Colorado Rockies: A discussion with Bud Black in Miami

Before the start of their three game series against the Miami Marlins, Rockies manager Bud Black talked to reporters (including our own Kevin Henry) about some things.

The first thing that Bud Black talked about to the media was about the Rockies calling up prospect Ryan McMahon from Triple-A Albuquerque (as we discussed earlier in this article). Rockies TV broadcaster Ryan Spilborghs asked Black about the decision making process in bringing McMahon up and sending Raimel Tapia back to Triple-A.

"“Well…with Ryan [McMahon], we felt as though we needed a little help at first base to spell Mark [Reynolds]. You know, Mark [had] a hand injury the other day so we wanted to make sure that we were covered [at first base, just in case]. With Ryan, he’s swinging the bat really well [and] he’s had a great season, so far, at Double-A [Hartford and] Triple-A [Albuquerque and] with talking to our player development [personnel] and [Rockies general manager] Jeff [Bridich] and his guys, they felt that he was the guy to come [up to the major league level] so we’re excited for Ryan as he goes into the series here [in Miami].”"

Black also mentioned that the Rockies chose to bring McMahon up for another reason.

"“He gives us some versatility in the infield and he gives us a nice left-handed, potentially productive bat…[Alexi] Amarista and [Pat] Valaika and McMahon-they’re all versatile, which really makes you feel good if you have to make a move and put these guys on the field. You never feel as [if] you are at a disadvantage.”"

He later talked about McMahon’s swing.

"“He’s got a nice, very fluid, rhythmic swing. You know that [his] swing has the potential for power. It has a nice look to it on the power side. You know, he’s growing in to his maturity as a player-and even physically-I still think he’s going to get a little bigger and stronger as he goes through his early twenties. It’s a really nice swing…but what we like is the performance with that swing. Not just with how it looks but [how] he’s performing. What he [has done] at Double-A and what he did at Triple-A all season long has been very impressive.”"

In 49 games with Hartford, McMahon had 59 hits, 28 runs, 16 doubles, six homers, 32 RBI, a .326 average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a .536 slugging percentage.

In 59 games with Albuquerque, he had 93 hits, 43 runs, 21 doubles, 13 home runs, 50 RBI, a .375 batting average, a .409 on-base percentage, and a .609 slugging percentage.

Combined between the two, he has 152 hits in 108 games with 37 doubles, 19 homers, 82 RBI, 11 stolen bases, a .354 average, a .401 on-base percentage, and a .587 slugging percentage.

Jon Gray

Bud Black also talked about Jon Gray starting tonight.

"“[The past] two outings were his best, for me…I think that [his] fastball command and the slider and curveball–[all] have come into the mix. I think in Washington, he mixed things up well. He had six no-hit innings. [In] his last start, [he had] heavy fastball usage and with that, when you’re putting up zeroes and you’re [essentially] throwing one pitch, that’s showing me that you are commanding. They know what’s coming and he’s not giving up any runs so [his] fastball was lively and [he was] throwing to his location with conviction…I like the confidence that Jon is throwing with right now. Let’s hope he can carry on [with it].”"

More from Rox Pile

In his past two starts (against the Nationals and Phillies), he is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA. He has gone seven innings in each start (14 innings total) and 10 hits with four runs, two walks, and 12 strikeouts. Opponents have had a batting average of .196, an on-base percentage .226, and a .392 slugging percentage.

Black also discussed about the team winning on the road as entering the series, they have a 30-28 record on the road.

"“It’s important, for any team who is going through a winning season…[to win] on the road as well as at home…Obviously, I am aware of what happened in the past but each team is different. It doesn’t matter, really, what happened last year. This 2017 Rockie team is different that Rockies teams of the past."

Next: Injury updates on Ian Desmond and Chad Bettis

Player’s weekend

Our own Kevin Henry asked him what he will wear on the back of his jersey two weeks from now when from August 25-27 when the players and coaches will wear nicknames on the back of their jersey. Bud Black responded with this:

"I’ve been getting some suggestions. You know what? Maybe my real name. It would be a little twist."

Bud Black’s actual name is Harry. That weekend will be something for Rockies fans (and baseball fans, in general) to look forward too.

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