Inside the Game: 4/13/09
April 13th, 2009 | by wutae3 |- Manager Clint Hurdle was ejected before the start of the fifth inning for arguing a balk called on Ubaldo Jimenez. Umpire Tim McClelland was seen leaning over the rail of the Rockies dugout yelling at Hurdle. This is the second time of the season that Hurdle has got into a heated argument with an umpire. In the Home Opener at Coors Field on Friday, Hurdle came out to argue an interference call on Dexter Fowler. Hurdle was ejected twice last season.
- Brad Hawpe came out of the game in the fifth inning when he felt tightness in his hamstring. Hawpe has started all seven games for the Rockies this season. Troy Tulowitzki, Garrett Atkins and Ryan Spilborghs have also started all seven games.
- Rockies pitchers walked nine batters during the game on Monday. They had walked a total of 16 batters in the previous six games combined.
- The Rockies struck out 12 times in Monday’s game. They have struck out 28 times during their three-game losing streak.
- During the Rockies three-game losing streak, the bullpen has surrendered eight runs.
- Jeff Baker’s error in the fourth was only the second error of the season for the Rockies. Tulowitzki had a fielding error in the Home Opener against Philadelphia on Friday. In one of Thomas Harding’s Spring Training articles, Hurdle preached a “Back to the Basics” approach. So far the Rockies have responded defensively. In 2007, the Rockies set a major league record for fielding percentage at .98925. They committed only 68 errors – tied with the 1999 Mets for fewest errors ever in the National League till last year’s Houston Astros.
Tags: Brad Hawpe, Clint Hurdle, Dexter Fowler, Garrett Atkins, Houston Astros, Jeff Baker, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Spilborghs, Troy Tulowitzki, Ubaldo Jimenez
By Mike on Apr 13, 2009
Looking forward to your insight on the Rockies this season, Adam. Are you predicting the number in the win column at the end of the season??????
What are your thoughts on the bull pen this year?
By Chris on Apr 14, 2009
What do you think are the three most critical factors in the Rockies finishing above 500 this season?
Will the Rockies win the division this year?
By wutae3 (Adam Bieda) on Apr 14, 2009
I think the bullpen is a strength for the Rockies this year. Although Houston Street and Manny Corpas failed on Sunday, I still believe the Rockies have a lot of depth in the bullpen. Once Taylor Buchholz returns sometime in May, the bullpen should become even stronger.
The three most important factors for the Rockies this season will be:
1) The productivity from their fourth and fifth starters. Last season the Rockies never settled on these rotation spots and it hurt them in the standings.
2) Their ability to hit with men in scoring position. Last year the Rockies batted .256 with men in scoring position – down from their .276 average in 2007.
3) And the success of the bullpen. With a shaky starting rotation, the bullpen will need to close the door when they have their opportunities.
If the Rockies can be successful in these three areas, I think they have a great chance to win the division. Over the past five seasons, the NL West winner has averaged 87 wins. I think it will take at least 87 wins to win the division this year.