Busy Day in LoDo

     The Rockies started the day hoping for their first series win at home since they played the Padres way back in the middle of May.  The team accomplished just that behind the two home run performance of Home Run Derby Captain Troy Tulowitzki and fellow All-Star Charlie Blackmon who homered in the 6-3 victory. Drew Stubbs hit a big fly as well and a bullpen that has been scary this year shut the door for the last four innings.  The starter in today's game, Jair Jurrjens, was sent to AAA Colorado Springs after the game to clear a roster spot for Carlos Gonzalez, who is coming back from a finger injury.

     CarGo will return to the Rockies for the weekend series before the All-Star Break, but he will do so in right field. The recent play of Corey Dickerson has made it impossible to keep him off the field, and he will continue to play in left field while Gonzalez will take over for the injured Michael Cuddyer in right.

     Today the team was also involved in conversations with the Baltimore Orioles regarding the availability of southpaw Jorge de la Rosa.  The Rockies love DLR and his veteran leadership in a decimated rotation, as well as his ability to win at Coors Field.  However, he could become a free agent at the end of the season if the team does not tender a qualifying offer.  The Rox would be more than open to bringing him back for years to come, but if a team offers a package enticing enough, do not be surprised if the selling begins soon.

Purple Pitching Problems?

     Last night the Rockies lost to the Marlins by a final score of 10-1.  They didn't just lose the game, though.  The team announced that Tyler Chatwood will be heading to the Disabled List retroactive to his last start of Spring Training.  He was slated to start on Wednesday, but was injured running the bases in a Spring Training game.  That start will instead go to Jordan Lyles.  Lyles barely lost out on a spot in the rotation, but is key for situations just like this.  He provides depth for a pitching staff that has had its fair share of injuries.

     The team is also battling with another problem inside the rotation.  Jorge De La Rosa and Wilin Rosario got involved in a verbal altercation during the fifth inning of last night's game, that lead to De La Rosa's eventual departure.  It had been reported during Spring Training that the duo was not completely in sync, but that became painfully clear last night.  De La Rosa is the ace of the Rockies rotation, and Rosario looks slated to be the everyday catcher.  Walt Weiss says that the idea of a personal catcher for De La Rosa is a possibility, but he hopes it does not come down to that.  Last year, veteran Yorvit Torrealba caught the majority of De La Rosa's innings.  Pitching Coach Jim Wright and Manager Walt Weiss had a meeting with the two player earlier today in an attempt to straighten things out.  Weiss said that Rosario will catch for De La Rosa during his bullpen sessions, and the duo will try to get back on the same page. 

     If the Rockies look to contend this year and get the same type of production out of the ace as they did last year, the hiccup last night can not become a major problem moving forward.

Opening Day

     Opening Day is one of the most exciting days of the year.  Baseball fans struggle through a long Winter in hopes that this day will bring more than just a game.  The renewed sense of hope and enjoyment are in the hearts of fans as their team takes the field for the first time in months.

     This Opening Day did not disappoint.  The Rockies are entering the season with a different feeling as well.  For the first time in 16 years, Todd Helton will not walk out to take his rightful place at first base.  However, the newly acquired Justin Morneau looks to rejuvenate his career with the team.  Jorge De La Rosa makes the start coming off of a season in which he won 16 games.  The reigning National League Batting Champion Michael Cuddyer will try to duplicate his success after winning the Silver Slugger.  Above all, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are both healthy and ready to take on the new season.

     The Rockies faced last year's National League Rookie of the Year, Jose Fernandez.  He impressed with his fiery fastball and knee-buckling slider.  His counterpart, De La Rosa, struggled after a strong start.  The Rockies never found a groove offensively and the Marlins had an explosive fifth inning which wound up making the big difference in the final score. 

     The team may not come away their first victory of the year, but they did come away with a reminder of a familiar lesson.  The baseball season is long and challenging, and it is very easy to get discouraged after a tough game.  The fact is that tomorrow will bring another game.  Another game in which every player can go out and give their all for nine innings.  Although that game may not be on Opening Day, the feeling is just as special, and that will continue for the next 160 games.

Quick Notes

     Today the Rockies signed veteran shortstop Paul Janish to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.  Janish will provide a veteran presence in camp and also challenge for a utility infield job.  He's not known for power at the plate, but he is a consistent fielder.  He as interesting player to watch in camp and later in the season if injuries to a certain shortstop should occur.

     A report also surfaced today linking the Rockies to free agent pitcher Ervin Santana.  It could be a sign that the team is still looking to improve the rotation, but nothing seems to be serious at this point.  Santana had a very effective year with the Royals in 2013, but has a history of giving up the long ball which could pose as a major problem at Coors Field.

Rockies Fest

     Rockies Fest was full of events for the whole family to enjoy.  Coors Field became every fan's dream as they were able to attend Q&A sessions with players and coaches, take photos with their favorite Rockies, and even participate in a Rockies themed "Family Feud."  Some of the notable names in the crowd included Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer, and even former players like Vinny Castilla, Brent Maynem and Ellis Burks.

     The Q&A sessions offered a lot of insight regarding a few of the major questions surrounding the team this offseason.

     Rex Brothers was asked what his role would be this coming season and he very promptly said LaTroy Hawkins is the closer.  Tom Runnels elaborated a little more by saying that he and Walt Weiss had discussed Rex's role in the bullpen, and decided that it would be more beneficial to allow Rex to pitch multiple innings a night as opposed to limiting his talent to the last inning.  Runnels acknowledged the fact that the team often struggled late in games with the lead and gave games away before the closer ever threw a pitch.  Rex seemed comfortable with his new role, and said that his only priority right now is to become a staple in the bullpen regardless of what inning.

     Newly acquired Justin Morneau explained why his decision to come to Colorado was so simple.  He said his relationship with former teammate Michael Cuddyer was a big factor,  but also said that Colorado was the first team to contact him in free agency.  Morneau also elaborated on his decision to wear the number 33 with the Rockies.  He said that Larry Walker was his idol growing up, and he didn't take it lightly when it came to wearing the number that was made famous by his former role model.  Morneau also added that he hopes to gain an advantage by hitting in Coors Field as opposed to Target Field.

     Troy Tulowitzki was asked a series of questions regarding his injury-plagued past, and he offered a refreshing vote of confidence for the upcoming season.  Tulo focused on the fact that he is entering the first offseason in a few years in which he is fully healthy.  He said the biggest advantage is the fact that he is able to actually work on his game instead of playing catch up.  The main goal this offseason was to prepare better than any season before and play with a new found passion.  Tulo's words of optimism were echoed by many of the other players throughout the day.

     Rockies Fest was not only a great experience for fans, but it was also a great way for the team to show off their new found optimism for the season.  If the 2014 season goes as well as the players expect it to, the fans could be in for a fun 162 games.

Todd Helton

   Think about opening day next year without the longest tenured Rockie starting at first base.  If that is a little tough to do, join the club.  Todd Helton has officially announced his intentions to retire at the end of this season.  The announcement comes as no surprise due to the fact that his contract will expire at season's end, as well as the fact that he has played his healthiest season in recent memory.  

   

   Todd has had a very nice season so far hitting just under .250 with 13 homers and 52 rbis.  He also has climbed to 16th all time in doubles in MLB history, as well as collecting his 2,500th hit.  He received a monstrous ovation as he stood on second base, just as he had done so many times before.  

   Todd said he is leaving knowing he gave the game his best, while also realizing that it is a young man's game now.  At 40 years old, Helton will be able to finish off his career with the same team that allowed him to take the field for 16 years.  Undoubtedly, his number 17 jersey will be the first number retired as a Rockie, and fittingly so.  He has had an amazing career and will go down as the best Rockie to play for many years to come.

Charlies Shine

     Tonight was a nice win for the Rockies as they won 6-3 against the Orioles, but what I'm more impressed by, is the play of Charlie Culberson and Charlie Blackmon. Not only do they have two of the best manes in the league, but they are showing spurts of pure genius in their opportunities as of late. With Cargo's injury, Culberson has filled in periodically in left field, and has impressed thus far. Blackmon has been getting starts in right field lately as well, and he not only brings plus defense, but he's getting solid in the box. Both guys have impressed me a lot lately, and it should be nice to see them fill in for the rest of the season.