Morning Links: Rockies News 4/23

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies have won five of their last six games and now sit at a rock solid 12-10 record overall. There is genuine excitement about a lineup that continues to mash. There is cautious excitement about a pitching staff that is actually starting to come together and look like a group with talent and depth. Even with some early injuries to guys like Michael Cuddyer and Carlos Gonzalez, the vibe around the Rockies is pretty darn good at the moment.

With that, the long overdue return of morning links on Rox Pile.

From Tracy Ringolsby: Hawkins a closer, and mentor, for Rockies (MLB.com)

"He’s the guy the Rockies signed off the free-agent market last winter not only to get the final outs of victories but also to help lefty Rex Brothers develop into the reliever the Rockies believe he can be: their long-term answer to the challenges of the ninth inning.It wasn’t Hawkins’ idea, but he embraced it.”"

From Karl Buscheck: One Trade Every MLB Team Should Already Be Thinking About (Bleacher Report)

"However, if the club, which finished in the NL West cellar a season ago, one again falls out out of the race, the front office will have to consider parting ways with some of the team’s imcpending free agents.Left-handed starter De La Rosa falls into that group…With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, De La Rosa would be a viable target for an number of contending clubs on the lookout for rotation help.”"

From Juan Pablo Zubillaga: Justin Morneau: A Pleasant “Surprise” (Rockies Zingers)

"Another big question everyone had about Morneau this past offseason was his ability – or lack thereof – to hit left-handed pitching. The initial thought was that he had such extreme splits that he was going to be heavily platooned. But was there any reason to expect these splits? If you believe the Rockies are getting the Morneau from the last three years, the answer is yes. On the other hand, if you expect him to be more like the old Morneau, then no.”"

From Chris Schmaedeke: Colorado Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon cements his spot in center (Mile High Maniac)

"And it wasn’t that clear coming out of spring training but now Blackmon’s play leaves the Rockies no choice. He has to play everyday. Dickerson and Stubbs are fine as the team’s fourth and fifth outfielders.”"