TheNumber35 Plays 162: A Colorado Rockies Dynasty (The Show 13)

[CameRoN0407]

Glad you started it up again, always liked your franchises!

[TheNumber35]

Giants Series:

Spoiler

Game 1:

Spoiler

Panda Powers Giants Past Rockies

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
May 16, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco (19-22)	0	0	1	2	1	3	0	1	0	8	18	0
Colorado (25-17)	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	8	0
W: Matt Cain (5-2) L: Jorge De La Rosa (2-6)

This game is a prime example of why we need better starting pitching. Because if we had a starter who could go deeper into ballgames consistently, the bullpen wouldn't be forced to use guys like Garland on a regular basis. JDR allows 9 hits, a walk, and 4 earned over 5 innings. Throwing well over 100 pitches (119) to labor himself through 5 innings today. Meanwhile, Matt Cain made mincemeat of our lineup, allowing only 2 runs over 8.2 innings. Tulo and Colvin both drove in runs today, but it didn't matter as the Giants were getting production from everyone today. Blanco, Sandoval, Pence, Arias, and Belt all drove in runs. Not to mention every single starter getting at least 1 hit on the day. God we need some pitching.

Game 2:

Spoiler

Betancourt's Meltdown Pushes Giants Past Rockies Again

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
May 17, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco (20-22)	0	0	3	0	1	0	0	0	4	8	16	2
Colorado (25-18)	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	0	0	5	16	0
W: Dan Runzler (2-1) L: Rafael Betancourt (2-1) S: Jeremy Affeldt (1)

I could talk about the inconsistency of Juan Nicasio (5.1IP, 10 hits, 4 ER) or the solid job done by our left side of the infield in Tulo and Nelson to give us a late lead (pair of homers between them), or even the job the setup men did to get the ball to Betancourt in the 9th inning. But instead, we have to talk about the largest implosion of the season for us as Rafael Betancourt blows a save here in terrible fashion. With a 1 run lead against the bottom of the Giants lineup, this win was all but guaranteed. Instead, Betancourt allows 5 hits in a row, including a killer 2 RBI double from Posey to put the Giants up by 3 runs in the 9th.

In other depressing news, Dexter Fowler has a herniated disc in his back and will miss 1-2 months after today's game. Charlie Blackmon had his contract purchased from AAA Colorado Springs and CarGo will shift in the lineup to center field, and the leadoff slot for the foreseeable future. With that move, it opens up a world of lineup combinations for the Rockies where they could use EY Jr as the third outfielder, or the other of the two platoon outfielders (Cuddyer/Colvin), or the newly recalled Blackmon.

Game 3:

Spoiler

Rosario Pinch Hit Homer and Tulo RBI Double Seal Victory for Rockies over Giants

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
May 18, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco (20-23)	0	0	0	2	2	0	0	0	0	4	6	2
Colorado (26-18)	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	3	x	5	7	1
W: Edgmer Escalona (2-0) L: Javier Lopez (2-2) S: Wilton Lopez (1)

Friedrich had a very interesting game today against the Giants in a game we really needed to win. He allowed four runs over five innings on a pair of 2 run homers to Posey and Sandoval. But outside of those two pitches, he was on his game the entire time he was on the mound. 6 punchouts and some nice composure in the face of adversity for the young left-hander. On the Giants side of things, Tim Lincecum was outstanding, allowing 5 runs of his own over 7.1 innings, with 9 punchouts and 3 walks. You might be thinking "But 35! He gave up 5 runs, how is that 'outstanding'?" Good question followers, what I didn't mention was that three of those runs were unearned after his defense committed 2 terrible errors behind him. The problem became when Lincecum left with a pitch over the center of the plate to pinch hitter Wilin Rosario with a man on first and nobody out. And Rosario wasted no time in blasting a 2R HR to tie the game at 4's. Lincecum would retire the next hitter before allowing a hit and eventually giving way to Javier Lopez. Lopez would allow an RBI double to Troy Tulowitzski that sealed the victory for Colorado.

Game 4:

Spoiler

Offense Pounces on Vogelsong, Pomeranz Shines in Series Finale

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
May 19, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco (20-24)	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	9	0
Colorado (27-18)	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	x	5	10	0
W: Drew Pomeranz (1-0) L: Ryan Vogelsong (2-3) S: Rex Brothers (1)

This game was over in the first inning as Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong allowed four runs in the first after Cuddyer, Colvin, and Rosario knocked in runs with a single, double, and a triple from Colvin. CarGo hit a leadoff homer in the 2nd inning to really put the game away. Since moving to the leadoff spot for the injured Dexter Fowler, CarGo has 8 hits and 2 homers. Definitely acting as a spark plug for the team in the absence of their leadoff guy. On the Rockies side of things, Drew Pomeranz was phenomenal, pitching 8.2 innings of 2 run ball on 8 hits. He didn't strikeout a lot of Giants, but he was getting a lot of popouts and weak grounders. Rex Brothers came out and earned his first save of the season, retiring Sandoval to end the game.

Diamondbacks Series:

Spoiler

Game 1:

Spoiler

Umpire Review Fruitful as Rockies Take Series Opener

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
May 20, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Arizona (29-17)	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	3	9	1
Colorado (28-18)	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	x	4	10	0
W: Rex Brothers (2-1) L: Trevor Cahill (3-2) S: Rafael Betancourt (12)

Old Reliable Chacin pitched a solid 6 innings of 1 run baseball with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts in a winning effort today. The offense sputtered a little early on against Corbin but found their way later in the game with a pair of two run dingers from Rutledge and CarGo. CarGo's was interesting as it sparked an umpire review. The play was originally ruled a foul ball as the home run ball appeared to curl just outside of the foul pole. but upon further review, the umpires reversed the call, giving the Rockies the lead. Rex Brothers earned his second win of the season and Rafael Betancourt had a stressful outing, allowing 3 hits and a run before closing the door on his 12th save of the season. For Arizona, Jason Kubel had a pair of RBIs against the Rockies and Prado bounced into the game ending double play.

Game 2:

Spoiler

Passed Ball Allows Tulo to Score, Rocks win Again

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
May 21, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Arizona (29-18)	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	8	0
Colorado (29-18)	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	x	3	9	0
W: Jeff Francis (2-1) L: Brandon McCarthy (3-1) S: Rex Brothers (2)

Jorge De La Rosa had a very confusing start for the Rockies. JDR has been the most inconsistent pitcher on the entire pitching staff this season and it showed up here once again. Today he looked flat out unhittable allowing 3 hits over 5 innings of shutout baseball with 7 punchouts. The reason he only allowed 3 hits and pitched 5 innings you ask? Because he walked 5, count them 5, Arizona Diamondbacks on the day. It was incredible that he didn't get burned by the walks today and this start certainly doesn't make the Rockies' brass feel any better about their starting pitching moving forward. On the other side of things, Brandon McCarthy is a tough luck loser in this one, allowing 3 runs over 6.2 innings in a game where his catcher let him down. The winning run was scored by Troy Tulowitzski taking home on a passed ball and not the kind that is even remotely the pitcher's fault. The catcher (Montero) missed a fastball that was called a strike and hit it bounce off his mask and down the first baseline. Tulowitzski ran hard and barely beat the throw home, scoring the Rockies third run of the day. Rex Brothers got the save as Betancourt got a much needed day of rest.

Game 3:

Spoiler

CarGo's Single in 10th Completes Sweep of Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
May 22, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extras	R	H	E
Arizona (29-19)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	8	1
Colorado (30-18)	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	7	0
W: Jon Garland (3-0) L: Tony Sipp (3-1)

A great start by Juan Nicasio is wasted because Rex Brothers comes in and gives up a triple to Paul Goldschmidt in the 8th inning. Nicasio was excellent in this game, striking out 8 batters over 7.2 innings and finishing with 2 ER and no walks. A definite improvement over the 5 that JDR issued yesterday. Another injury that could hamper the Rockies moving forward was Rafael Betancourt holding his shoulder after 9th inning. Betancourt strained his throwing shoulder and will be out 2-3 weeks. Following this game, he was placed on the 15 day DL and Adam Ottavino was recalled from Triple A Colorado Springs to fill the void in the bullpen. Wilton Lopez will fill into the closer's role in Betancourt's absence due to Brother's recent struggles.

Going back to the game, Jordan Pacheco hit a sharp single to left-center to lead off the 10th inning and after a bunt from pitcher Jon Garland, CarGo hit a liner to the gap in right center that drove home Pacheco. CarGo had an excellent game, going 3-4 with a pair of triples and the game winning RBI.

Spoiler

Dodgers 29-15, -- GB
Rockies 30-18, 1.0 GB
Diamondbacks 29-18, 1.5 GB
Padres 21-25, 9.0 GB
Padres 20-25, 9.5 GB

[NightHawkTH]

Loving this man. What are your plans for arenado. Do you see him being a franchise type guy? Good work

[TheNumber35]

Quote: Originally Posted by NightHawkTH

Loving this man. What are your plans for arenado. Do you see him being a franchise type guy? Good work

Thanks man! And I absolutely see him as a franchise type guy, he was producing at a pretty high level before he got hit on the hand. For now, Chris Nelson is doing enough to hold the job until Arenado comes back...but the injuries are piling up for me right now. It's getting ridiculous

[lilbiggio]

Good luck on the reboot of this. I don't think you are missing anything neccisarily staying with 13 this year.

The pitching problem may rear its head a lil bit earler than september if you get bit by any type of injury or the offense slows down. Right now you are bullying up teams by your sheer offensive will, but giving up just as much which gotta be frutrating. Hopefully the guys you got on the mound will catch some hot streaks and you can get them figured out soon because if CarGo goes down they are going to have to start winning you some games.

[TheNumber35]

Quote: Originally Posted by lilbiggio

Good luck on the reboot of this. I don't think you are missing anything neccisarily staying with 13 this year. The pitching problem may rear its head a lil bit earler than september if you get bit by any type of injury or the offense slows down. Right now you are bullying up teams by your sheer offensive will, but giving up just as much which gotta be frutrating. Hopefully the guys you got on the mound will catch some hot streaks and you can get them figured out soon because if CarGo goes down they are going to have to start winning you some games.

Great to have you along man, and I certainly hope so. SCEA is one of those companies that I want to support every year because the product is one that is consistently so damn good. But I can't swing it right now, so we'll stick with good ole' 13, the throwback edition, for now.

As for dynasty things...I agree with everything you said. My offense is literally the only reason I'm winning games, with the exception of a rare dominating performance from a starter like Friedrich or Pomeranz recently. I have a guy in Chacin who I can count on for a quality start every time out...but he rarely goes deep into games and it becomes a bullpen game. Which will tire my guys out as we get deeper into the year. I need a game or two where I can rest them or burn my long guys in the later innings. A starting pitcher or two is definitely in the plans, although Oswalt is waiting in the wings for his chance too. I already know what I plan on doing, but you guys will have to wait and see!

[TheNumber35]

Rockies Struggle to Find Consistency Despite Great Start to Season

DENVER, CO-- If you would have told me in March that on May 22nd the Rockies would be in the division race, have won 30 games in 48 tries, and have the NL leader in homers on their squad...I admittedly would have called you insane. But I'm certainly not the only one who thought this way. Many (myself included) thought this team was destined to finish .500 or worse this season with a pitching staff that, to put it nicely, would suck so bad it would compare to the 2003 Tigers staff's ineptitude. Offensively this team looked like a top 5 club easily, with studs all over the place on paper but the staff looked to hold them back.

Around the quarter mark here, it's popular to judge how teams are looking and see what their prospects are for the season going forward. And honestly, this team could go either way for the rest of the season. The staff has shown stints of brillance from a trio young arms (Pomeranz, Friedrich, Chacin) and huge inconsistencies from everyone else they've trotted onto the rubber every fifth day. Whether it's JDR going from allowing 10 runs one day to flirting with a perfecto his next start, or Chris Volstad being the most consistent guy three starts into the season...and watching the Rockies on TV from the AAA dugout today. Juan Nicasio is the epitome of this season for Rockies pitchers; he's got an ERA floating around 4.20 right now, but if you've watched him throw the ball this season he's looked excellent at times. But at other times he's looked like post operation/exploding elbow Jeremy Bonderman (for my non-Tigers fans, he was awful after he blew out his elbow.) My point, is that in the rotation, the Rockies could use a ton of help to build consistency and improve their chances at a playoff berth. An arm (or even two) at the deadline could be important to making this season an excellent one for the Rocks. A wild card in things could be Roy Oswalt; Oswalt, a veteran working his way back into shape in Colorado Springs, has pitched incredibly well in AAA and could be challenging for a callup very soon here. Oswalt's been an ace before and if he could regain that form, it would be valuable for a very inexperienced staff going down the stretch.

Offensively, Colorado leads the league in homers because of the breakout player of the year in Wilin Rosario. Rosario leads the National League in homers and RBIs and is tied for 4th in batting average currently sitting at a cool .320 clip. Tulowitzski has 12 dingers and is playing just like he always does at the shortstop position. And Carlos Gonzalez has been red hot since moving to the leadoff spot and back into center field. What all that means, is that the Rockies are very strong up the middle with 2nd base being the only "weak spot" with weak being a very conservative way to describe the platoon of Eric Young Jr. and Josh Rutledge, both of whom are perking up with the bats after scuffling earlier in the year. First and third base have been a revolving door all year long with Nelson, Helton, Cuddyer, Colvin, Pacheco, and Arenado all seeing time at those two positions in the first 48 games. Arenado is on his way back from an injury and Cuddyer/Colvin are manning the outfield very well this year. All of that means the Rockies either need to get a consistent player at first base OR they need one of Pacheco/Helton to swing the stick well enough to stay in the lineup. The platoon hasn't warranted very good results from either player and inconsistent play could hurt Colorado down the stretch when teams finally figure out to stop pitching to Rosario and Tulo in important situations.

The bullpen rates out as one of the best in the NL, and with a bunch of power arms who mean business, I don't think their in for a huge regression going forward. Betancourt, Lopez, Escalona, and Brothers have all been nothing short of excellent all season long. Betancourt has been arguably the best closer in baseball this season and the backend of this bullpen has been solid. Matt Belisle has been pretty good as well in middle relief. Francis and Garland have been long guys and done exactly what long guys do...mop up messes. This is the one spot where I can honestly say the Rockies haven't had a determinable weakness all season long. Guys have off days every now and again (as do all relievers) but the league as a whole haven't figured this bullpen out yet.

So the outlook? Having said all those things and having looked ahead for the Rockies, they could surge a bit in June and July. But that starting staff currently isn't looking so hot for a stretch run. If your ace is Chacin/Pomeranz/Friedrich going into September...you'll have an awesome October! Watching the playoffs on your gigantic TV, since you're a professional athlete and can afford such a thing. Basically, the Rockies need to get at least one more (but preferably two more) starting pitchers or else they are in serious danger of losing out to LA, Arizona, San Francisco, and even the Padres if they can start hitting again. All these teams have good pitching and if their offenses get hot, it could spell a long winning streak for them, and bad news for the Rockies. Or the Rockies could get hot at the right time and coast to a division title. That's the beauty of inconsistency and baseball; it goes both ways and the Rockies are hoping they can catch lightning in a bottle and find their way into the postseason dance...because once they're in, it's not a season long grind. It's potentially 1, 5, and 7 games where anything can happen. And that's just the way these Rockies like it.

[Deuce2223]

Good to see you back.

I just finished the 2014 season in my new M's Franchise defeating the Rockies to win the World Series.

It was crazy only deal I did for the Rockies was a July trade deadline deal sending Story and Wheeler to the Mets for D. Gee and Parnell.

Parnell absolutely dominated saving 30 gaves over 2 months as the Rockies went from 4th in the N.L. West to winning it and finishing with 94 wins (2nd in the Majors to my 100 with the M's).

Hope you all the best, would love to see the Rockies win a ring in your Franchise.