Morning Dump — Tuesday, March 8th

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:02:19 +0000

For better or worse, Chris Iannetta will be the starting catcher this season. However, his backup is still undecided. Just to be honest, if the Rockies have to rely on one of these guys, they are probably screwed. Jordan Pacheco can hit, but would be a defensive liability. He’s only been catching for two seasons and it’s doubtful he can adequately run the team’s pitching staff. Pagnozzi, McKenry, and Moeller are not realistic options for a variety of reasons. That leaves Jose Morales. He can swing the bat a little bit, but he is unpolished defensively. With that said, no team is without question marks. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed about the Rox catching situation.

“I know I have to get better. I will continue to work at every facet. But I really like my chances here.” — Jose Morales

The Aaron Cook shoulder saga has become a little sticky. SI’s Jon Heyman said the team was upset with Cook because he didn’t show up in shape. Obviously, I don’t know Heyman’s source, but I’m betting it wasn’t Dan O’Dowd. Honestly, it seemed like some pretty careless reporting by one of baseball’s most prominent media members. Not to mention, it was unfair to Aaron. As much as this sucks, I don’t think you can fault him for the injury. Either way, it sounds like he won’t be with the team to start the season.

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

“The calendar doesn’t stop. I can’t be concerned with April 1 with Aaron. I want him, when he does toe the rubber, it’s because now he’s healthy. And so he’ll have to do those things that are required for all of our starters leaving spring training. He’s going to have to reach approximately that 100-pitch plateau. But I don’t want to rush him. . . . That’s why spring training is six weeks long. It’s for starting pitching.” — Bob Apodaca

John Maine is getting ready to make his first Spring Training start on Wednesday. He’s the wild card in the competition for the fifth starter spot.

Clipped from: colorado.rockies.mlb.com (share this clip)

“I think there’s just normal soreness. It’s been so long, trying to tell the difference between soreness and pain. It’s always in the back of your mind that it’s going to come back, but I can’t be worrying about that, or I won’t ever be able to pitch. Just go 100 percent and see what you can do, and that’s what I’ve been doing.” — John Maine

Ubaldo looked outstanding yesterday.

SI’s Ann Killon declares the defending champion Giants as this year’s underdog. Apparently, nobody believes that they can win the World Series. Huh?! Who the hell is saying that? The “nobody believes in us” angle is the most overused source of motivation in sports. It’s now being used by defending World Champions. Also, I’m coming around on Brian Wilson’s beard. I’m hoping that at some point this season, a critter will crawl out of it.

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Rockies are Taking A Big Risk at Catcher

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:09:34 +0000

There is little doubt about the Rockies’ starting catcher; the job is Chris Iannetta’s to lose. If this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve heard it before. Chris was the team’s Opening Day catcher in 2007, 2009, and 2010, but has yet to maintain the job throughout an entire season. He’s talented, but has always had difficulty staying on an even keel when faced with adversity. When he struggled in the past, the Rockies had the option of playing Yorvit Torrealba or Miguel Olivo. This year, the Rockies entered Spring Training with no other viable alternative to Iannetta. If he falters, Colorado will have to ride it out or make a move for another catcher.

The Rox have seven catchers in the Big League camp, but will only keep two on the 25 man roster. The group consists of three journey men, three prospects, and Iannetta. Aside from Iannetta, none are in a position to help the club next year. Regardless, I’m going to discuss the situation with each player.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

Chris Iannetta — It’s interesting that Chris’s best year was in 2008, the only season since 2006 that he wasn’t the Opening Day starter. That doesn’t bode well for Chris, especially since he has more pressure on him this year than ever. The Rox are all in with him as the starter. No one is worried about Chris’s defense or signal calling, but he has to improve upon last year’s .701 OPS. He is vital to the 2011 season, perhaps more than any other player on the roster.
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Rox Pile » Matt Pagnozzi

Morning Dump — Tuesday, March 8th

Rockies are Taking A Big Risk at Catcher