Mile High Magic Returns: A Rockies Dynasty Is Born

[DaBull_33]

Rox Add Outfielder Wells On Minors Deal, Will Start Season At Triple-A

Casper Wells will provide some right-handed depth to the Sky Sox


DENVER -- Following a trade that shipped some of the Rockies' outfield depth to Chicago, Colorado GM Chris Brom announced that they have signed outfielder Casper Wells to a minor league contract.

Wells, 28, started spring training with the Seattle Mariners, but became the odd man out in a crowded outfield and without any minor league options, was designated for assignment, and eventually released. Wells hit .228 with 10 homers and 36 RBI in 93 games with the Mariners last season.

The Rockies have announced that their opening day roster will include four outfielders: Carlos Gonzalez in left, Dexter Fowler in center, and Michael Cuddyer in right, with Tyler Colvin coming off the bench to play in the outfield or first base. Cuddyer can also play first, giving the Rockies some flexibility. Because of the crowded roster, Wells will stat the season at triple-A Colorado Springs.

The Sky Sox feature a lineup very heavy with left-handed hitters, so it stands to reason that Wells should get plenty of at bats while playing the corner outfield positions. He also provides some depth should there be injuries at the major league level. That's not outside the realm of possibility given the fact that first baseman Todd Helton is coming off an injury plagued season in 2012, and is 39-years-old entering this season.

If the Rockies decide to call him up, they'll need to make a corresponding move to make room on the 40-man roster.

[DaBull_33]

I just wanted to give a quick update here. I haven't had much response from anyone, so I don't how many people are following, but I did notice the views on this thread have broken the 1,000 mark, so that's pretty cool!

I'm hoping to get the regular season underway tonight.

Life has been super crazy the last few weeks, and finding time to play has been borderline impossible. For those of you following, games will get underway soon and I will probably play through an entire series and post all of the games at once, rather than trying to get them as I play them.

Just wanted to keep everyone posted, and thanks for following!

[DaBull_33]

Rockies Announce 2013 Opening Day Roster

Active Roster
#	PITCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
63	Rafael Betancourt	CP	R/R	37	6'2"	220
49	Rex Brothers	RP	L/L	25	6'0"	210
45	Jhoulys Chacin	SP	R/R	25	6'3"	225
60	Maikel Cleto	RP	R/R	23	6'3"	250
29	Jorge De La Rosa	SP	L/L	31	6'1"	220
61	Edgmer Escalona	RP	R/R	26	6'4"	235
26	Jeff Francis	SP	L/L	32	6'5"	205
71	Sam Freeman	RP	R/L	25	5'11"	165
27	Jon Garland	SP	R/R	33	6'6"	210
59	Wilton Lopez	RP	R/R	29	6'0"	205
44	Juan Nicasio	SP	R/R	26	6'3"	230
53	Hector Santiago	RP	R/L	25	6'0"	210
#	CATCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
20	Wilin Rosario	C	R/R	24	5'11"	220
8	Yorvit Torrealba	C	R/R	34	5'11"	200
#	INFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
16	Reid Brignac	SS/3B	L/R	27	6'3"	190
17	Todd Helton	1B	L/L	39	6'2"	220
18	Jonathan Herrera	2B/SS	S/R	28	5'9"	180
4	Chris Nelson	3B	R/R	27	5'11"	205
15	Jordan Pacheco	1B/3B	R/R	27	6'1"	200
14	Josh Rutledge	2B/SS	R/R	23	6'1"	190
2	Troy Tulowitzki	SS	R/R	28	6'3"	215
#	OUTFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
21	Tyler Colvin	OF/1B	L/L	27	6'3"	210
3	Michael Cuddyer	OF/1B	R/R	34	6'2"	220
24	Dexter Fowler	OF	S/R	27	6'4"	190
5	Carlos Gonzalez	OF	L/L	27	6'1"	220

Colorado Rockies Depth Chart - 2013

• Catcher
• Wilin Rosario
• Yorvit Torrealba
• Jordan Pacheco

• First Base
• Todd Helton
• Jordan Pacheco
• Michael Cuddyer
• Tyler Colvin

• Second Base
• Josh Rutledge
• Jonathan Herrera
• Reid Brignac
• Chris Nelson

• Third Base
• Chris Nelson
• Reid Brignac
• Jonathan Herrera
• Jordan Pacheco

• Shortstop
• Troy Tulowitzki
• Reid Brignac
• Josh Rutledge
• Jonathan Herrera

• Left Field
• Carlos Gonzalez
• Tyler Colvin
• Michael Cuddyer

• Center Field
• Dexter Fowler
• Carlos Gonzalez
• Tyler Colvin

• Right Field
• Michael Cuddyer
• Tyler Colvin
• Carlos Gonzalez

• Starting Pitcher
• Jhoulys Chacin
• Jorge De La Rosa
• Juan Nicasio
• Jeff Francis
• Jon Garland

• Relief Pitcher
• Wilton Lopez
• Rex Brothers
• Edgmer Escalona
• Hector Santiago
• Sam Freeman
• Maikel Cleto

• Closer
• Rafael Betancourt
• Wilton Lopez

• Disabled List
• John Danks (15-day)
• Edwar Cabrera (60-day)

[Deuce2223]

Looks good so far. Are you hope to trade for Helton's replacement this year or is 1B something you will look to fill through FA or the draft. Seems like it is always a pretty deep pos with veterans looking to stay on for 1 more year.

[DaBull_33]

Quote: Originally Posted by Deuce2223

Looks good so far. Are you hope to trade for Helton's replacement this year or is 1B something you will look to fill through FA or the draft. Seems like it is always a pretty deep pos with veterans looking to stay on for 1 more year.

I'll be keeping an eye on the trade blocks when we get closer to the ASB. Ideally, I'd love to pick up someone like Trumbo from LA. I think his power would be exceptional at Coors Field. If I can't find someone, I'll probably look to the draft with a stop-gap solution like Colvin or Pacheco for the time being.

[DaBull_33]

Miller Park - Milwaukee, WI

Colorado Rockies at Milwaukee Brewers
Apr 1, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Colorado (0-0)	0	1	0	0	1	3	0	0	1	6	13	1
Milwaukee (0-0)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
W: J. Chacin L: Y. Gallardo S: None

Colorado Rockies
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: Tulowitzki, Cuddyer, Rosario, Nelson HR: Fowler RBI: Fowler, Rutledge, Cuddyer, Rosario, Nelson 2 HBP: Nelson GIDP: Helton
BASERUNNING SB: Gonzalez CS: Gonzalez
FIELDING E: Tulowitzki

Colorado Rockies
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Chacin (W, 1-0)	9.0	1	0	0	0	6	0.00

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING GIDP: Gonzalez

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Gallardo (L, 0-1)	5.0	8	3	3	1	2	5.40
Badenhop	1.0	3	2	2	0	0	18.00
Gonzalez	2.0	1	0	0	0	2	0.00
Kintzler	1.0	1	1	1	0	0	9.00

Chacin Pitches Gem In Opening Day Win

MILWAUKEE -- Remember when experts said the Rockies couldn't pitch? So do they. And, they're tired of hearing it.

"We know this is a good offensive team, but we've got some solid arms," said Rockies first-year manager Walt Weiss. "We've got some guys with outstanding stuff, guys who are coming off injuries. I think people will be surprised."

People were certainly surprised when right-hander Jhouly Chacin pitched the best game of his career to kick off the 2013 season. Chacin tossed a one-hitter, giving up a bunt single to Brewers lead off hitter, Norichika Aoki. Milwaukee's only other baserunner, Alex Gonzalez, who was making his first career start at 1st base, reached on an error by shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Gonzalez was then erased on a double play.

Chacin kept the Brewers off balance, using his fastball to set up his slider and changeup. He struck out six, and recorded several outs on the ground. It was the kind of performance that Walt Weiss and the Rockies' coaching staff has been preaching since the beginning of spring training.

Meanwhile, the Colorado offense did a good job against Milwaukee's ace Yovani Gallardo. Gallardo went five innings, giving up 8 hits and just one walk, but the Rockies were able to work him into several deep counts, resulting in his early exit. They were then able to jump on the Brewers bullpen to add to their lead in the later innings.

But, despite the encouraging offensive output, all eyes were on the mound where Chacin proved his worth as the front runner of the rotation.

Player of the Game:

Jhoulys Chacin
9.0 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 6 K


Up Next: Jorge De La Rosa will look to keep the good times rolling, as he takes the hill for Colorado in game #2. De La Rosa spent the early part of his career in Milwaukee, so it will be an opportunity for him to prove that his surgically repaired elbow is healthy against his former club. Marco Estrada get the start for the Brewers.

[DaBull_33]

Miller Park - Milwaukee, WI

Colorado Rockies at Milwaukee Brewers
Apr 2, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Colorado (1-0)	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	6	0
Milwaukee (0-1)	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	4	0
W: A. Figaro L: J. De La Rosa S: J. Axford

Colorado Rockies
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING RBI: Fowler HBP: Gonzalez, Helton SAC: De La Rosa GIDP: Torrealba
BASERUNNING SB: Fowler, Rutledge, Gonzalez

Colorado Rockies
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
De La Rosa (L, 0-1)	6.0	2	2	2	1	4	3.00
Escalona (BS, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	1	2	0.00
Lopez	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0.00

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: Weeks 2 RBI: Gonzalez 2

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Estrada	6.0	4	0	0	2	5	0.00
Kintzler	0.1	1	1	1	1	0	13.50
Figaro (W, 1-0)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Henderson (H, 1)	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Axford (S, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0.00

Rox Fall Despite Strong Pitching Performance

MILWAUKEE -- If there was any question about the health of Jorge De La Rosa's left elbow, those questions were answered in resounding fashion last night against the Milwaukee Brewers. De La Rosa's first start of the 2013 season resulted in 6 solid innings. Unfortunately, it didn't result in a win. After cruising for the first six, De La Rosa entered the 7th inning with a one run lead. That lead would evaporate quickly as the Brewers got the first two men on, before Walt Weiss went to his bullpen.

Edgmer Escalona, making his first appearance of the year, gave up a 2 run single to Alex Gonzalez, turning a one run lead into a one run deficit. Escalona was able to escape the inning without any further damage, but the Rockies offense couldn't muster anything the rest of the way. Despite the unfavorable results, Weiss was pleased with the performance he saw out of the veteran lefty.

"I thought Jorge did a fantastic job against a tough team," Weiss said. He mixed his pitches well, and he used his curveball effectively. That was a pitch he struggled to throw late last year when he came back from the Tommy John surgery."

Alfredo Figaro picked up the win in relief for the Brewers. John Axford recorded his first save.

Player Of The Game:

Alex Gonzalez
2-3, 2 RBI, K

UP NEXT: The Rockies will look to pick up their first series win on the road, as they send Juan Nicasio to the hill. Nicasio has seen his last two seasons in the big leagues cut short by injuries, so he'll be itching to get off to a good start. The Brewers will counter with right-hander Kyle Lohse. Lohse was signed late in spring training, and Milwaukee is hoping that he can create a strong 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation with Yovani Gallardo.

[DaBull_33]

Miller Park - Milwaukee, WI

Colorado Rockies at Milwaukee Brewers
Apr 3, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extras	R	H	E
Colorado (1-1)	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	1	4	10	1
Milwaukee (1-1)	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	10	0
W: E. Escalona L: M. Gonzalez S: R. Betancourt

Colorado Rockies
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: Fowler, Rutledge, Gonzalez HR: Tulowitzki RBI: Fowler, Rutledge, Gonzalez, Tulowitzki SAC: Brignac 2, Nicasio
BASERUNNING SB: Rutledge
FIELDING E: Nicasio

Colorado Rockies
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Nicasio	7.0	6	3	2	1	3	2.57
Cleto	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0.00
Lopez	2.0	1	0	0	0	2	0.00
Escalona (W, 1-0)	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0.00
Betancourt (S, 1)	1.0	2	0	0	0	0	0.00

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: Braun 2, Lucroy RBI: Braun, Lucroy 2 SAC: Lohse

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Lohse	7.2	4	3	3	2	3	3.52
Henderson (BS, 1)	0.1	1	0	0	1	0	0.00
Badenhop	0.0	2	0	0	0	0	18.00
Figaro	1.0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Kintzler	1.0	2	0	0	0	2	7.71
Gonzalez	1.1	1	1	1	1	2	2.70
Gorzelanny	0.2	0	0	0	0	1	0.00

Tulo Goes Deep As Rox Win In Extras

MILWAUKEE -- Jorge De La Rosa knows exactly how Kyle Lohse feels. A day after De La Rosa pitched 6 strong innings, only to see the bullpen come in and surrender a devastating blow, Lohse watched the same thing happen as the Brewers would go on to lose in 12 innings to the Rockies, 4-3.

Lohse was outstanding in his Milwaukee debut, pitching into the 8th inning and having given up only a single tally back in the 3rd. However, the Rockies staged a two out rally, and after manager Ron Roenicke made the call to the 'pen, Jim Henderson promptly served up a pair of runs to tie the game and eventually send it to extra innings.

Meanwhile, for Colorado, Juan Nicasio got off to a slow start, giving up three runs in the bottom half of the first. But, he managed to settle down, find a groove, and ended up going 7 strong innings.

"He kept us in it," said Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. "As an offense, that's all we can ask for. Keep us it close, and we'll do our part."

Tulowitzki certainly did his part, driving a pitch from Mike Gonzalez into the upper deck in left field to give the Rockies the lead in the 12th inning. Rafael Betancourt pitched around a pair of hits in the bottom of the inning to seal the Rockies' win, and pick up his first save of 2013.

Player Of The Game:

Troy Tulowitzki
1-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R

UP NEXT: The Rockies are off tomorrow before heading home to face the Padres in the Coors Field home opener. Veteran lefty Jeff Francis will have the honor of starting for Colorado. He'll be opposed by a former Rockies starter, Jason Marquis.