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.

Pomeranz Struggling

     Here's my problem with Pomeranz pitching tonight; he's given up the first run to the Marlins since the All-Star Break, he gave up a moon shot to a guy who has one career bomb, and he is over fifty pitches barely in to the 4th.  He gave up 7 runs in his last start, to a Double-A team! If he makes another start after tonight, Walt Weiss' impressive season strategy becomes borderline ludicrous.

Rockies Moves

The Colorado Rockies have had a very impressive start to the season, but they still have a lot of work to do until they can be viewed as a serious threat this year. When they called up star prospect Nolan Arenado, they instantly upgraded their lineup while also pulling in cash and a future player in a trade that sent Chris Nelson to the Yankees. Arenado has huge potential, and has already showed his power and impressive fielding skills. That was the first move in a busy week of transactions.

The next move was signing former All-Star pitcher Roy Oswalt to a minor league contract. Oswalt has been an ace for many years, but has definitely slowed as of late. He was assigned to extended spring training, but he will have every shot to make the starting rotation if he pitched well in the minors. Oswalt would take the place of a current rotation member, and I would have to believe Jeff Francis has had the most underwhelming season so far.

Drew Pomeranz is very impressive so far in Colorado Springs and is expected back in the starting rotation soon, meaning another current starter will lose his spot, and Juan Nicasio has been struggling with command thus far, possibly pointing to him as a candidate to be sent down. Chacin is coming back from an injury but has not shown much this year that proves that he should be the team's number one. Meanwhile, Tyler Chatwood was sent back down after filling in for Chacin during his DL stint. Chatwood had two miraculous outings, while also having his way with opposing pitchers, going 3-4 at the plate in his second start.

If the Rockies hope to continue their early success, they are going to need to do a better job of managing their 25-Man Roster. Even if they have to give up on former stars such as Francis, Chacin, and Nicasio, they should in order to put the best players on their everyday roster.