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 May 19.
To drop a Major League Baseball or Rockies question into the Rockies Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
Is there any news on Ryan Shealy’s possible return from the DL?
— Phil Jett, Westminster
Phil – I talked with Ryan Shealy on Tuesday night in Colorado Springs. He looked great, clearly maintaining the conditioning program he adopted over the winter. He took groundballs at first base, but he didn’t make any throws so I couldn’t get a read on his elbow recovery. I believe that Shealy will be traded once he gets hot for the Sky Sox. I think Shealy could hit .280 with 20 home runs as an everyday player in the big leagues.
Ironically, Shealy’s character works against him. He’s such a good guy and quiet leader that the Rockies are reluctant to move him, especially until questions about Todd Helton’s health are answered.
Is it likely that when Ian Stewart is ready for the majors that Garrett Atkins will be traded – or could Atkins possibly be asked to become a second baseman? The Rockies need a balanced lineup in terms of right/left-handed hitters. What with Cory Sullivan, Todd Helton, Brad Hawpe and Stewart, this would seem to be a logical move subject to Atkins’ ability to play second base and his willingness to do so.
— Robert J. Casterline, Henderson, Nev.
Robert – I have actually been through Henderson on my way to Vegas. In fact, I remember covering the Green Valley Gators high school team – I believe that was the name, if memory serves – when I was working in Yuma, Ariz.
I like your lineup suggestion. Unfortunately, it’s not practical. Garrett Atkins is not a second baseman. He has made himself into a serviceable third baseman, in large part, because of his strong, accurate arm. And he could play first – where he found himself frequently at UCLA – if necessary. He even survived a few shaky moments as an outfielder in Dodger Stadium at the end of the 2004 season.
It would be interesting to see if the Rockies would consider moving either Atkins or Stewart to the outfield. I am not sure they would entertain the thought. Of the two, Stewart is more suited for the switch. He’s 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, still growing and very athletic. I have received conflicting reports on Stewart. People I really trust believe he can become a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman. While multiple scouts have told me they think Stewart will outgrow the position and is better off as a slugging outfielder.
If nothing else, it leaves the Rockies in the enviable position of having too much talent for too few positions. At that point, shrewd trades could elevate this team to the next level.
Hi, Troy. At this rate, do you think the Rockies will continue this magical start throughout the year to win the division, or do you think they’ll blow it?
— Matt Hollinshead, Centennial
Matt – As a reporter, I root for the best story. And the Rockies sitting in first place and playing well on the road makes for a great script. I believe their start has roots for two reasons: they are playing well in visiting parks and they have one of the top three bullpens in the National League.
I picked the Rockies to finish last in the NL West, believing they would finish with 75 wins, while the champion posts 85. It’s not a stretch to think the Rockies can hang around .500, which would leave them in contention come September in the watered-down NL West.
Beyond the obvious starting pitching questions, the key is scoring more runs at home. If the Rockies are to turn this into a magical season, they must win 48 games at Coors Field.
Is Clint Hurdle that oblivious to reality? Continuing to start Danny Ardoin at catcher while hitting south of .200? Continuing with Luis Gonzalez at second base?
— Don Brower, Highlands Ranch
Don – I have asked Clint Hurdle on multiple occasions whether Ardoin was still the starter. He said yes, however, the statistics suggest that Ardoin is platooning with Miguel Ojeda since both have a similar number of at-bats. The reality is that Ardoin has to hit better. He knows it. Big leaguers don’t go RBI-less in April – as Ardoin did – and keep their jobs for long. Ardoin drove in runs on Wednesday and Thursday, which could snap him out a funk that he admitted has become mental as much as physical.
With Yorvit Torrealba expected back late this month or early June, whomever is hitting better between Ardoin and Ojeda may stick on the roster.
As for Luis Gonzalez, he has been a mild disappointment based on his past statistics and terrific spring training. I thought Gonzalez could hit 15 home runs with 65 RBIs as a starter. He was slowed by a wrist injury during the first homestand and has never found a rhythm offensively. Don’t be surprised if Jamey Carroll continues to carve into Gonzalez’s playing time if he continues to hit. That’s the difference between this year’s team and last year’s outfit. The Rockies are no longer focusing on developing players, but winning games, leaving Hurdle more inclined to play the hot hand.
The Rockies’ starting pitching has really struggled as of late. The staff looked pretty sharp the first week or so, but none of them has a winning record and the ERAs are quickly climbing. Are any midseason pitching trades or acquisitions possible? It seems like the offense puts up enough runs to win a lot of games if the pitching were better.
— Stephen Merino, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Stephen – It’s one of the odd statistics in a terrific start: The Rockies’ top three pitchers – Jason Jennings, Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis – all have losing records. Jennings pitched his best game in Atlanta. Aaron Cook could easily have four wins. Jeff Francis has a 1.50 ERA in his last three starts. For the Rockies to be hanging around in August and September, that trio must finish 15 games over .500.
Byung-Hyun Kim is an intriguing fourth starter. His command can be maddening, but when he’s on, he’s capable of completely manhandling an opponent. And a combination of Josh Fogg and Sun-Woo Kim in the fifth spot is a decent alternative given what many teams are using in that slot around the league.
In talking to owner Charlie Monfort, he said he would consider adding payroll at the trading deadline, though economics and character would play heavily into the decision. I know there’s a reluctance to sacrifice a top prospect for a mercenary. The Rockies would like to acquire somebody who could be around for a couple of years. A possible scenario? A modest trade where they attempt to catch lightning in a bottle as they did with Joe Kennedy and Denny Stark for one season.
The proposed trade between the Mets and Marlins involving David Wright and Dontrelle Willis was recently nixed. Dumb, dumb, dumb – for the Mets. What do you think about the Rox possibly packaging Ian Stewart and Choo Freeman for the D-Train? And at least tell me the Rockies will possibly open their checkbook like the good old days if the right player comes along.
— Jarret McMillan, Phoenix
Jarret – I love Dontrelle Willis, his competitiveness, his passion for the game. That said, I wouldn’t move Ian Stewart for the left-hander. Stewart has a much better chance of becoming a star in Denver than Willis does of remaining a star, even in the days of Coors Light Field. Besides, I don’t see the Rockies in the mix for Willis based on his potential suitors and future salary. If the Red Sox and Yankees lose out on Roger Clemens, the bidding for Willis could get stupid. The Red Sox would have a slight advantage based on the prospects they could offer.
In talking to Dick and Charlie Monfort, they have indicated that they add payroll at the trading deadline if the team is contending. However, the key figure will be the attendance. That revenue will play a large role in the type of player, if any, the Rockies add.
Did the Rockies make a play for Marcos Carvajal when Seattle waived him? I see he’s on the inactive roster with Tampa Bay. Seems like he showed some promise last year.
— Dave, Centennial
Dave – Marcos Carvajal was lost in a roster crunch by the Mariners. I think Carvajal will become a solid big league setup man someday. He has fire in his belly and can reach 94 mph on his moving fastball. There were some in the Rockies’ organization and even some former teammates who didn’t think that Carvajal would adjust well to life in the minors this season after spending last year in The Show. That’s a real concern. Carvajal wouldn’t be the first kid to become unhappy in the minors and underachieve. Look no further than Cincinnati’s Brandon Phillips for a perfect example.
I would be surprised if Carvajal isn’t pitching for Tampa Bay this season.
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 .
