of the Rockies’ biggest question marks, but even his most fervent fans couldn’t have expected what he’s done so far this year. He’s easily been the Rox best hitter, currently leading the team — among those who qualify — in wOBA, wRC+, OBP, and OPS. For the first time in several years he is on pace to hit twenty home runs. Additionally, he’s back to his old self in the field. If there is one thing that Rockies’ fans can look forward to in the second half, it’s watching the Toddfather play at an elite level once again. Soak it in while it lasts.
Troy Tulowitzki — B+
Giving the Rockies’ most valuable player a B+ is probably a bit too hard, but he has played slightly beneath expectations. In the field, Tulo is in a league all by himself. His glove alone would keep him in the lineup every day. However, he continues to be very streaky at the plate. No doubt, some of his offensive struggles this season have been attributable to luck. His BABIP in May was under .200 and is still far beneath his career average. But, the Rockies are relying on him to carry the lineup and he must find a way to be more consistent. Still, even taking all of that into account, he’s having a very respectable offensive season. His power numbers are solid and his strike-out percentage is down. If he’s healthy in the second half, he’s due for a major hot streak.
Mark Ellis — A
In ten games Mark Ellis has already given the Rockies more wins above replacement than all this year’s other second basemen combined. Granted, it’s just ten games and the likelihood of him maintaining a .404 wOBA is basically nil. Still, I think we can all agree that they would be much better off if Ellis had been the starting second baseman all season.
Jonathan Herrera — C+
Basically, Herrera gave the Rockies one month of good baseball. But, his current WAR is 0.2. If you told me before the season that the Rockies would get above replacement level production out of Jonny, I probably would’ve gotten a little excited. He’s played above his abilities and for that I’ll give him a C+. Jonny will never be an everyday player.
Jason Giambi — A
Giambi has played his role perfectly. He has made significant contributions when Helton has been out of the lineup and he’s the only legitimate weapon on the Rockies’ bench.
Ty Wigginton — C
I’m a stickler for defense and Wigginton is by far the worse defender on this team. He’s performed as expected at the plate, but his stone hands in the field have cost the Rockies significantly. The easiest way to make the team instantly better is to improve the defensive black hole at third base. Fathers, don’t let your children watch Wiggy play third. Actually, don’t let them watch him play any position.
Ian Stewart — Incomplete
Ian has seventy-four plate appearances and they’ve been extremely spotty. They gave Chris Nelson a longer look than they gave Ian.
Chris Nelson & Eric Young Jr. — C
Some would say that these two deserve lower grades, but nothing should’ve been expected of them in the first place. The smartest thing the Rangers did this off-season was to kill the Michael Young for EY Jr. trade. If they had happened, things might’ve gone a lot differently this year. Regardless, the Rockies should’ve known that they weren’t going to get better by calling up two marginal prospects with weak gloves.
Jose Lopez — F
If I were to start pointing out places where the Rockies have gone wrong this year, I’d start with the acquisition of Jose Lopez. With the team in major need of an upgrade at second base, they found a downgrade. Say what you will about Clint Barmes, but he’s better than Lopez. And this isn’t hindsight. Lopez was a terrible player in 2010. It’s not an issue of what they gave up to get him, which was basically nothing. The problem with the Lopez acquisition is that they relied on it to fix a problem and he made it much worse.
Aside from Travis and I bickering, things have been quiet on the comments board lately. Let us know what you think about the grades.
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12 comments
Dan Garfield
July 12, 2011 at 2:57 PM (UTC -6)
Things have been quiet in the comments because there isn’t much else to say about the Rockies the rest of this season. They are a .500 club and they’ll stay that way the rest of the year because there won’t be many trades. Maybe we’ll see Tulo, Cargo, and Ubaldo get better, but that won’t lead to better than 83 or 84 wins. The second half won’t be boring, but it also won’t be exciting. That is mediocrity.
Logan Burdine
July 12, 2011 at 3:01 PM (UTC -6)
See, there is plenty of room for bitterness too. I’m not sure they are even mediocre though.
YO
July 12, 2011 at 5:43 PM (UTC -6)
It’s been quiet because PurpleRow.com is waaaay better hahaha
Ken
July 13, 2011 at 1:06 AM (UTC -6)
I think you are kind to Ian Stewart. This kid has the physical attributes to be an everyday 3rd bagger, and a pretty good one at that. Whatever is distracting him from stepping up and being a real MLB player would be a guess on my part. But suffice it to say that his Spring Training injury was self inflicted and very nearly took out Tulo and Cargo at the same time. Maybe I’m just pissed at the kid for squandering his youth and talent and contributing zilch to the team. Can I suggest that taking batting practice in the off season on a PS3 earns him a failing grade, or is this too harsh?
Anna
July 13, 2011 at 6:44 AM (UTC -6)
I would probably differ with you in some minor ways. Although Wigginton hits at the plate, he does not do it when needed; he seems to be Mr. Anti-clutch. I would take his grade down a half. And maybe a full grade lower for EY. Not a bad kid but crummy on fielding or batting. Chris Nelson did an adequate job of that and he actually got on base. As far as Herrara, he still gives a professional at bat and does a nice job of fielding; he kept us from totally losing when Tulo was out. As regards Ian Stewart, this season was not the first view they have had of him and his issues. As for Mr. Helton, he is still the ideal to which all Rockies aspire. As a group, the infield has not gelled this year.
Shake Weight
July 13, 2011 at 9:34 AM (UTC -6)
1B-B Helton is no Adrian Gonzalez
2B-F- Simply terrible. I think 8 different guys have started there. Until Ellis, less RBI than the pitching staff.
SS-A- Tulo needs to hit a little more consistently, but so friggin good on defense i don’t really care that much if he has a couple of slumps
3B-D- Still not sure if we have an actual MLB 3B on the roster
C-B Ianetta has actually been pretty solid this year
Travis Lay
July 13, 2011 at 11:09 AM (UTC -6)
“Shake Weight”!! Love it!
Pat
July 13, 2011 at 12:35 PM (UTC -6)
Giambi an “A”? Not sure how you reach that conclusion. Granted, he has been serviceable defensively and has hit okay when he’s started, but the guy has absolutely no clue how to pinch hit and that’s his primary role.
Take the most recent loss to the Nats. Giambi was brought in with runners in scoring position to be a big bat and try to make something happen. What did he do? He struck out… LOOKING!
That’s his season in a microcosm. He is added to the lineup during high pressure situations, and more often than not, he strikes out. His strikeout rate exceeds his average by nearly 40 points.
I hate to say it (I like the veteran leadership), but the guy is dead weight. He can’t hit and is a liability at any position other than 1st (where we’re pretty set with who we have).
Logan Burdine
July 13, 2011 at 12:38 PM (UTC -6)
That’s some pretty harsh criticism for a guy with nine jacks in 100 PA. He’s contributed nearly a full win above replacement value in a very limited role. What else do you want from him?
CodenameDuchess
July 13, 2011 at 2:56 PM (UTC -6)
Dead weight is a little harsh but I think he deserves a C. He’s been an A in his spot starts and has basically won a few games by himself. As the late game pinch hitter he has been an F.
Shake Weight
July 13, 2011 at 2:01 PM (UTC -6)
I would have to add that listing Giambi as in infielder is a bit of a stretch…
Levi The Tile Guy
July 13, 2011 at 4:35 PM (UTC -6)
I completely disagree with you Pat. Giambi is doing an excellent job this year. Yeah he has struck out looking a few times, and swinging a number of times. He is also coming off the bench cold and facing either closers or set up guys. When he is put in the lineup for Helton at 1b he has been very good. Because of his name we all expect him to hit a home run every time he is put in to pinch hit. This is Major League Baseball and that expectation just isn’t feasible. Every time Giambi is at the plate we have a chance, you can’t say that about just about any body else on the team (except Cargo, Tulo, & Helton) and definitely can’t say that about anybody on the bench.
Our offence as a whole has been disappointing this season, but the big problem is our starting pitching. We won’t get anywhere w/o revamping our starting pitching staff.