Morning Dump — Friday, February 18th

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:39:30 +0000

Earlier this week, Ubaldo was named as baseball’s MVP, but it wasn’t voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America. This MVP award was determined by Forbes and the acronym stands for Most Valuable Pitcher. With the help of Baseball Reference, Forbes evaluated each pitcher based on their Value Over Replacement Player and their annual salary. Ubaldo only made $1.25M last season, easily making him the most valuable pitcher in baseball. His salary was roughly 5% of CC Sabbathia’s. Of course, this isn’t exactly news to Rockies fans. Still, the article is a good read.

Clipped from: www.forbes.com (share this clip)

Denver Post Feature

Jim Armstrong and pitching coach Bob Apodaca discuss the Rockies’ bullpen. The group has a chance to be one of the NL’s best.

Clipped from: www.denverpost.com (share this clip)

The Rockies are confident Street will bounce back after blowing five saves in 25 chances in a season in which he struggled after getting two strikes, in part because he never developed a feel for his changeup, a key out pitch in his repertoire. But he’s a finesse pitcher who survives on pinpoint control with his slider and changeup. If he’s struggling with either and paying the price, Lindstrom could slide into the ninth inning.

This much already is clear: Lindstrom, who has lived in Denver for most of his career, is thrilled to be a Rockie, and Street and Betancourt are healthy and determined to have big seasons. — Jim Armstrong

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Morning Dump — Thursday, February 17th

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:47:39 +0000

Yesterday, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick released a piece on the Giants. For obvious reasons, everyone is happy and team chemistry is at an all-time high. Crasnick referred to their camp as Camp Feel Good. To me, they look like a team that is content and I think it’s great. In the strong NL West, contentment will cause you to miss the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Post ran an article about Helton. Todd is in a place that is opposite of the Giants. He is pissed off, miserable, and hungry. Frankly, this is the attitude I want my team to have in Spring Training.

Clipped from: www.denverpost.com (share this clip)

Carney Lansford is an upgrade over Don Baylor. I love Baylor, but he wasn’t getting the job done. The Rox hit .226 on the road last year.

In an effort to stay healthy, Huston Street is taking a different approach this season.

Casey Weathers is looking to improve upon his luck.

Jason Hammel watched Ubaldo so much last season that he began to emulate some of Ubaldo’s mechanics.

Troy Renck posted a video of Hector Gomez and Chris Nelson taking BP. He promised me on Twitter that he would give us a clip of Charlie Blackmon soon.

Also from the cell phone of Troy Renck, a video interview with Rafael Betancourt.

According to Yahoo Sports, the Rockies are poised for a big season. I agree.

Check back this afternoon for a preview of the Rockies’ outfield.

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Rox Pile » Casey Weathers

Morning Dump — Friday, February 18th

Morning Dump — Thursday, February 17th