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, however, is slated for June 30.
To drop a Major League Baseball or Rockies question into the Rockies Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
What’s the impact of Rockies pitchers having to throw to four different catchers in the first third of the season? Who are they most comfortable throwing to?
— Dave, Centennial
Dave – At this point, the Rockies pitchers had best get comfortable with the catcher who’s hitting best. Colorado’s offense can ill afford to continue sacrificing outs at the bottom of the order. Danny Ardoin knew the pitchers best, and his defense is well documented. But if he can get in a groove offensively; his past two games are a nice platform. That would leave JD Closser to squeeze in a few starts a week.
As for whom they like best, to the Rockies’ credit, they require their catchers to conduct meetings with their starting pitchers. They get a good feel of how to attack the opponent. In Torrealba’s case, he has a reputation for calling a good game and receiving the ball well. And Closser, clearly humbled from last year’s experience, has shown improvement in all facets. He’s much more mature and appreciative of this opportunity.
Not a question, just a statement. The Rockies are right back in their normal position – last place.
— Gary, Helena, Mont.
Gary – Your frustration is understandable. The Rockies threatened to call all of their previous accomplishments into question with a paralyzing 2-11 stretch. More disturbing is how many good pitchers’ outings were wasted as the offense went frigid. It’s worth reminding that I picked this team to finish with 75 victories. A reasonable goal was to remain competitive for much of the season. If they post a winning record they would be a year ahead of their recovery plan.
As I tell people all the time, just like the Rockies’ ask for your patience, you can exercise patience with your pocketbook until you like the product.
I think that Clint Barmes’ struggles at the plate have a lot to do with last year and the flak he caught for getting injured the way he did. I think he sees each plate appearance as a chance to “make good” the mistake he made. If he is to regain his form from last year, I think he is going to need to somehow put last year behind him and focus on the here and now. He’s got to focus on each at-bat and gain that pitch recognition he had last year, and then he’ll be just fine. What do you think?
— Alex Daszewski, Long Island, N.Y.
Alex – You raise an interesting point about Barmes trying to erase the memory of his infamous deer-meat fall. I definitely think that affected him when he returned last season. This year, he has just not consistently strung together quality at-bats. It’s not so much pressing as his approach. Too often he gets himself out, even when he’s worked his way into a hitter’s count. He’s showing signs of life, particularly this past week.
He needs to hit strikes and mix in a few bunts. If he could finish the year with a .250, 12 home runs and 70 RBIs, that would represent a nice rebound. But make no mistake, he needs to hit because Troy Tulowitzki is charging forward in the minor leagues.
It has been great seeing the Rockies get off to a promising start to their 2006 campaign. However, it is time to point out the elephant in the living room, that at least 30 percent of even an expanded team salary will be going to one player. The Rockies should pursue trading Todd Helton before everyone in baseball figures out that he is not worth more than half his salary. Todd is a good player, but trading him sounds better than trading or not being able to sign some combination of Brad Hawpe, Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins, Aaron Cook, Ryan Shealy, Jeff Baker or Ian Stewart. Your thoughts?
— Paul, Longmont
Paul – It’s only natural that Todd Helton is going to be scrutinized. Anytime the performance doesn’t match the contract, a star is a magnet for criticism. In Helton’s case, he makes $16.6 million of the Rockies’ $41 million payroll. Even if Helton were having Albert Pujols’ season, it’s hard to justify a business model that top heavy. Helton is struggling to find his traction this year ever since he returned from that stomach ailment.
The reality is the Rockies can’t contend if he isn’t a star. As for trading him, I explored that issue in depth late last season as it related to Helton’s salary. To even consider moving him, the Rockies would have to eat approximately $50 million of his remaining $106 million contract if they wanted to get any redeemable prospects in return. I don’t think they could stomach that hit. Plus, they see Helton beyond his field impact, viewing him as the face of the franchise and a rudder for young players.
He’s not going anywhere – though I expect Ryan Shealy to be traded and possibly Jeff Baker as well.
Why did the Rockies bring up Omar Quintanilla over Troy Tulowitzki? The Rockies need another bat in their lineup, and Tulowitzki seems like he’s got it while Quintanilla appears to be a slow-running light hitter who walks one out of 11 ABs. Am I crazy or are the Rockies single-handedly trying to kill me from 2,000 miles away?
— DJ Cook, Santa Barbara, Calif.
DJ – I am certain their roster moves aren’t designed to make your life miserable. But I do appreciate your passion. Troy Tulowitzki is accelerating through the minor leagues on a toll road, quickly passing others. I asked GM Dan O’Dowd about Tulowitzki a few days ago, and he said he would have a better idea if they should move him to Triple-A by next week. The Rockies aren’t in a rush to break up their Double-A team, which is loaded with prospects, and they want Tulowitzki to address a few holes in his swing before arriving in the big leagues.
What do you think of Roger Clemens’ return to the Astros?
— Steve, Denver
Steve – I enjoy watching Roger Clemens pitch as much as the next guy. His competitiveness is fascinating, if not unhealthy. To be a power pitcher at his age is remarkable. That said, the whole process of his returning left me a little queasy. I thought it could have gone a lot smoother if he had just said he was returning to the Astros or retiring. Instead, the Rangers, Yankees and Red Sox courted him like some high school kid. It all seemed so unnecessary.
Here’s the other scenario that makes stomachs turn. What if the Astros fade and Clemens then starts quietly demanding a trade. We could see a sequel to this whole movie. Something tells me karma will prevent Clemens from getting back to the World Series.
I am a Ryan Shealy and Cub fan. I would love to see the Cubs acquire Shealy but do not believe this is realistic given their 1B need is only temporary. Shealy is getting older – approaching 27? – and he is just too good to keep in the minor leagues. Where do you see him landing, and how much longer does he have to toil the minor leagues?
— Kevin, Chicago
Kevin – Ryan Shealy’s clock is ticking louder than that piece on the “60 Minutes” set. He needs to be playing in the big leagues. Like now. I am confident he could hit 20 home runs if he played every day. So why hasn’t he been dealt? Well, his age is working against him as is his position. Believe it or not, there are a lot of teams with prospects similar to Shealy – or at least they believe they are similar. So they are in no hurry to give up anything good to get him. That’s the position the Rockies find themselves in, waiting for a better offer. The Cubs are out, obviously, after acquiring Phil Nevin.
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 .
