Colorado Rockies news and notes you need to know on March 19.
Rockies quiet on Saturday WBC games
The Colorado Rockies were quiet in a Team USA 6-3 win over the Dominican Republic. The United States have qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament. Adam Jones of the Orioles robbed his Orioles teammate Manny Machado of a home run that after this season is over it will probably still be the catch of the year.
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Nolan Arenado went 0-4 in the contest and Jake McGee did not get into the game. In the other matchup of the day, Puerto Rico dominated Venezuela 13-2. Puerto Rico is now undefeated in tournament play. Carlos Gonzalez went 1-4 with a single for Venezuela.
Pat Valaika takes on utility role with Rockies injuries
With Ian Desmond out, Pat Valaika is taking on a utility role for the Rockies and the team has been giving him more experience at first base. He mostly plays second base but with Ian Desmond out, the Rockies need to have depth at the position behind Mark Reynolds.
Being a utility player gives Valaika more chances to stay in the majors longer than his 13 games played last year. He will compete with Alexi Amarista for the utility role.
Coors doesn’t pay for naming rights on Coors Field
You may know that the Rockies are looking to work out a new lease agreement for Coors Field, but Coors does not have to pay for naming rights on the stadium.
Next: Post-Op Information on Ian Desmond’s Injury
The Rockies got $15 million from Coors for the naming rights in perpetuity. The Coors company will have that name forever for no extra cost. Whoever negotiated that for Coors may be credited with the best deal ever made.