MEDIA CLIPS – March 24, 2017
Senzatela calm while facing adversity in start
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | March 23rd, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela displayed a solid fastball and plus stuff, even if his
command stood sharpening, on Thursday during his latest bid for the starting rotation. But the true test can't be measured
in miles per hour or any other metric.
During 5 1/3 innings in an 8-3 loss to the Indians, Senzatela, 22, saw his patience and resolve tested. Senzatela gave
up six runs (four earned) on 10 hits that included an Erik Gonzalez leadoff homer in the sixth.
But arguably, three fly balls on a windy day -- plays experienced, frontline players might have made -- became extra-base
hits.
"I threw the ball good," said Senzatela, who threw 55 strikes in 83 pitches. "I got a bad result, but it was OK."
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Left fielder Rafael Ynoa, who homered for the Rockies, couldn't track Richie Shaffer's leadoff fly that became a double in
the third, and later in the inning, Martinez doubled beyond center fielder Raimel Tapia's reach. Left fielder Stephen
Cardullo leaped at the wall but couldn't grab Erik Kratz's fourth-inning, two-out triple. Second baseman Daniel Castro's
error allowed two runs in the fifth.
But all was not perfect from the mound. After having neither his changeup nor his slider in a rough start against the Angels
in his previous outing, Senzatela had the action Thursday but not the consistency. Still, on a day that would try anyone's
patience, Senzatela scored high marks for composure.
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Pitching coach Steve Foster made a calming visit in the third. But in the fifth, when Senzatela gave up two hits and a walk
and Castro had the error after two were out, there was no mound visit.
"The only reason to go out was to calm a guy down if we saw any frustration, but we didn't see that," Rockies manager
Bud Black said. "He keeps his wits about him, does a nice job of staying focused."
With righty Jeff Hoffman being optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday, Senzatela remains in a race for the final
two rotation spots with lefties Kyle Freeland and Harrison Musgrave, and righty German Marquez. Senzatela is the
organizations' ninth-best prospect according to MLBPipeline.com.
Worth noting
• Pat Valaika, hoping the roster structure allows a utility infielder in addition to veteran Alexi Amarista, made three diving
plays at third base.
"He's played well all spring throughout the diamond and he's swinging the bat well, too," Black said. "He's done very well.
He's an emerging player."
• Closer Greg Holland, using a 91-93 mph fastball and a nasty slider, fanned all three Indians batters he faced in the
seventh. Lefty Mike Dunn continued his hitless spring, as well.
• Rockies righty reliever Adam Ottavino surrendered an eighth-inning leadoff homer to the Indians' Adam Moore and
gave up two runs on two hits and two walks, with one strikeout, in the eighth.
"The fastball was a little erratic for Adam -- couldn't land it in a good spot," said Black, who plans to use Ottavino again
Friday against the Giants. Ottavino bailed himself out with his slider.
• Righty reliever Scott Oberg pitched in a Minor League game against the Athletics and gave up one run on two hits, with
four strikeouts over 1 1/3 innings Thursday.
• Rockies non-roster outfielder Chris Denorfia, 36, returned to the clubhouse after missing time with the flu. His
experience and ability to play three positions are attributes, although several younger players are having big camps.
"It was a shorter bug than there have been in years past, so I don't think I lost that much weight," Denorfia said. "Being out
makes it a little bit more difficult, but I'm just trying to show that I can still play, and I can contribute."
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Hoffman sent to Triple-A as rotation battle heats up
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | March 23rd, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Rockies optioned right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday as
they began narrowing the competition for the season-opening starting rotation.
The Blue Jays' first pick (ninth overall) of the 2014 Draft, and key to the deal that sent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to
Toronto, Hoffman went 1-0 with a 4.76 ERA in three Cactus League games this spring.
"He's a guy that's on the radar for us, as he will continue to be," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "We just felt at this
time, as far as it related to him making our team in the last 10 days, there are a couple guys that are ahead of him.
"The fastball has velocity, but he has to locate the fastball. The slider and the curveball are very good pitches -outstanding, Major League quality. He just has to consistently get those into good spots, and the changeup is developing."
Hoffman, 24, also gave up two runs and four hits over three innings in an exhibition against Puerto Rico, and gave up four
hits and two runs (one earned) with five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings in his last action -- a Triple-A game against the Cubs.
Hoffman is the organization's No. 2 overall prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com.
The Rockies enter the final days of Spring Training set with three rotation spots -- righty Jon Gray, the odds-on favorite
for the Opening Day start at Milwaukee; lefty Tyler Anderson and righty Tyler Chatwood.
Competitors for the final two spots are lefty Kyle Freeland (2-1, 2.25 ERA in five games, 14 strikeouts and three walks in
16 innings), lefty Harrison Musgrave (1-0, 3.21 ERA, 10 strikeouts to one walk in 14 innings), righty Antonio
Senzatela (0-2, 4.20 ERA, 15 strikeouts and one walk and 15 innings heading into Thursday's start against the Indians),
and righty German Marquez (0-0, 8.00 ERA with six walks and seven strikeouts in nine Cactus League innings, plus six
strikeouts and two walks and no runs in a five-inning Triple-A start).
The Rockies would have to find room on the 40-man Major League roster for Freeland, who was the team's top Draft pick
in 2014 -- one overall spot ahead of Hoffman. It's possible one candidate who doesn't make the rotation could begin the
year in the bullpen. Lefty Chris Rusin, a multi-inning pitcher with starting ability, is trying to come back from a right
oblique injury. Rusin threw his first bullpen session Wednesday, but a spot could be open if Rusin isn't ready when the
season begins.
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Ynoa homers, Senzatela struggles on mound
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | March 23rd, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Indians ace Corey Kluber looked sharp during an 8-3 win over the Rockies on Thursday in his
continued march toward Opening Day. Cleveland is still trying to determine whether left fielder Michael Brantley will also
be ready for the start of the season.
Brantley went 0-for-3 in the victory, which marked his first back-to-back games of the Cactus League season for
Cleveland. The outfielder is trying to complete a comeback from right biceps surgery in August, following the right
shoulder surgery that kept him sidelined for most of last season.
"As long as he's healthy, we're in good shape," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "That's kind of how I've been
looking at it. He's come so far that Opening Day, in my opinion, is not the finish line for him. I know it's something
everybody shoots for -- I get it -- but as long as he maintains his health and he feels good, we're all going to be happy."
Kluber, likely Cleveland's Opening Day starter, struck out eight, walked one and allowed three runs (one earned) in seven
innings of work. Two of Colorado's runs off Kluber came in the fifth, and were helped by a pair of errors by second
baseman Michael Martinez. Rafael Ynoa later belted a leadoff homer against Kluber in the seventh.
"I thought he was tremendous," Francona said. "He wanted to get really stretched out, because he'll pull back a little bit
the next outing. ... Actually, his last inning was probably his strongest inning. That was really good to see."
Antonio Senzatela -- vying for a spot in Colorado's rotation -- logged 5 1/3 innings, in which he surrendered six runs
(four earned) on 10 hits with two strikeouts and one walk.
Abraham Almonte, who is competing for a spot in Cleveland's outfield, collected three hits, including a two-run single off
Senzatela in the fifth. Martinez (RBI double), Erik Kratz (RBI triple), Richie Shaffer (RBI single) and Erik
Gonzalez (home run) also contributed for the Indians. Adam Moore added a solo homer in the eighth.
Jordan Patterson -- in the running for a utility role for Colorado -- flashed some strong leather at first base for the
Rockies. In the first inning, Patterson made a diving stop on a would-be hit off the bat of Carlos Santana, and then flipped
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to Senzatela at first for the highlight-reel out. Third baseman Pat Valaika (also a utility candidate) also turned in some
standout defense. Notably, Valaika made a slick diving stop on a Kratz grounder to start a double play.
Rockies up next: Manager Bud Black said star third baseman Nolan Arenado will want to play against the Giants
Friday at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, and he'll likely get that chance. Arenado and left-handed reliever Jake
McGee were members of Team USA, which won the World Baseball Classic title game Wednesday night. Righty Jon
Gray, the likely Opening Day starter, will begin Friday's game. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. MT, and will be shown live
on MLB.TV.
Indians up next: Right-hander Carlos Carrasco is scheduled to return to the mound, following a bout with elbow
inflammation. Carrasco, whose last Cactus League start was on March 13, is slated to log four innings in a 4:05 p.m. ET
game against the Cubs on Friday in Mesa, Ariz.
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Arenado, McGee rejoin Rockies from WBC '17
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | March 23rd, 2017
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies manager Bud Black breathed the second-biggest sigh of relief when third baseman Nolan
Arenado finished what had been a difficult World Baseball Classic with two singles in Team USA's 8-0 championship
game win over Puerto Rico on Wednesday.
Of course, Arenado needed the hits more than anyone. They brought his average to .212.
"That was good to see," Black said. "That was good for his psyche. But he'll want to play tomorrow [against the Giants at
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick]. And we'll probably put him in there."
The good news for Rockies lefty reliever Jake McGee, also a member of Team USA, was his tournament went well. Bad
news was he threw one inning, with one hit and one walk, through the whole tournament.
McGee, who struggled for more than a year with a left knee injury before correcting it with a strengthening program over
the offseason, saw improvement in form and velocity in two appearances before he left the Rockies: March 11 against
Colombia, and the next night against Canada.
"He didn't pitch much, did he? But he was getting his throwing in, even though they were bullpen sessions and the like,"
Black said. "We're anxious to get him back. I'm sure Jake's anxious to get back to pitch against hitters and get that feel
back of competition, because he was used sparingly.
"I think the world of the whole WBC staff and organization. It's hard. It truly is. That's the way it turned out. But with 10
days left he'll get some outings to get him ready for the first week of baseball, and a reliever is a lot different from any
other player."
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Rockies’ Carlos Estevez embracing revamped delivery after up-and-down 2016 season
Estevez understands something needed to be done for him to survive in the big leagues
By Patrick Saunders / The Denver Post | March 23rd, 2017
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Project “Wild Thing” is on course and proceeding as planned. If successful, the Rockies will have
a powerful right-hander coming out of their bullpen for years to come.
The goal of the project? Simplify Carlos Estevez‘s delivery while keeping his sizzling fastball red hot.
“When I first saw video of Carlos, one of the things I noticed was that he had a big leg kick, a lot of arm action … he had a
lot of moving parts, to say the least,” said first-year Rockies manager Bud Black.
This spring, under the tutelage of pitching coach Steve Foster, bullpen coach Darren Holmes and Black, the Estevez
makeover has been a top priority. It already appears to be paying off. Through eight innings of Cactus League play,
Estevez has a 2.57 ERA with 11 strikeouts and one walk.
“If you have watched him, you’ll have noticed the lower leg kick; you’ve noticed more efficient separation in getting his arm
up,” Black said. “It’s not as — for lack of a better term — as complicated as I thought his whole delivery was last year. He
was unwinding and unwrapping to be able to throw the ball. Now it’s pretty straightforward.”
It’s not always easy to convince a pitcher to change the mechanics of a delivery that has brought him initial success and a
blazing fastball, but Estevez understands something needed to be done for him to survive in the big leagues.
“I started changing it some at the end of last season and worked on it all offseason,” Estevez said. “I think it’s been
helping a lot.”
Estevez, 24, was a Rockies fan favorite for a good chunk of last season. The likable, 6-foot-6, 250-pound right-hander
pitched with emotion and flair, and with a fastball that averaged 97.2 mph and peaked at 101. Toss in Estevez’s eager
embrace of the nickname “Wild Thing” from the movie “Major League” and the story seemed too good to be true.
It was.
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Yes, Estevez notched 11 saves, the most by a rookie in Rockies history. But, in truth, injuries forced the Rockies to thrust
him into a closer’s role too soon. After initial success, he melted down. By the end of the season, his ERA ballooned to
5.24 and he looked lost.
“I learned a lot,” he said. “When I got in high-level situations, I did good sometimes. But other times, I started to miss
some pitches and I started getting tired and my command wasn’t the same. I’ve learned that I have to smooth (out) my
mechanics and my focus has to be more intense at that point (in the game). I just have to execute my pitches.”
Estevez made his major-league debut April 23 vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field, working two scoreless
innings. From June 11 through July 28, he recorded 11 saves and blew just one. From May 1 through August 4, Estevez
sported a 3.24 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP and 40 strikeouts in 33 ⅓ innings.
But then the moving parts in his delivery started getting out of whack. He didn’t keep his arm slot consistent. He wasn’t
finishing his delivery on all pitches. From Aug. 5 through the end of the season, Estevez had a 9.19 ERA with a 2.18
WHIP and only 14 strikeouts in 15 ⅔ innings. Worst of all, he walked nearly a batter per inning during that span.
“Sometimes when I had men on base, I started to go too fast with my delivery,” he said. “That was the big thing.”
Black said it’s common for pitchers to bridle at changes, fearing they will lose fastball velocity or break on their slider. But
Estevez has been agreeable to all suggestions.
“A player has to understand and accept that changes have to be made,” Black said. “If they don’t, then you are swimming
upstream. … But it most cases, the changes that you make shouldn’t affect the pitcher’s velocity or their stuff.”
Estevez said his firepower remains in tact.
“I have already thrown 98 and 99 this spring,” he said. “So that’s a good thing. And by the time the season starts, I’ll be a
better pitcher.”
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Riding the roller-coaster
Back-to-back months a season ago illustrate the highs and lows of reliever Carlos Estevez’s 2016 season:
July
•
Games: 11
•
Innings pitched: 10.0
•
ERA: 1.80
•
Saves: 7
•
Blown saves: 0
•
Strikeout-to-walk ratio: 3.25
August
•
Games: 13
•
Innings pitched: 9.0
•
ERA: 10.0
•
Saves: 0
•
Blown saves: 3
•
Strikeout-to-walk ratio: 1.80
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Antonio Senzatela tested in trouble against Cleveland as Rockies eye a rotation piece
Rockies reliever Greg Holland strikes out the side in the seventh inning
By Nick Groke / The Denver Post | March 23rd, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Antonio Senzatela huddled with his manager, his pitching coach and catcher at the bottom of the
Rockies’ dugout steps here Thursday after the fifth inning. Collectively, there were decades of pitching experience. Nearly
none of it belonged to Senzatela.
The just-turned 22-year-old right-hander just threw through an error-extended, wind-whipped fifth inning against an Alineup belonging to Cleveland, the American League champions. The huddle was not a scolding. Senzatela survived.
“They talked to me about making good pitches,” Senzatela said. “They told me sometimes you slip up, but keep going.
Keep battling.”
Senzatela, competing for one of two open spots in Colorado’s season-opening starting rotation, saw his stock rise before
he gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings. Jeff Hoffman, a 24-year-old with major-league experience, was optioned to the
minor-leagues, leaving Senzatela among the front-runners.
And through a crooked fifth inning, as an error from second baseman Daniel Castro extended the frame, Rockies
manager Bud Black stayed in his seat. He never babied his young prospect.
“The only reason to go out was to calm a guy down if we saw some frustration,” Black said. “But we didn’t see that. He
keeps his wits about him and stays focused.”
Black added: “He pitched better than his line indicated. There were a couple at-bats that got away from him, but overall
there were some good pitches thrown.”
Cleveland’s Abraham Almonte followed the error with a two-run double. And misplayed fly balls in the Rockies outfield in
the third and fourth innings spiked Sentzatela’s line. Otherwise, Black thought his slider and changeup were nearly
season-ready. He struck out two and walked just one, leaving him with 17 strikeouts and two walks over six games in the
Cactus League.
“I’m a little bit anxious. I’m not nervous. But that’s my job,” Senzatela said. “I need to do my job.”
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HITS: Utility infielder Pat Valaika shined at third base, first with a back-handed short-hop stop to turn a double play in the
second, then two sterling snags with snap throws to first in the fourth and fifth. He has played every infield position behind
the pitcher this spring. “Pat is an emerging player,” Black said.
Also, veteran reliever Greg Holland struck out each of the three batters he faced in the seventh, continuing a likely path
into Colorado’s closer role… And lefty Mike Dunn made quick work of two batters in relief of Senzatela in the sixth, with a
fly-out and strikeout.
MISSES: Right-hander Adam Ottavino gave up two runs on three hits in the eighth, with a strikeout and a home run. “His
fastball was a little erratic,” Black said… Cleveland’s Corey Kluber dominated the Rockies’ minor-league lineup, throwing
seven innings with five hits and one earned run. He struck out eight and walked one. Rafael Ynoa homered off him in the
seventh.
UP NEXT: The Rockies (13-12) host the Giants at Salt River Fields at 1:10 p.m. on Friday, with Jon Gray scheduled to
face San Francisco’s Jeff Samardzija.
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Rockies pitching prospect Jeff Hoffman optioned to the minors as Colorado nears a season-opening rotation
Jeff Hoffman had a 4.76 ERA in 5 2/3 innings in the Cactus League this spring
By Nick Groke / The Denver Post | March 23rd, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Rockies on Thursday trimmed their starting arsenal by one tall arm, optioning right-hander Jeff
Hoffman to the minor leagues.
The 24-year-old, acquired in the Troy Tulowitzki trade in 2015 from Toronto, made his major-league debut late last
season. And he was competing for one of two open spots in Colorado’s season-opening rotation.
Instead, Hoffman will begin the season at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he went 6-9 record with 4.02 ERA in 22 games in
2016.
“Jeff needs a little more refinement,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “And when he shows he’s consistent at making
pitches, he’s a guy who is on the radar for us, for sure.”
The move puts left-hander Kyle Freeland and 22-year-old Antonio Senzatela in line for the Rockies rotation. Neither have
pitched in the big leagues. Freeland, 23, is not on the Rockies’ 40-man roster and Senzatela has never pitched above
Double-A, and then only seven games for the Hartford (Conn.) Yard Goats last year. German Marquez, 22, also remains
in the running.
Hoffman, at 6-foot-5, pitched 8 2/3 innings his spring, including an exhibition outing against Puerto Rico, with six strikeouts
and three walks. He had a 5.19 ERA in those games.
His last outing was an unofficial minor-league matchup against a Chicago Cubs Triple-A lineup, where he pitched to
mixed results, giving up five hits (including a home run and two doubles) and two runs, with four strikeouts and one walk.
Several members of Rockies management, including general manager Jeff Bridich, farm director Zach Wilson, big-league
pitching coach Steve Foster and pitching coordinator Mark Wiley, scouted Hoffman closely in that game.
“The fastball has velocity, but he has to locate the fastball,” Black said. “The slider and curveball are very good pitches.
They are major-league quality. But he has to consistently get them into good spots. The overall command of his pitches is
something he needs to harness.”
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Hoffman’s 4.88 ERA over eight games with the Rockies last season figured slightly above average when adjusting for
ballpark factors. But he was out-pitched this spring by Freeland (16 innings, 2.25 ERA) and Senzatela (20 1/3 innings,
4.87 ERA, 17 strikeouts and two walks).
The Rockies have three set starting pitchers: Jon Gray, who likely will start the season-opener at Milwaukee on April
3, Tyler Anderson and Tyler Chatwood.
Rough spot. Right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino gave up two runs on three hits in one inning Thursday against downroster Cleveland hitters, his second consecutive rough appearance. “His fastball was a little erratic,” Black said. “But he’s
fine.” Ottavino faced seven batters in the inning, but he is still scheduled to appear Friday in relief against San Francisco,
Black said, his first back-to-back outings this spring.
Footnotes. Scott Oberg, attempting to earn the final spot in the Rockies’ bullpen, struck out four of the seven batters he
faced in a game against Oakland’s Class A roster. He also gave up one run on two hits and a walk… Nolan Arenado is
scheduled to return to the Rockies on Friday and will likely play against the Giants at Salt River Fields. The Rockies third
baseman had two hits in the USA’s championship victory over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic Wednesday
night in Los Angeles. “That was good for his pysche,” Black said, after Arenado struck out in his two previous at-bats.
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Colorado Rockies option starting pitcher Jeff Hoffman to Triple-A
The highly touted righty will begin the 2017 season in the minors.
By Ryan Freemyer / Purple Row | @RFreemyer | Mar 23, 2017
The Colorado Rockies announced on Thursday that starting pitcher Jeff Hoffman has been optioned to Triple-A
Albuquerque. The news presumably means Hoffman is out of the running for the Rockies’ rotation, leaving Kyle Freeland,
German Marquez, and Antonio Senzatela battling for the final two spots.
The 24-year-old righty and centerpiece of the Troy Tulowitzki trade had posted a 4.76 ERA with four strikeouts and two
walks across 5 ⅔ innings in Major League Spring Training. This came on the heels of an uneven 2016 season that saw
him put up a 4.02 ERA with 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 22 starts in Albuquerque as well as a brief stint with the
Rockies in which he posted a 4.88 ERA with just 22 strikeouts to 17 walks in eight appearances (six starts). While this
move means we won’t see him in the opening day rotation, it remains highly likely he’ll be called on to contribute to the big
league team at some point during the season.
Of the remaining rotation candidates, Freeland, the 23-year-old lefty, would appear to be a frontrunner. After a rough first
outing, he has allowed just one run across 14 innings in his last four appearances, walking just one while striking out 12.
Senzatela, a 22-year-old righty, has also had a strong spring thus far that shows up more in his 15-to-1 strikeout-to-walk
ratio than it does in his 4.20 ERA. Judging by Spring Training performance, Marquez, another 22-year-old righty, seems to
be a distant third, his 8.00 ERA and 7-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio coming in well behind what we’ve seen from both
Freeland and Senzatela. It’s worth noting, however, that Marquez saw a brief big league stint in 2016 and held his own,
while neither Freeland or Senzatela have any Major League experience.
With opening day less than two weeks away, final announcements on the starting rotation should be coming soon. As
always, we’ll keep you updated as soon as we get more information.
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FPF - What worries me about the Rockies the most?
By Arimaris / Purple Row | Mar 23, 2017, 9:00am MDT
Editor's Note: User Arimaris submitted the following FanPost as a part of our latest FanPost Friday prompt, which we're
reproducing here in its entirety. You can still submit your own FanPost on the topic of "What is your biggest worry/fear
about the Rockies right now?"
At some point in the past I was going through the process to try to become a writer for Purple Row. The process taught
me two things. First, when I write something that will be published I like to take a lot of time and really try to understand
enough that my points are clear and relevant. Two, that takes way too much time and I had to withdraw from
consideration.
One of the articles I wrote was, "What's the Worst that Could Happen?" In the end what I found was that
the Rockies simply didn't have the depth to have anything go wrong. Literally. We couldn't absorb an injury to any starter
and expect to be even an average team. While I think that we are in significantly better shape now that significantly better
shape takes our ceiling to a contending team rather than really raising the floor.
The most critical acquisition of the off-season for the Rockies is Ian Desmond. The general consensus was he was one
move of multiple, but I actually think he was a completely independent move to bolster our depth. With him we can absorb
losing players like Dahl, Story, LeMahieu, etc for some period of time without a massive drop off in production or defense.
While I think the story about him being signed to play first fits in the narrative that players have to have some set position I
really believe that his versatility was the reason we signed him for the price we did.
This signing coupled with the re-signing of Reynolds to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training leads me to
believe that the Rockies decided first is not a high priority for a top tier bat and they just want useful production and depth.
From what has happened so far in spring I think they are happy about having that depth even though it is injured.
What this all comes down to though is we have set up the offense to be productive enough even with injuries that we
should contend. Because of that my concern now is that we lose a(nother) front-line starter or that they significantly under
perform. At this point that would be John Gray, Tyler Chatwood, or Tyler Anderson. Losing any one of them for an
extended period of time would take the depth we already are having to dip into and almost ensure that we are hoping for
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another .500 season. If we lose or see lower than expected performance from 2 of the 3, it's going to be a long summer
unless a surprise happens.
Every year though this feels like the story, we are crossing our fingers that all goes as expected and hoping our young
pitchers continue to grow and perform well. Although, this summer my optimism is higher than the past because our
pitching looks like it really does have a shot at success.
Here's hoping for health and performance from them all!
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Colorado Rockies: 3 Things You Should Know on March 24
By James Keating / Rox Pile | March 24, 2017
After roster moves, the Rockies are one day closer to Opening Day as reserves highlighted Thursday’s
action struggling in all facets of the game. Here are three things you should know for March 24th.
Jeff Hoffman Sent to Triple-A
After failing to establish himself in Catus League play, Jeff Hoffman was sent down to Triple-A Albuquerque on
Thursday. As prize of the Troy Tulowitzki deal, Hoffman might be the Rockies future ace. Unfortunately, that journey will
have to begin in New Mexico.
As a September call-up in 2016, Hoffman went 0-4 in eight games played, pitching to the tune of a 4.88 ERA. If the ERA
is ugly enough, Hoffman’s Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) was a staggering 6.27, suggesting he pitched worse
than what his ERA suggests. Consistency will indicate when he has truly progressed.
Antonio Senzatela Struggles
Antonio Senzatela could have solidified his spot in the Rockies Opening Day rotation on Thursday. Considering the news
that his main competitor in Hoffman was sent down to Minor League camp, the stars seemed to be aligning. Senzatela
didn’t capitalize. In total, Senzatela through 5.1 frames, surrendering 10 hits and four earned runs.
Things just didn’t go well for the Rockies on Thursday. Primed with a minor league lineup the offense was stagnant,
and an error really hurt Senzatela who struggled on the mound. On the plus side Greg Holland struck out the side in his
inning of work, and follow reliever Mike Dunn continued his hitless spring.
Rockies Are MLB’s Best in Tough Counts
The Denver Post’s Nick Groke, makes a great observation in this article. In summary, the club is among the best in the
bigs when it comes to hitting with two strikes. Third best as a matter of fact. Major Leaguers hit .176 with two strikes in
2016. Colorado hitters hit .191. The difference doesn’t seem significant, but as Groke points out, the difference equates to
“15 extra hits every 1,000 at-bats”.
According to Groke, the club not only hit better than most with two-strikes, but they hit with power too. The Rox tied with
the Red Sox for best in the Majors with an OPS of .582.
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The 100 Greatest Colorado Rockies: 49 Juan Pierre
By Ben Macaluso / Rox Pile | March 24, 2017
We continue our look at the top 100 Colorado Rockies of all time in this article. Here, we look at No. 49 on our list, Juan
Pierre.
Juan Pierre is a Colorado Rockies original. You may remember him for his incredible speed or that he always looked like
he was swimming in his uniform. But the next time you think of Juan Pierre remember he has over 2,200 hits and a
career batting average of .295.
Pierre was selected in the 13th round of the 1998 MLB draft out of the University of South Alabama located in his
hometown of Mobile, Alabama. He made it to the majors in August of 2000 getting his first hit in his first at-bat which
he said was the most embarrassing moment of his career.
Pierre truly played for the Rockies only two seasons. In his first full season in the majors he he played 156 games with
nearly 700 plate appearances. He batted .327 with 46 stolen bases. The next year he hit .287 in 152 with 47 stolen bases.
The next five seasons, Pierre didn’t miss a game. Unfortunately none of them were played with the Rockies. He was
traded to the Marlins with Mike Hampton for Preston Wilson, Charles Johnson, and others. He finished his Rockies
career with 4.0 Wins Above Replacement. He won the World Series his first year in Florida in 2003.
In total, Pierre played for six teams with 614 stolen bases which is good for 18th all-time. For a more complete report, SB
Nation did a fantastic homage to his career through numbers that is a must read. While Pierre might not of been the
greatest outfielder and hitter of all time, his numbers reflect that he deserves to be recognized as one of the top lead-off
hitters in major league history. His stamina throughout his career may have produced his most impressive numbers.
Simply put, if Juan Pierre would have played for the Rockies more, he would be much higher on this list.
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Jon Gray talks curveballs and who he’s got winning the last rotation spot
By MHS Staff / Mile High Sports | March 23, 2017
A lot has been made about the potential of the Colorado Rockies’ pitching. For the starters, they have a young young
rotation, full of promise. That starts with blossoming ace Jon Gray. On Tuesday, he joined Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro
during Afternoon Drive on Mile High Sports Radio to talk about how he feels going into the 2017 season.
“I feel confident,” Gray said. “The reason why, besides the pitching, is our offense. Our offense is awesome, it’s electric,
there’s no weak sports there. Any time you’re pitching and you’ve got those guys behind you, you’ve got a good chance of
winning.
Gray also feels good about his stuff. Already boasting an excellent fastball and power slider, his curveball is coming
around as well.
“It’s different than anything I’ve done before,” he said. “It’s a ‘feel’ pitch, the curveball is. It’s something I’m trying to just
harness right now and use it for multiple reasons. Last year, I used to just steal strikes with it. On a very rare occasion I
would use it for a strikeout, but I feel like it’s becoming a strikeout pitch now and I’m getting a better feel for it.”
It helps having a former MLB pitcher as a manager. For Gray, he is soaking up all he can from new Rockies bench
boss Bud Black.
“It’s awesome,” Gray said of working with Black. “He showed me the video, actually, of him pitching back in ’94 in Mile
High Stadium. He’s been there and done everything that I’m going to do. He’s been in that same situation before, so I
think it’s a good thing.”
Though the man he was impressed most with (Jeff Hoffman) was sent to the minors, Gray also gave his two cents on the
back end of the Rockies’ rotation.
“You know, [Kyle] Freeland had a heck of an outing yesterday. He looked really sharp. I think he’s pitching for one. If we
get a healthy [Chris] Rusin, he’s possible.
“It’s kind of up in the air right now. I’m not sure, but I know that whoever’s going to take that spot, I know they’re going to
get the job done, so it’s a good thing.”
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Rockies option Jeff Hoffman to Triple-A, could open door for Kyle Freeland
By MHS Staff / Mile High Sports | March 23, 2017
Coming into Spring Training, pitcher Jeff Hoffman may have been the frontrunner to lock down the final spot in the
Colorado Rockies’ rotation; in what was anticipated to be one of the most contentious battles to make the Opening Day
roster. On Thursday, it became clear that he didn’t do enough to win said battle.
Hoffman had somewhat of a rough spring. The 24-year-old posted an ERA of 4.76 in three appearances. Though that isn’t
terrible, it wasn’t good enough.
With Hoffman now set to begin the year in Triple-A, the frontrunner for the final spot in the Rockies rotation is likely Kyle
Freeland. The 23-year-old Denver native is coming off of a five-strikeout (in five innings) performance on Wednesday, in
which he also knocked in two RBIs. In five games this spring, he boasts an ERA of 2.25.
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Jeff Hoffman optioned to Triple-A
By Drew Creasman / BSN Denver | March 23, 2017
Today, the Colorado Rockies announced that rookie right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman has been optioned to Triple-A,
ending his bid to make the Opening Day roster in the starting rotation or the bullpen. This move leaves Kyle
Freeland, Antonio Senzatela, and German Marquez as the three players still battling for the final two rotation spots, with
the possibility one of them still could end up in the bullpen as well.
Hoffman came to the Rockies along with Miguel Castro and Jesus Tinoco in exchange for Troy Tulowitzki. The 24-yearold has shown a ton of promise but also plenty to work on since he joined the organization.
He pitched 31.1 innings in MLB last season with a 4.88 ERA, and had thrown 5.2 innings this spring with a 4.76 ERA. He
recently spoke to BSN Denver about working on refining his command and the possibility that he might be asked to throw
out of the bullpen this year.
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Rockies Notes: Hoffman, Norris
By Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors | March 23, 2017 at 10:50pm CDT
The Rockies optioned Jeff Hoffman to Triple-A today, with manager Bud Black telling reporters (including Nick Groke of
the Denver Post) that Hoffman required “a little more refinement” and consistency. “The fastball has velocity, but he has
to locate the fastball,” Black said. “The slider and curveball are very good pitches. They are major league quality. But he
has to consistently get them into good spots. The overall command of his pitches is something he needs to
harness.” Hoffman, one of the game’s top pitching prospects, posted a 4.88 ERA over his first 31 1/3 innings in the
majors last season. With Hoffman at Triple-A, rookies German Marquez, Kyle Freeland, and Antonio Senzatela are all
competing for the last two spots in Colorado’s injury-thinned rotation.
The Rockies are one of the teams interested in catcher Derek Norris, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay
Times reports. Colorado joins the Cardinals and Rays as teams known to have interest in the free agent
catcher. With Tom Murphy on the DL with a fractured forearm, the Rockies are a logical candidate to be exploring
upgrades behind the plate.
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