Los Angeles – Pummel the bullpen for the April meltdown. Point the finger at the starters for spoiling the last homestand. But when assigning blame for the Rockies’ record, don’t leave out the offense.
Since the all-star break, the team’s lineup has sputtered and the problems begin at the start. Entering this week, the Rockies leadoff hitters’ on-base percentage of .309 ranked 14th in the National League, ahead of only the Mets (.297) and Cubs (.300).
“It is surprising,” manager Clint Hurdle said Tuesday. “I go over the splits after every series so I am well aware of it.”
Clint Barmes, who began his rehab assignment Tuesday, will take over the spot when he returns next month. He was adequate in the role, hitting .287 with a .322 on-base. Luis Gonzalez, who filled the spot Tuesday, has posted the best numbers in a limited look (.333 avg., .355 OBP).
“I try to take more pitches when I am up there, but it’s not really my best position,” Gonzalez said. “I swing at a lot of pitches and I don’t have speed.”
The most alarming number is the lacking free passes from the four most common leadoff hitters – Barmes, Gonzalez, Aaron Miles (.283, .290) and Cory Sullivan (.238, .271). In 421 at-bats, the foursome has totaled 13 walks from the order’s No. 1 slot.
“I am contact hitter, and I know that I am going to hit .290 to .300 by putting the ball in play,” Miles said. “But it’s something I have to look at, to not be so aggressive in certain situations to get my on-base to a respectable number. I don’t know if I will have that chance here or with another organization.”
Francis not ready for rest
A physics major in college, Jeff Francis knows numbers, understands their meaning. In August, the left-hander has gone 1-2 with a 12.00 ERA. Hurdle said he has no plans to skip Francis to allow him to clear his head. Francis said he doesn’t believe a breather is necessary.
“That would just make it worse. It would give me too much time to think about,” said Francis, who has won 11 games. “I don’t think I am dealing with mental fatigue. It’s more like mental frustration because I am not executing my pitches.”
Helton talks to Hochevar
There have been few players the Rockies wanted to draft more than University of Tennessee pitcher Luke Hochevar. He was a local kid, starring at Fowler High School. He spent his summers playing for Cherry Creek, living at one point in Bruins coach Marc Johnson’s basement – the same Johnson who scouts for the Rockies.
But unable to reach a financial compromise with Hochevar, who is advised by agent Scott Boras, the Rockies passed on him with the seventh pick, choosing Long Beach State shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Hochevar fell to the Dodgers with the 40th selection.
Talks have stalled, with Hochevar prepared to begin classes at Tennessee today, which would cast him back into next year’s draft. Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, a former Tennessee star, spoke with Hochevar this week.
“I told him that he controls his own destiny,” said Helton, saying he believes Hochevar should sign and begin his pro career.
