A.M. Links

Good morning and welcome to the first ever edition of the A.M. links. This new feature will appear on Rox Pile every morning. My goal is to bring you worthwhile articles about the Rox along with a little commentary of my own. Honestly, this probably isn’t the best day to start such a feature. Right now, there is a calm before the Spring Training storm, so the links are sparse. Nevertheless, I’ve sorted through all of the internet’s BS and I’m giving you what you need on this frigid morning.

First and foremost is a piece from the Post’s Troy Renck. Apparently, the Rockies are officially out on Michael Young. Later today, I will post about the Young situation and I sincerely hope it is the last thing I write about Michael Young and the Rockies. This story was once intriguing, but now it’s tired and I applaud the Rockies for removing themselves from the situation. It’s time to focus on the upcoming season and there is no reason for Colorado to get mixed up in the melodrama that is unfolding in Arlington, Texas.

Also from the Post is this interview with Jim Tracy. Right now, the Rockies and the Giants don’t carry much good will toward each other. The Rockies are looking to win the first division championship in franchise history and it sounds like this team will not be happy with a Wild Card berth this year. I like that attitude and frankly, it’s time for the Rox to finally win the West. Tracy thinks the team can improve on last season’s road woes by placing an emphasis on small ball. Tracy also touched on the lineup, Helton’s back, Chris Iannetta and the outstanding character of the players on the roster. Good talk with the Rockies manager. I highly recommend you read it.

Over on the team’s MLB website, they announced this year’s minor league non-roster invitees. There is quite a bit of talent in this group and I know this Rockies writer is very excited about seeing them in person come March.

Purple Row is dedicating a series of articles to Ian Stewart. They discuss how Stewart hasn’t lived up to expectations since arriving in Denver. Apparently, there are many that question Ian’s work ethic and his prolific Tweets. Honestly, I love Stewart’s use of Twitter and I refuse to pretend that I know how hard he worked this off-season. I do know that he spent most of his winter in Asheville, NC working with Carney Lansford.

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