Denver Post sports writer Troy E. Renck posts his Rockies Mailbag every other week on Fridays during the 2006 Major League Baseball season. The next installment is slated for April 21.
To drop a Major League Baseball or Rockies question into the Rockies Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
Was the Rockies’ “capsule” inadvertently left out of this morning’s USA Today baseball preview? Does that say something about how the Rox are perceived by sports writers?
— Dave, Centennial
Dave – The slight was an oversight and corrected the following day. However, it is symbolic of how the Rockies are viewed nationally. Colorado is considered one of the league’s most anonymous teams. Outside of Todd Helton, Jason Jennings and Matt Holliday, few of their players are well known outside of Denver. It’s a function of a young roster and, frankly, five consecutive losing seasons.
If the Rockies start winning and contend into September, they will be afforded more respect.
Watching the World Baseball Classic, it was clear that Japanese pitchers know how to find the strike zone. Do the Rockies have a scouting operation there? It seems like a logical thing to do, as the Rockies’ pitching staff routinely is at the top of the league in walks, and we all know more runners equal more runs in Coors Field. Thanks from the land of “the clear” and “the cream.”
— Mike, San Francisco
Mike – It’s nice to know that there is a topic in San Francisco not related to Barry Bonds. I just finished watching his reality show, and in between the 45 minutes he spent portraying himself as a victim, there were a few interesting nuggets regarding his need for attention and his relationship with his father.
As to your question, the Rockies employ scouts to eye for talent in the Pacific Rim. Landing Japanese pitchers is typically more difficult because most play in the professional leagues there and are difficult to lure over. The Rockies experienced success with Chin-Hui Tsao, but missed on Dragon Lo, who has struggled in the minor leagues.
As I wrote during the World Baseball Classic, Korea and Japan represent what American baseball used to be – grounded in fundamentals, good defense, strong pitching. What is intriguing about Japanese pitchers is their ability to throw strikes and live down in the zone with split-fingered fastballs. Problem is, those few available are years away from becoming free agents, and the few that will soon are way beyond the Rockies’ price range.
What’s up with the “derailing” of the Ryan Shealy experiment in the outfield? Hard to believe he could be a worse outfielder than Matt Holliday. Why not continue his work in Class AAA? Is Shealy’s injury more severe than reported?
— Doc, Santa Barbara, Calif.
Doc – The experiment ended because Shealy’s elbow couldn’t withstand the consistent throwing from the outfield. He was glad to have it abandoned, despite his hard work this winter with coach Dave Collins. Shealy has had surgery on his elbow, and the longer throws created problems, particularly if he wasn’t properly warmed up.
It’s my belief that Shealy will get well – he’s DHing in extended spring training – rake in Triple-A Colorado Springs then be traded as soon as the Rockies get the right offer and are convinced that Todd Helton’s back is not going to flare up. I think the best landing spot for Shealy would be Cincinnati.
Again, you have to exercise patience. You want to do what’s right by the player, but they can’t trade him for a rosin bag. They need to try to get a functional part for him.
The Rockies need pitching. The Marlins need a power-hitting first baseman. Trade Ryan Shealy to the Marlins for some young pitching. Florida has a load of young talent, and the Rockies need pitching help; both teams come out ahead.
— Rick Melillo, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Rick – I like the way you think, part Rotisserie League owner, and part GM. But I respectfully disagree with one part of your suggestion: the Marlins don’t need a power-hitting first baseman. At least if their glowing reports about Mike Jacobs are correct. Jacobs is capable of hitting 20 home runs, a decent number for a right-handed hitter at Pro Player Stadium.
This isn’t to suggest that Shealy wouldn’t do just as well. As a local kid from the University of Florida, there would be worse places for him to go. Shealy isn’t getting any younger. He really needs to start his big league career with somebody this season, preferably as an everyday player.
Have you been to the Cardinals’ new stadium yet? What do you think?
— Jason, Lakewood
Jason – I haven’t had a chance to see it. My last day in St. Louis was the final game of old Busch Stadium, when the Astros eliminated the Cardinals in the NLCS. That game will always stick in my memory because Larry Walker retired afterward. For all my good and bad times covering Walker, he was still a fascinating player to watch and interview. The Rockies make their way to St. Louis on May 8-10. It’s funny, I had no issue with the old stadium. As cookie cutters from the 1970s go, it was a cool place, especially after they ditched the Astroturf and went to real grass.
I have heard nothing but good things about the new Busch. And if, out of the kindness of their heart, they enclosed the press box, I will be eternally grateful (see 30 degree April day when my fingers were colder than Leona Helmsley).
How about the minor league players? Any news on how the young players are progressing?
— Kelly Roe, Lexington, Ky.
Kelly – The minor league seasons will begin in earnest this week. Everybody that follows the Rockies closely in these parts will be fixated on Ian Stewart’s progress. He received the MVP award of the Rockies’ camp – as a 20-year-old. As a side note, happy birthday to Mr. Stewart, who turned 21 on Wednesday. I have never seen a kid that young, that good with the Rockies.
He and Troy Tulowitzki have a chance to give the Rockies’ impact bats in the future. But this franchise won’t change direction on offense alone. Which I presume is why you are writing. Chaz Roe is considered one the Rockies’ brightest young pitching prospects. He throws hard and has a big curve. I expect him to begin the season in Class-A Asheville.
As for others of note, the Double-A club features a battery of the club’s top young players, including infielders Joe Kohansky and Matt Macri as well as outfielders Joe Gaetti and Seth Smith.
Could you please tell Matt Holliday not to take headfirst slides?
— A.C., Longmont
A.C. – I actually asked Matt about that very issue following the opening-day win. As you know, he scored the winning run on a headfirst slide at the plate. He had vowed not to slide headfirst anymore after sustaining a finger injury last season.
“Instincts just took over,” Holliday said. “I really don’t plan on doing it anymore.”
The reality is that the Rockies can’t afford to lose their cleanup hitter for six weeks again. So Holliday would be wise to go feet-first.
Denver Post sports writer Troy E. Renck is in his 11th season of covering the Colorado Rockies, his fifth for The Denver Post. To drop a question into his Rockies Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
