Eric Young Jr.

The Rockies have been to the playoffs thrice (all via the Wild Card), made it to the Word Series once, but still have never have won their division.

So before we anoint this years Colorado Rockies as one of the league’s best teams, first things first – win the NL West.

It’s difficult to compare Jose Lopez to either Barmes or Herrera. Jose has played his entire career within the confines of pitcher-friendly Safeco Field, while Barmes and Herrera have had the benefit of playing at Coors. Because of the disparity in their stadiums, it’s a waste of time to compare most offensive numbers. However, plate discipline is one thing that will remain the same, regardless of the stadium. Ultimately, a guy that swings at bad pitches will be an easier out; that’s the game at its most basic level.

Jefe, aka Marc Gustafson, Senior Director, Player Development: We have many beautiful outfielders in the organization, each of them filled with little surprises. El Guapo, aka Dan O’Dowd, GM: Many outfielders? Jefe: Oh yes, many! El Guapo: Would you say we have a plethora of outfielders? Jefe: A what? El Guapo: A “plethora”. Jefe: Oh yes, we have a plethora. El Guapo: Jefe, what is a plethora? Jefe: Why, El Guapo? El Guapo: Well, you told me we have a plethora. And I just would like to know if you know what a plethora is. I would not like to [...]

Imagine that you are trying to purchase a home. You and the seller are on the verge of a contract for $300K. Just before the seller signs, he decides that he doesn’t like your lender and walks away from the deal. A month later, the house falls into a sink-hole and the seller comes back to you offering to sell again. Except this time, he is asking for $450K. That’s ridiculous, right? Well, it’s pretty much what the Rangers did to the Rockies with Michael Young. During the Winter Meetings, the Rangers and Rockies were very close on a trade [...]

Now that the franchise has emerged from the depths of baseball hell, they want nothing more to do with Mike Young. It reminds me of when Roger Sterling dumped Mona for Jane. It is a really crappy way to treat someone that carried the franchise for so many years.

Junior is the most intriguing option at second. During his minor league career, EY Jr. was a prolific base stealer, accumulating over 300 steals in six seasons. In 2008, while playing for Asheville, Young stole 87 bases in 128 games. Last year at second base, Eric played quite well defensively, but had only thirty-three starts. He needs more plate appearances and may get his chance next season.

Having to battle Tulo or CarGo while worrying about EY Jr. on first is a nightmare scenario for opposing pitchers. Junior’s explosiveness on the base-paths could create a bunch of runs for the Rockies next season.

The New Year is upon us and the baseball world is asleep. The Rockies are no exception. After a flurry of December and November activity, the Rox appear content with their 2011 squad. Dan O’Dowd and company are avoiding the urge to throw money at overpriced free agents and sticking with the plan to produce major league talent from within. The team pillars, Troy Tulowitzki and Ubaldo Jiminez, are both homegrown talents. Carlos Gonzalez was acquired in return for another player that came up through the Rockies farm system, Matt Holliday. The Rox shrewdly acquired a few pieces through free [...]

Last month, I listed the top Rockies commercials of the last several years and held a vote for the number one commercial of all-time. Frankly, the voter turnout was as bad as the 1996 Presidential election. Over the last month, the poll has averaged less than one vote per day, but we finally hit twenty votes so I’ve decided to put this thing out of its misery. Without further ado, here are the winners (and a little bonus video):

Defensively, Blackmon is ready for the big leagues. The Rockies could play him at left, center or right and feel confident.

Saturday marks the second annual FanFest at Coors Field.  Before the 2009 season the inaugural FanFest was for season ticket holders only.  The second time around the Rockies have been kind enough to invite Mini-Plan holders as well. The day is filled with self guided tours of the clubhouse and the Rockies own museum.  The day also has four autograph sessions that will take place in the Mountain Ranch Bar & Grille, the restaurant the sits in the corner or the right field stands. There are at least 14 players who are scheduled to make an appearance, whether to sign autographs, or [...]