MLB: Tap the Rockies in This Blog

2008-11-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Don Baylor's back as hitting coach--announcement was made on Monday. More details here.

2008-10-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th! Make sure your opinion counts.

2008-10-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

Casey Weathers will be out due to major surgery, eliminating him from the 2009 season. You can read the whole depressing story here.

2008-09-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Quintanilla scored the only run that mattered last night, ending the on-and-on-and-on game that went to the 12th inning. When the games go that long, do you ever wonder if it’s merely a battle of wills at some point? I mean, they probably all want the game to end. Maybe one team just finally says, “Ah, let him score so we can all go to sleep.”

Not that it was the case in this game, of course. Omar earned that run fair and square. :)

Worth Watching

2008-07-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

I don't have any MLB All-Star Game tickets, but I'll certainly be watching Aaron Cook and Matt Holliday represent Colorado on the small screen this year. Good luck, guys. Make us proud!

Hire me now!

2008-02-14T12:58:00.001-08:00

Hey, looks like the Rockies are hiring! Maybe I should send in my resume. Four years of catching flying accusations from middle management, two years of pitching ideas that aren't listened to, followed by a year of running errands for people sliding around trying not to be noticed. And who says corporate America can't prepare you for the big leagues?

Rockies are one step closer to making the playoffs

2007-09-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

I know I might be being optimistic, but there's still hope for the Rockies to make it to the playoffs, right? We beat the Dodgers last night, and if Jeff Francis keeps it up (he got 10 strikeouts yesterday, the most since Jason Jennings way back in 2003), the Rockies just might do it. Really, I think they're due, as they haven't been in the playoffs since 1995 - come on guys, that's over a decade! I'll keep my end of the deal and be ridiculously optimistic, but they really need to come through.

It's officially a streak!

2007-06-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Seven wins in a row!

Sounds good, doesn't it? Doesn't sound quite as good when all it technically means is that the Colorado Rockies are out of last place, but hey - you take the good where you can find it. It feels good to be able to stand up and yell positive things at the TV for a change, you know? If this keeps up, I may actually start scoping out some game tickets...

2007-01-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Rockies reach contract agreements with outfielder Matt Holliday ($4.4 million, one-year contract) and pitcher Jeremy Affeldt ($1.25 million, one-year deal). More proposed arbitrations to come today...

Helton Being Shopped Around

2006-12-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Angels have reportedly been asking the Colorado Rockies about first baseman Todd Helton. The Angels were looking to get a reliable first baseman without having to dismantle their pitching staff. I really haven't heard any other action involving the Rockies this offseason, but with the caliber of free agents this year, it's probably best that they don't do much.

Rockies Lock Down Francis

2006-12-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Rockies locked down pitcher Jeff Francis for the next four years yesterday, November 30. Francis went 13-11 last year with an ERA of 4.16. In the two complete seasons he's pitched for the Rockies he's been very consistent, and he'll be a good starter for us in the upcoming years. I don't think he'll be a number 1 starter, but definitely a 2 or 3. They just need to a get little more offense production, and they will be on their way to being a contender.

Snow-covered Rockies

2006-11-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

How am I supposed to concentrate on baseball when we're covered in 20 feet of snow? I like a cool November as much as the next guy, but when the blizzards hit, I'm wishing I were more of a Texas Rangers fan...

coming soon!

2006-11-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

After a long dry spell (or maybe I should say cold spell given the snow), Colorado Rockies tickets are at last back on sale! It's like Christmas, in more ways than one.

I can't wait to see my team at bat again...

News from the Rockies

2006-11-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

With the MLB’s Colorado Rockies hibernating for the winter, I’ve had a chance to think about other events in the news from this part of the world. Blizzards and power outages are old news, thank heaven. Sex scandals, blah blah blah. Bill Clinton in town and nobody talking about sex scandals—I guess that’s a news story.

The most intriguing thing to me in recent times has been the saga of Jeff Ingram, the 40-year-old Canadian who back in September found himself in Denver without a memory of how he got here or even what his name was. Thanks to TV news coverage, his family and friends recognized him, and now he’s in Washington state with his financee. But he still can’t remember the stuff he sees in photo albums or computer files.

Think about what that must be like. No wonder amnesia makes for so many books and movies. I sure hope Jeff Ingram’s real life story has a happy ending where his memories, whatever they are, click back into place. Personally, I’d love to know what brought him to Denver.

Cold, cold games

2006-10-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Read an interesting article on baseball and winter climates here today.

From the article:

"Have you watched the weather channel lately?

A snowstorm in Colorado is dumping more than a metre of snow on the state.

Denver is in Colorado, home of the National League's Colorado Rockies.

That's right. Someday, the World Series might be called on account of a blizzard."

What is the world coming to?

You go girl!

2006-10-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

I just love these stories - in this one, Colombia Middle School student Jaimee Souder wrote an essay that got her recognized in an ultra-cool way.

"The Colorado Rockies recognized Souder recently at a game at Coors Field. Souder earned a Rockies jacket and VIP tickets. Her essay will be featured in the April 2007 Colorado Rockies program."

Enough of the "dumb jock" stereotype... when sports is used to encourage academics, I see that as the best of both worlds.

Getting chilly in the Colorado Rockies

2006-10-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Buffalo, looks like we're joining you in early snow this year. Those of you overly concerned about global warming should pick up a ticket over here to Colorado, where we're starting the white in October once again!

Nothing better than baseball and snow...

(Except maybe baseball, snow and beer. Well, okay, maybe baseball, no snow, and beer.)

Who'll be joining the Colorado Rockies?

2006-10-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

Reading about some of the potential new up-and-comers that may be joining the Colorado Rockies in the future, it's interesting to think that we're seeing now the fresh-faced kids in the minor leagues that'll be bringing home the serious money before too long.

Like outfielder Seth Smith, who according to the Colorado Rockies website batted .294 with 15 homers, 71 RBIs and 46 doubles -- tied with Joey Votto (Double-A Chattanooga) for most in the Minors. Granted, I didn't follow either of them too closely, but I find it's kind of like playing the stock market. The earlier you get in on a hot one, the longer you can ride it and the more fun it is.

Not that I want to ride Seth Smith... wow, that didn't come out right at all.

Back to your previously scheduled programming...

Up, up, and up some more

2006-10-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Too funny... I just got out of a hour long argument on whether the altitude at home games affects pitching. To those who thinks it makes no difference, I quote from the Colorado Rockies page itself: "...the ball ... travels 9 percent farther at 5,280 feet than at sea level. It is estimated that a home run hit 400 feet in sea-level Yankee Stadium would travel about 408 feet in Atlanta and as far as 440 feet in the Mile High City."

Ah, the good old internet.

Btw, anyone ever taken one of those official tours of Coors Field? Just wondering if it's worth the ticket price.

Onto the NHL

2006-10-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

It’s little consolation, but it’s nice that we at least get to end the season with Atkins getting Player of the Week. With a few more players like that, maybe we’ll be poised for a run at the World Series next season.

Next up, Avalanche.

2006 ain't over yet

2006-08-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

I always say one of the great things about baseball is how “it ain’t over till it’s over.” But even though everybody with Colorado Rockies tickets got the equivalent of 2 games for the price of 1 the other night, they also got double the heartbreak when the Diamondbacks ended up winning 2-1. Not surprisingly, it took the wind out of our guys’ sails, and maybe no one feels it worse than Aaron Cook who took the follow-up 9-5 loss, with all but one of the runs happening when there were already two outs.

Hang in there, Rockies! Even the Wild Card race ain’t over till it’s over.

Cards Sweep Rockies with Help from Carpenter

2006-06-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

All in all the Colorado Rockies had an average road trip going 4-3. That stat gives me no cure for the pain I still feel from watching the Rockies get swept by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second series of that road trip. I know they are at the top of the NL Central but I thought at least we would see a little fight coming from the Rockies. Whatever fight we had seemed to be sucked right out of us when Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals took the mound. I think they should test that guy for performance enhancing drugs. He’s either not human or he has studied with monks or something, because he played like he was on a higher plane of existence.

Fogg, clouding over the mound.

2006-05-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Our most recent series against the Houston Astros was extremely painful. We lost two of three, scoring 2 to the Astros 12 in the first and no points at all in Sundays 0-3 road loss. Josh Fogg had better get ready to pitch tonight against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This will be another golden opportunity for Fogg to show he can pitch us to a win before Sun Woo Kim comes off the injured list and Fogg fades into the background again.

Rockies Miguel gets Started

2006-04-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Miguel Asencio is going to have his first start against the Philadelphia Phillies this week and I think he looks like a promising starting pitcher. He had a great spring training and we’ll see what he can do for the Colorado Rockies this season. Now for the bad news: looks like our first baseman Todd Helton will be out for awhile. He was treated for a stomach problem over the weekend that is worse than everyone thought. It’s time for the rest of our Colorado Rockies to win while Helton is sick in bed.

Some good news and some bad news.

2006-03-27T18:09:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been very eventful. The Colorado Rockies beat the Rangers, UCLA made it to the final four and race car driver Paul Dana died in a crash during practice on Saturday. Julian Tavarez of the Boston Red Sox and Joey Gathright of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays got into a brawl that got them both ejected from the game today in Florida. I’m shocked by fighting in pro sports every time I see it. If I intentionally hit someone at my job I would be fired on the spot. Wouldn't you?

Amazing feats of human agility!

2006-03-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Rockies are gearing up for another rebuilding season and I am gearing up for vacation. I am headed west to Las Vegas for some fun in the casinos. More exciting than that I got Zumanity tickets. It is another of those Cirque Du Soleil shows and it is featured at the New York New York. I am hooked on these shows and this is the only Cirque show I haven’t seen yet.

NHL Wrapped in Controversy

2006-02-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

As the country winds down from the excitement of the Super Bowl, another kind of media frenzy has been set off by the gambling scandal in the NHL. I am glad the Colorado Rockies and the MLB are staying out of the news but I am really concerned that these undignified actions tarnish the reputations of all professional athletes and their organizations.

Going to the Super Bowl?

2006-01-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

I am so glad the Super Bowl is finally coming to my old home town. I’ve bought my tickets and plan to join family for the big game. Ford Field is going to be a great venue for the event and I hear that the Rolling Stones are playing the halftime show. It is going to be a great game and I am hoping the Seattle Seahawks can win on their first trip to the Super Bowl in franchise history.

Todd Helton a Man to Admire

2006-01-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of talk recently about Rockies infielder Todd Helton. He is the personification of the great players and good men of baseball’s legendary past. Todd Helton has mentioned that during the 2005 season he was plagued by back pain and played his best despite his suffering. We never heard about this last year and he never took time off from the game. That kind of dedication in a player has not been seen by this fan in a long time. With all the pretentious fame-frenzied sports personalities we hear about every day it is nice to see a man so committed to his team that he puts his personal issues aside when its time to work.

Rockies Work on Starting Rotation

2006-01-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

The Rockies are looking to have a healthy starting rotation for the 2006 season. In 2005 the injuries of Jason Jennings and Aaron Cook hurt us and we don’t want to be in that position again. We finished last in the American League West last season because we couldn’t hold it together without our strong starting rotation. This year will be different according to team management and though there are many areas we need help our starting rotation is going to get the most attention. We had bits and pieces of brilliance in 2005 but no real team effort and way too many walks.

Rockies Sign Veteran Leaders

2005-12-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Rockies suffered injuries at almost every position in the 2005 season. We had a relatively inexperienced team and finished last in the National League West with a 67-95 record. The Rockies strongly believe that the youth of their players is not hindering their game. Youth will be in Colorado’s favor over the next few seasons as they build onto what they feel is a solid core. As far as veteran leadership, the Rockies are counting on re-signing pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim and will be negotiating with Willie Harris who has publicly claimed he wants to continue with the Rockies in 2006.

More Player Realignment on the Rockies

2005-12-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

Jose Acevedo will not be returning in 2006 because the Colorado Rockies have made the choice to not offer him a contract. He will have the opportunity to become a Free Agent. Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs was also not offered a deal for next year. Spilborghs appeared in just one game last season so he is not as familiar as Acevedo. Some of the Rockies receiving offers were Sunny Kim, Zach Day, and Aaron Cook. Cook’s will be a multi-year deal. With all the changes at the winter meetings and the new contracts it is looking like we will have a quality team in our fourteenth season.

Mesa Added to Rockies Roster

2005-12-14T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Winter Meetings have come to a close and there have been some changes made to the Colorado Rockies roster. Jose Mesa, right-handed relief pitcher, signed a one year contract with us for over two million in 2006 and an option for three million in 2007. He may be 40 years old but his performance with the Pittsburgh Pirates belies his age. Mesa earned 60 saves in his time with the Pirates and performed like a veteran should. Jose Mesa may be the answer to some of the Rockies pitching woes and has the potential to be a real leader out on the field.

Baseballs Greatest Quality - Heroes

2005-12-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

When you watch a lot of sports, like I do, you begin to get sick of the way basketball and football players are acting more and more morally questionable. It is like they don’t care at all that they are looked up to by America’s youth. Baseball has its problems but it seems to be the last bastion of sports role models. You don’t have to worry about a baseball player exhibiting an inability to support his own team, like Terrell Owens. You don’t have to worry that your son is wearing the baseball jersey of a convicted felon. Almost all baseball players act like real role models with team spirit and good values.

Awards, Rewards, Penalties and Moves

2005-11-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

The Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team for 2005 will include Colorado Rockie Garrett Atkins. He also finished fourth in the voting for Rookie of the Year. Atkins deserves these honors and more for his performance during the 2005 season. Jason Jennings is set to return in the 2006 season now that his finger has healed. Todd Helton, Rockies first baseman, has spoken out in strong support of the League’s new stringent performance enhancing drugs rules. The policy increases punishments for steroid use and amphetamine use as well. It is still possible that Jeff Baker will change positions when he heals from his injuries, but plans has been put on hold until he is ready to play.

To Youth or Not to Youth

2005-11-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

Wrought with injury and losses the Colorado Rockies finished the season with a 67-95 losing record that was one of the worst in franchise record. They are sticking to their guns trying to train and hone their younger players into Major League material. The Rockies seem to be sticking to Dan O’Dowd’s theory that youth gives you depth in the long run. Keeping young players with the belief that they’ll get better in time because they can’t get any worse may not be the best bet for this team. The question is will they realize the need to snatch up some good veteran leaders before it’s too late.

'Keep on Keeping on'

2005-06-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

After coming out strong in the 2004 season Aaron Cook found out he had a blood clot in his lung, which led his 04’ to a halt. After having surgery to fix the problem, Cook was expected back for another strong season in 05’ but as luck would have it his newly acquired shoulder problems put him on the 60 day disabled list earlier in the season. The good news now is that he will soon be throwing in the bullpen. I see a return happening at least after the All- Star break.

Slumping Season

2005-06-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

It happens to every player at some point in every season, it being some type of slump that prevents them from helping their team. Well, Todd Helton is in one of those situations right now. In the Rockies past 11 games he has failed to drive in a single run and is batting a horrendous .172 against lefties. Helton needs to take the day off that has been given to him to try and find his swing again.

Trying to Split

2005-05-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

In a four game series against the depleted Cubs, the Rockies are struggling. The Rockies won the first contest 5-2 but then dropped the next two. The final game of the series is already in progress and the Rockies up 2-0. If anything a split in the series would be nice, after all, this Cubs team is not that powerful right now with the exception of Derek Lee.

Feeling at Home

2005-05-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

One of the few bright spots in the Rockies Bullpen, or roster for that matter, is right-handed- pitcher Jay Witasick. Witasick has been quite effective as a set up man in his eighth-inning role.

Witasick continues to pitch well at home in the comfort of Coors stadium. Which is something he did on other teams as well (pitching well at home), because he has the ability to avoid walks and force batters to put the ball in play for easy ground outs.

Good Call

2005-05-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

Having SS Clint Barmes move from No. 2 to leadoff, switching places with 2B Aaron Miles, has worked well so far. Barmes has continued his hot hitting, and Miles has gotten more pitches to hit because Helton looms behind him.

More Bulpen Blues

2005-05-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

RHP Jason Jennings again has run into early-season problems because the release point on his sinker is different in the altitude of Coors Field from what it is on the road. His inability to make adjustments early leads to bad Aprils.

It kind of makes me wonder. From last season to now you think the coaches or managers would fix the pitching problem. The truth is, the only thing consistent with this pitching staff is their lack of consistency.

Same Ol', Same Ol'

2005-05-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

RHP Jay Witasick, who was signed to a minor league contract in early April, was recalled from Class AAA. Six of the Rockies' first seven blown save chances came before the ninth inning, and the hard-throwing Witasick has made a career out of being a late-inning bridge to the closer.

In's and Out's

2005-04-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

Rookie 3B Jeff Baker hit well in spring training and homered on opening day, but then he went into a slump. Manager Clint Hurdle thinks Baker was overloaded by video and scouting reports, so Hurdle asked Baker to rely more on instincts.

LHP Brian Fuentes threw in eight of the team's first 11 games. He has struggled some with his command, but Fuentes could become a leader in the bullpen--if he doesn't wear out first.

The team claimed OF Michael Restovich off waivers. He has natural power but must make more consistent contact.

Deja Vu

2005-04-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

The 2005 season is underway and young but there are unwelcoming signs to the Rockies reminding them of last season. I mean, you fans remember how great are bullpen was in 2004(sarcasm). The Rockies bullpen set season low records, of course it is something to brag about, although it is something that needs to be mentioned.

The bullpen last season had a record 39 losses and 34 blown saves…. OUCH!

The pitcher was Fuentes brought in. He had to protect a one run lead against the Giants but failed when Marquis Grissom blast a three run homer to win the game with a final of 10-8 putting the Rockies at the bottom of the National League West at 2-1.

Colorado 7, Arizona 3

2005-03-30T17:27:00.000-08:00

(AP), from ESPN.com

One bad outing wasn't enough to derail Jamey Wright's bid to make Colorado's rotation.

A strong one against Arizona all but locked it up.

Garrett Atkins and Matt Holliday each had two-run singles to back up Wright's six strong innings, lifting the Colorado Rockies to a 7-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.

Wright was shaky March 12 against Milwaukee, lasting just two innings after giving up seven runs and three walks. The right-hander was solid in his next start, allowing three earned runs in five innings against Arizona, and was particularly sharp against the Diamondbacks the second time around.

Wright allowed just three hits and was never really in trouble after Luis Terrero followed Tony Clark's double with a run-scoring single in the second inning.

Wright was projected as Colorado's fourth or fifth starter and manager Clint Hurdle indicated that's where he'll end up after his latest outing.

"For all intents and purposes, unless something off the board happens, that's where we're headed," Hurdle said. "Jamey threw effectively today, mixed his pitches, kept the ball down, worked his pitches in, had a good breaking ball. We'd like to go that way."

Wright will fall in the rotation behind Jason Jennings, Joe Kennedy and Jeff Francis, but whether he's the No. 4 or No. 5 starter will depend on the health of Shawn Chacon. The right-hander was hit on his throwing wrist by Francis while attempting a bunt on a back field and though X-rays were negative, he still had a large lump late in the afternoon.

"It's not up to me," said Wright, who's scheduled to pitch in Colorado's final preseason game Saturday in Colorado Springs. "I know that wherever I end up, I'm going to do a good job this year because I'm confident in my ability to go out and do the job. Whatever happens, I'll be ready to go."

Matt Chico, one of Arizona's top prospects, had some good moments for Arizona, but had trouble with jitters in his first spring game.

A third-round draft pick in 2003, Chico was solid in the first two innings against a Rockies' lineup that featured most of its regulars. But the left-hander ran into trouble in the third, when Atkins hit a two-run single after Clint Barmes and Wright led off with singles.

The Rockies knocked Chico for two more in the fourth on Dustan Mohr's run-scoring single and a perfect squeeze bunt down the first-base line by Barmes. Chico allowed four runs and eight hits in four innings

"He threw reasonably well, but was a little nervous," Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said. "It's nice to get a look at some of your minor leaguers."

Colorado added three more runs in the fifth inning against Oscar Villarreal -- two on Holliday's single to left -- to go up 7-1.

Terrero made it 7-3 in the seventh with his third spring homer, a two-run shot to left-center off David Cortes.

In the hot Seat

2005-03-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

The clock is ticking for Charles Johnson as well as the Rockies, who want to shed his contract but still haven't gotten any takers. Johnson probably didn't do himself or the organization any favors by turning down a deal that would have sent him to the Dodgers last summer. This spring, the Rockies intend to give J.D. Closser the load of work and have Todd Greene in the fold to serve as Closser's backup. Any playing time Johnson gets this spring probably will be more to showcase him than to get him ready to perform for Colorado.

Soft Spot

2005-02-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

The lack of a closer is well documented, but there's the matter of the young lineup getting leads worth protecting. 1B Todd Helton is a force at No. 3, but the team faces many offensive questions: Will Miles, who hits for average but had a low on-base percentage for a leadoff guy, and Barmes give Helton RBI opportunities? Can CF Preston Wilson rebound from last year's knee injury, regain his N.L. RBI champion form of 2003 and avoid strikeouts enough to protect Helton from the cleanup spot? Can new RF Dustan Mohr realize his potential? Will the young bottom of the order produce?

Missing Estes

2005-02-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Why did the Rockies let go of left-handed-pitcher Shawn Estes? If anything Estes would have help out greatly with the talented rotation the Rockies have in place now. Estes went (15-8) last season, and was probably let go because of the teams money problems. Estes could have probably a leader in a play-off scenario. O well, play ball!

In your hands

2005-01-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of thee expression, you’re the master of your own destiny? That couldn’t hold more wait that with LHP Javier Lopez.

Lopez looks to hold his bullpen spot this coming season, yet in order to do that he needs numbers from his 2003. Numbers such as a (4-1) win- loss record, and a 3.70 ERA. In 2004 it was almost a complete reversal. In the same amount of appearances he had (1-2) win-loss record and a horrendous 7.52 ERA with a trip to Class A.

Go Rockies!

Relaford labels himself a leader

2004-12-23T16:22:00.000-08:00

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com

Infielder Desi Relaford is a busy guy.

A typical day around his Jacksonville, Fla., home involves traditional workouts plus some features he has added in recent years to prevent injury and stay young. There's yoga for flexibility, strength and peace. He goes for Rolfing massage therapy, which combines massage of connective tissue with movement to improve posture.

Then there's his music label, 6 Hole Records, that's starting to take off. The first artist hits stores with a single on Jan. 27 and a CD sometime in February. Four more CDs are on the way. He recently went to Boston for an artist photo shoot.

"I've got a bunch of things going in different directions, but I like that," Relaford said. "I like to keep busy."

That's just the type of energy and versatility the Colorado Rockies were seeking. Relaford, 31, confirmed Wednesday that he will go to Denver early next week for a physical, and if all goes as expected will sign a one-year deal with Colorado to be a reserve infielder. Relaford should provide the Rockies depth and protection, particularly as shortstop in case rookie Clint Barmes is injured or struggles.

Colorado has not made an announcement because the physical is pending. The Denver Post reported that the deal is worth approximately $800,000.

With the Kansas City Royals in 2004, Relaford battled hamstring injuries throughout the season and batted .221. That was on the heels of strong seasons in 2001 (.302 with the New York Mets), 2002 (.267 with Seattle) and 2003 (.254 with Kansas City) during which he was considered one of baseball's best utility infielders.

"They have spaces available that will allow me to get some playing time, and on the flip side, they get a player with leadership qualities who can play anywhere on the field," said Relaford, who said conversations with Rockies manager Clint Hurdle heightened his enthusiasm for joining the club. "I'm looking forward to going there. Any player would love to be playing at Coors Field as your home field."

Relaford brings the experience of being a highly touted prospect with Seattle who got his break with Philadelphia in 1996. Relaford went through rough times offensively with the Phillies and San Diego before establishing himself with the Mets. Relaford hopes to draw on his experiences to help the Rockies, who could start as many as four rookies and two second-year players regularly.

"I've been on teams with a winning attitude and a losing attitude, and I know the results that follow from attitude," Relaford said. "But I think of myself as young, even if it may not be the truth anymore. I like to have fun -- in the clubhouse, I'm not boisterous or loud, but you know I'm there. I don't want to be another coach but part of my job is to help."

Relaford's record label, which is named for his original and favorite position (shortstop is the No. 6 position in the baseball scorebook), is an example of how he identifies with youth yet offers guidance.

Relaford grew up with hip-hop music and was drawn to the wit and creativity of its original practitioners, but was saddened when they were driven off the air when labels began marketing gangsta rap and its celebration of values he didn't share. 6 Hole is his effort to return the music to its roots.

"That thing is coming a long way, and has come a long way in the last seven or eight months," Relaford said. "The mainstream version is not what hip-hop, where everybody has got to be the toughest kid on the block with the most women and selling the most drugs, is not what hip-hop is all about. My label is about the art form, not a culture of cursing over some beats. There's room for a lot more positive in hip-hop."

It's an attitude the Rockies hope is in tune with their goals.

Rockies Give Back Year-Round

2004-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

By Lindsay Albanesi / Special to MLB.com

Colorado Rockies players and wives dedicated much-needed time and money to several charities this season. They were involved in food drives, hospital visits, fund-raisers, and even fashion shows throughout the year to raise money for those less fortunate in Colorado.

For the holidays this year, the Rockies are teaming up with Children's Hospital for their Christmas Shopping Experience on Dec. 3. The children will be able to leave their rooms to shop for presents for their families. A couple of players, yet to be named, will attend the event and help the children wrap presents and sign autographs.

In addition, pitcher Denny Neagle and his wife, Jennifer, will host a holiday party on Dec. 23 at the Brandon Center in Denver. The Brandon Center is a part of Volunteers of America and is a center for battered and abused children. The Neagle family will gather gifts for approximately 100 children in advance and bring them to the party, where each child will be given two gifts and served lunch.

Earlier this year, perhaps the most successful programs were the newly added C.J.'s Catches and Preston's Pals backed by catcher Charles Johnson and center fielder Preston Wilson. They programs focused on bringing to the ballpark children who normally would not have such an opportunity to do so.

Johnson and Wilson hosted groups of 30 boys and girls each Saturday throughout the season at Coors Field. The players would pay for transportation for the kids to get to the ballpark, their meal ticket and their game ticket. They would also conduct private question-and-answer sessions and sign autographs.

C.J.'s Catches sat in left field and Preston's Pals sat behind him in center field. The kids would even occasionally get baseballs thrown into the stands from Wilson during the games. The program was a big hit in its rookie season.

Rockies wives also stayed busy this season. They held a food drive in June to benefit the Denver Rescue Mission, a book drive in August to benefit the Denver Health reading program, and sold the popular grab bags to fans.

The Wives Grab Bags for Charity has been a big hit for the past two years. Last year, the wives only did the event once, but this year, it was increased to three times. All of the players signed a set of 12 baseballs that were distributed into paper bags with other Rockies items. Fans donated $50 to get one of the bags, not knowing who signed the ball inside. All of the proceeds go to different charity organizations. The wives have sold out of the grab bags each year.

Bullpen Blues 2

2004-09-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

Shawn Estes possessed an opportunity to become the first Rockies pitcher to have beaten the Dodgers four times in one season. If the bullpen would have done it's job to preserve Estes lead, then Estes would have got his 16th victory on the season. Meaning he would have also have had a chance to match a Rockies club record of 17 victories for a pitcher.

It was often-reliable Brian Fuentes who joined the Rockies' bullpen pattern of blowing leads. Fuentes gave up 3 hits, 1 run, and retired not one single Dodger.

Steve Reed (3-8) gave up singles to Jayson Werth and Steve Finley. Then Rockies manager calls for an intentional walk for Beltre. That then loads the bases. With Milton Bradly due up next. Milton drove in 3 runs.

Come on Rockies, rock it!

Bullpen Blues

2004-09-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Problems in the bullpen is what robbed the Rockies of a win. The Rockies have 35 relief losses this season and are tied for the most blown saves with 30. In a 7-6 loss the Rockies bullpen gave up a 5 run lead, after Jason Jennings 6 and 2/3 innings that he pitched.

Jennings with 2 out and 2 on was replaced by Javier Lopez. Lopez pitched to one batter and walked to load the bases and make way for Chin-hui Tsao who gave an RBI double to Adrian Bletre, which of course cleared the bases and cut the Rockies lead to 2 runs.

Tsao came back the next inning only to give up a solo home run by L.A.'s first basemen Milton Bradly. The long shot was hit 479 feet, which is the longest deep ball hit at Coors Field in the mile high city. Soon after that, Allan Simpson replaced Tsao. Simpson followed suit as he gave up a single, then a wild pitch, then had a throwing error on a pick-off attempt. Through all that, Dodgers Jorge Piedra(OF) was able to advance to 3rd base.

At last it was reliever Shawn Chacona that picked up loss. Coming in to replace Simpson, Chacona stuck out his first two batters who where Beltre and Wearth. Getting two out and with a man still on third, Chacona gave up a 2 run homer on 0-2 pitch to Shawn Green. With Green's homer the Dodgers had come back from 5-0 deficit to win.

Go Rockies!

Young Guns

2004-09-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Jeff Francis(1-2) has 16 strike outs in his last 14.2 innings, even though he has 8.59 ERA, the coaches feel this a the learning curve for the youngster.

From MLB.com
"This is a development stage," Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca said. "This is more than trying to hang your hat on something for next year. It was a perfect opportunity for him to see exactly what is going to be required for him.

Francis Has 58 minor league starts under his belt as well a 16-3 record with 24 starts last season. Francis split some time between double A and triple A.

Another youngster Chin-hui Tsao(3-3) with a 6.02 ERA, was an amateur out of Taiwan and dominated the double A's last season that he was skipped over the triple A's to the majors.

Go Rockies!

Lets finish off with diginity

2004-09-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

Although we have been doing good in the last 2 games, it still doesnt make up for an 8 game loosing streak. I know, I know why should they play hard if we cant make it the playoffs? If we dont play hard now, why will the many rookies that we are bound to end up on the roster next year, want to play for a loosing team. We need to play our hardest regardless if its the first game of the season or the last of a loosing season. Lets get out there and cheer our Rockies on to a winning end of the seasons!

Preston Wilson is out for the season

2004-08-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

Preston Wilson is probably out for the season, but it shouldn't make much difference this year, seeing to as our playoff hopes have been crushed to a mere piece of nothing. The only hope that I have is that it isnt long term or else it could affect his playing ability for next year and there after.

From sports.yahoo.com:
Colorado outfielder Preston Wilson was put on the disabled list Tuesday because of his sore left knee and could be sidelined for the rest of the season.

So lets keep optimistic about our injured players, and our heads up high. Lets end the season off with a flare even if a spark doesnt land in playoff land. Go Rockies!

Playoffs?

2004-08-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

The question is still in the air but unless the Rockies play perfectly , it is going to be very very very difficult. With the way these last 2 games have been going though, it doesnt look good. Have faith and GO ROCKIES!

The run comes to an end..

2004-08-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

After winning 2 againts the Reds, the end of the series comes with a pummelling to the Rockies. With the 14-7 victory of the Rockies, it makes the playoff hopes that much more difficult and is almost becoming impossible. Hopefully they will pull something off but the chances are low at the moment.

The Rockies win suprisingly without...

2004-08-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Rockies managed to win suprisingly after they just traded Larry Walker. Hes been a major part of this team for 9 years and it was sad to see him go.

From Yahoo.sports.com:

The Rockies had mixed feelings about their latest win because it came
without Larry Walker. The 1997 NL MVP was traded to St. Louis during
Colorado's 8-5 victory over the Reds on Friday
night.
``In one sense you are bummed by the loss of a
player the caliber of
Larry Walker,'' Rockies pitcher Steve Reed said.
``In another sense you are happy to see him going to a team that can win a
championship.''
Todd Helton and Preston Wilson each drove
in two runs to help Shawn Estes earn his 12th victory as Colorado overcame a
four-run deficit to stop a three-game losing streak.

As far as Reed saying that we cant win a championship, is going way to far. I know we have our bad records, but that doesnt mean we cant win a championship. They just dont have the determination enough to win it. Thats why they aren't winning as much as they could be, because they dont have determination. They have the skill just no heart. Now lets see if we can't win some more even if Larry Walker isn't here.. Go Rockies!

Trades and things

2004-08-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

Coming off a three-game sweep of Arizona and playing their best baseball of the season, the Colorado Rockies welcome the Chicago Cubs -- with old favorite Sammy Sosa and newcomer Nomar Garciaparra -- to Coors Field on Tuesday.
Rockies left-handed spot starter Jeff Fassero will take the mound in the series opener, and he doesn't seem fazed by the Cubs' addition of Garciaparra, the former Boston Red Sox All-Star shortstop, or the fact the Cubs are trying to make up ground in the National League Central.

"He's just another bat in their lineup, which is a pretty good lineup," Fassero said. "We're coming off the best month we've had all year long. We're going to start a new one against a pretty good team that's up for the Wild Card, and right now our goal is to spoil the chances for whoever has a chance to make the playoffs."

Fassero's last start was a no-decision in a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field on Wednesday. He gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings and departed with a 3-2 lead that the Rockies bullpen couldn't hold.

But, the Rockies have won each of Fassero's last four starts. After right-hander Aaron Cook's complete game on Sunday, Colorado starters improved to 7-0 with a 2.74 ERA in their last 11 outings. With the starters' success, Colorado will enter the series with a rested bullpen.

Also, having a healthy Preston Wilson and Larry Walker, who were injured when the Rockies tumbled to fourth place in the NL West, has given Colorado a feared lineup.

"Unfortunately, we lost two very important guys in our lineup early in the season," third baseman Vinny Castilla said. "But, now we have them back and we are playing great right now. We have great confidence in this clubhouse and every time we take the field, we feel we have a chance to win. That's a great feeling."

Garciaparra, 31, opened the season in Beantown on the disabled list with an Achilles tendon injury, but enters the Colorado series batting .319 with seven doubles, three triples, five homers and 22 RBIs in 39 games.

HOpe you all get a chance to watch the game!

a cool night filled with lots of violence

2004-07-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

DENVER -- Colorado Rockies catcher Todd Greene was injured avoiding a pitch in the fifth inning against Los Angeles on Tuesday, part of a night of odd injuries at Coors Field.Greene appeared to pull his right hamstring when he leaned forward and then tried to back out of the way of a pitch by Giovanni Carrara. Greene limped off the field and was replaced by Charles Johnson, who struck out on the next pitch.Rockies shortstop Royce Clayton and second baseman Luis Gonzalez were injured in the third inning when they collided on a chopper behind second.Clayton lay on the ground holding his left knee for a couple of minutes, but stayed in the game after walking around the infield. Gonzalez also stayed in the game after the injury before being replaced by Aaron Miles to start the fifth inning.In the second inning, a fan sitting down the first base line was hit in the head after a throw to first sailed into the stands during warmups. She held her head for several minutes, but didn't need medical attention and remained in her seat.Another fan was injured in the fourth inning when a foul by Alex Cora sailed into the seats behind Los Angeles' dugout. The woman received medical attention for a few minutes, then walked up the steps holding her right wrist, which was swollen and red.

rockies are rockin!

2004-07-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

all right, we're playing the dodgers and we are from colorado and we hit lots of home runs and stuff. alright! go colorado! woo!

You know your team's fucked up when...

2004-07-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Royce Clayton is your top hitter. That guy is such a pussy. God I want to punch him.

And not surprisingly, we're looking to ditch Larry Walker, the only superstar from the glory days of the Rockies. And what will we get for him? Bung Tongue Gimp? WTF! He's the Royce Clayton of pitchers. Although that might spell the end of Rockies baseball, they make a cute couple.

NL drops All-Star game to AL

2004-07-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

The crowd had barely calmed itself from the buzz created by the appearance of ceremonial first-pitch honoree Muhammad Ali when Clemens put the National League in a quick six-run hole, which led to a 9-4 American League win.

An Ivan Rodriguez RBI triple and two-run homer by Manny Ramirez gave the AL an immediate 3-0 lead. With two outs, Jason Giambi reached on a Jeff Kent error, and after Derek Jeter singled to left, game MVP Alfonso Soriano cleared the bases with a first-pitch homer to left field that gave the AL a six-run advantage.

Todd Helton of the Rockies unfortunately had to wait until the bottom of the ninth to bat, with no results. Sorry, Todd. Maybe next time?

Rox beat SD 3-1 in series

2004-07-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

Good work Rockies! We are coming off a winning series against the Padres in San Diego (5-1, 6-5, 6-2, 2-4). Now all we can do is wait and rest (much needed) during the All-Star break. We've been steadily improving our record over the past couple weeks, so let's not lose our momentum during the break. Our next series is 4 games in CO against the Giants. Last week we had a 2-1 run against them, so they are now the underdogs. Let's not let it get to our heads, Rockies! Good luck this week!

GO ROX!!!

New Rockies Blog

2004-07-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! Thanks for visiting my new fan blog dedicated to the Colorado Rockies! I'll mostly be using this as an FYI post, but I will also be liberally inserting my own thoughts and things. I welcome any comments, questions, rants, corrections, or whatever else you wanna sling at me. Come back and see me!