This series has been tough to digest. The Rockies held 4-1 and 5-2 leads before allowing Miami to rally with four runs in the eighth inning off Matt Belisle to lose the game 8-5 and the series 3-1. One statistic exposes a major Rockies weakness: Bullpen in the four games totaled 12.1 IP, 18 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 5 BB, and 12 SO. That translates to an ERA of nearly 9 and a WHIP of nearly 2.00. Throw in the fact that Adam Ottavino allowed an inherited runner to score on a WP Wednesday night to add to the bullpen woes. It was only four games and usually the team stats could be attributed to a bad day by one pitcher. In this case, each firemen did their best to pour some more kerosene on the fire. Belisle’s velocity has decreased noticeably in the last couple of years. Wilton Lopez is still leaving balls up over the plate on a flat plane. These two veterans were expected to be keys to a stout bullpen over the last two years.
The starting pitchers in a indirect way contributed to the woes of the bullpen by not giving enough length in their start. Fires usually start to happen when the starters reach around 75 pitches. They would need more stamina coming out of the Cactus League. None of the starters have has a quality start (6 IP of three runs or less) yet.
The Rockies fall to 1-3 returning home to the site of “The Rooftop” party deck at Coors Field after playing at the Marlins Park in front of smaller crowds than Troy Renck’s son baseball games. The home opening series will be against intra-divisional rival Arizona D-backs.
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Pooter
7 years ago
So does Weiss have something against Brothers? Not only is he appearently not good enough to be closer, he also is not the regular setup man.
I love this lineup and I think the rotation is better than last year and I also think our bullpen should be better than it has shown.
Not loving Weiss right now.
Pooter
7 years ago
The Rockies are going to sweep the Snakes and we are going to forget about this lovely start to the season.
Julian
7 years ago
It’s a small sample size, but so far Morneau, Blackmon, Barnes, and Stubbs are 0 for 15 against same handed pitchers.
Agbayani
7 years ago
Wow, Julian, I didn’t realize it was that bad. True, small sample, but there’s a reason these guys weren’t in high demand. And it’s kind of a shame since Morneau is hitting well against righties (and picking it at 1B), and Blackmon/Dickerson are hitting well against righties. Shame to waste those at bats …
robba
7 years ago
Poor Matt Belisle. He had his arm pitched off by JT, and is a shadow of the guy we got from Cinti. It was painful to watch his now-88-mph fastball getting lit up in ST. If he’s going to make it through the season, he needs to develop another pitch that he can locate perfectly. And right now. He is no longer a fastball pitcher.
…and “Wiltin’ ” Wilton Lopez?? Don’t get me started.
Agreed. Might be too late to develop another pitch. I’m hoping he is not done but it certainly isn’t looking good.
Agbayani
7 years ago
Minor league report – considerably more encouraging: AAA Friedrich, 5 IP, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K (!). Boone Logan rehab: 1 IP, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (RMH, you can breathe out now). Tim Wheeler, 1-3, triple. AA Eddie Butler, 5 IP, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K, 5:2 groundouts/flyouts. Tom Murphy: 1-4, HR, 3 strikouts (gotta cut those down) Low A Asheville: Johendi Jiminian (who? gotta love the name), 6 IP, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K.… Read more »
Friedrich – meh – he always seems to look promising in the minors. I’m still not on his bandwagon but maybe he will come though.
Admin
sdcarp
7 years ago
Bring up Butler, Gray, and Friedrich and put them in the Pen!
(I’m sorta serious).
Admin
sdcarp
7 years ago
I love this from today’s Fangraphs Daily Five:
“Other hitter: Mark Trumbo — $4,600
Trumbo’s power + being in Coors Field + facing off against Juan Nicasio = lots of potential for a home run.”
We haven’t seen someone with as much power as Trumbo since……Giancarlo Stanton.
Admin
sdcarp
7 years ago
Last comment of the morning – if the Rox had a real GM and Owner – I would throw this out:
Remember the name “Mookie Betts.” He’s a 20 year old 2nd baseman in the Red Sox organization. Had a smashing debate at low AND high A last year, and is already off to a fast start at AA this year. He’s terminally blocked by Pedroia…..but boy could the Red Sox use a big time left fielder.
Just sayin.’
Cisco Kid
7 years ago
I recently heard someone compare the Rox to Casa Bonita, which I thought was very appropriate. People come for the atmosphere, ignoring the fact the product they serve up is sub par.
LOL, when I first went to Casa Bonita in 1974 while in college, my first thought is that the place would never last since the food was so bad. I figured the novelty of the place would wear off before long. I was shocked to return to Denver in 1992 and see that it was still there, let alone still be operating in 2014. I can certainly relate to the comparison to Coors Field, Cisco.
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December 23, 2020 at 2:40 pm on Rockies in 1st place in Rona EraJoin us on Facebook by looking for the group RoxWalkOff (RWO). Welcome back!
September 28, 2020 at 10:15 am on Rockies in 1st place in Rona EraArenado on IL, done for the rest of the season. Agbayani can jump for joy, Wade Davis has been released. 9/22/2020 Oberg had Thoracic
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September 23, 2020 at 7:23 pm on Rockies in 1st place in Rona EraOberg had Thoracic Outlet Surgery again to relieve blood clots. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/scott-oberg-undergoes-thoracic-outlet-surgery.html
September 21, 2020 at 10:41 pm on Rockies in 1st place in Rona EraArenado on IL, done for the rest of the season. Agbayani can jump for joy, Wade Davis has been released. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/rockies-place-nolan-arenado-on-il-release-wade-davis.html
September 18, 2020 at 10:15 am on Rockies in 1st place in Rona EraI miss you guys (and gals). I know there's not much heart or even interest as we watch the usual things unfold. For now,
September 8, 2020 at 11:54 am on Rockies in 1st place in Rona EraWaste a grand slam, waste 8 innings of shutout ball ... they always seem to find a way. And yet: with more than half
So does Weiss have something against Brothers? Not only is he appearently not good enough to be closer, he also is not the regular setup man.
I love this lineup and I think the rotation is better than last year and I also think our bullpen should be better than it has shown.
Not loving Weiss right now.
The Rockies are going to sweep the Snakes and we are going to forget about this lovely start to the season.
It’s a small sample size, but so far Morneau, Blackmon, Barnes, and Stubbs are 0 for 15 against same handed pitchers.
Wow, Julian, I didn’t realize it was that bad. True, small sample, but there’s a reason these guys weren’t in high demand. And it’s kind of a shame since Morneau is hitting well against righties (and picking it at 1B), and Blackmon/Dickerson are hitting well against righties. Shame to waste those at bats …
Poor Matt Belisle. He had his arm pitched off by JT, and is a shadow of the guy we got from Cinti. It was painful to watch his now-88-mph fastball getting lit up in ST. If he’s going to make it through the season, he needs to develop another pitch that he can locate perfectly. And right now. He is no longer a fastball pitcher.
…and “Wiltin’ ” Wilton Lopez?? Don’t get me started.
Hey ROBBA! Just wanted to say hello and it was great meeting you here in AZ. Hope all is well!
TJ
Agreed. Might be too late to develop another pitch. I’m hoping he is not done but it certainly isn’t looking good.
Minor league report – considerably more encouraging: AAA Friedrich, 5 IP, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K (!). Boone Logan rehab: 1 IP, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (RMH, you can breathe out now). Tim Wheeler, 1-3, triple. AA Eddie Butler, 5 IP, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K, 5:2 groundouts/flyouts. Tom Murphy: 1-4, HR, 3 strikouts (gotta cut those down) Low A Asheville: Johendi Jiminian (who? gotta love the name), 6 IP, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K.… Read more »
Friedrich – meh – he always seems to look promising in the minors. I’m still not on his bandwagon but maybe he will come though.
Bring up Butler, Gray, and Friedrich and put them in the Pen!
(I’m sorta serious).
I love this from today’s Fangraphs Daily Five:
“Other hitter: Mark Trumbo — $4,600
Trumbo’s power + being in Coors Field + facing off against Juan Nicasio = lots of potential for a home run.”
We haven’t seen someone with as much power as Trumbo since……Giancarlo Stanton.
Last comment of the morning – if the Rox had a real GM and Owner – I would throw this out:
Remember the name “Mookie Betts.” He’s a 20 year old 2nd baseman in the Red Sox organization. Had a smashing debate at low AND high A last year, and is already off to a fast start at AA this year. He’s terminally blocked by Pedroia…..but boy could the Red Sox use a big time left fielder.
Just sayin.’
I recently heard someone compare the Rox to Casa Bonita, which I thought was very appropriate. People come for the atmosphere, ignoring the fact the product they serve up is sub par.
LOL, when I first went to Casa Bonita in 1974 while in college, my first thought is that the place would never last since the food was so bad. I figured the novelty of the place would wear off before long. I was shocked to return to Denver in 1992 and see that it was still there, let alone still be operating in 2014. I can certainly relate to the comparison to Coors Field, Cisco.