Denver Post sports writer Troy E. Renck posts his Rockies Mailbag every other Monday during the 2011 MLB season. The next installment is slated for May 9.
for the Rockies Mailbag.
Troy – I have noticed that the purple jerseys are back! I love it! I know a lot of fans don’t like them, but they are my favorite jersey and I am glad to see them being worn again. Any insight into this change? I know the pitchers decide on the jersey. Did this policy change? Thanks.
— Thom, Levittown, N.Y.
Thom – The Rockies want to make purple a prominent part of their brand. Truth is, the Rockies’ players didn’t like the past purple jerseys. It had nothing to do with the color. They weren’t comfortable. Now, the purple is more comfortable. And once they started winning in it, they began appearing more frequently. Imagine that.
Pitchers still choose the jersey. So if the Rockies clinch a playoff spot, I have dibs on the “Up With Purple” headline.
Recently against the Giants, Troy Tulowitzki failed to run out a third strike that got past the catcher far enough that he had a decent chance of reaching first base. Is Jim Tracy enough of an old-school manager that he would chew Tulo out for his lack of hustle?
— Allan, Boulder
Allan – This is a type of play that can cause a manager to lecture a player. But there was some confusion, it appeared, as to whether the ball was dropped. Also, the rule states once the player doesn’t make an attempt to run on a third strike, he’s automatically out.
In Tulo’s case, there’s never been a question about his effort. He had a mental lapse. No reason to have him running laps. That said, these miscues are disciplined differently depending on the player. In Tampa Bay, manager Joe Maddon had to sit Felipe Lopez after he blatantly dogged it down the first-base line twice. After the second time, Lopez sat.
What do you think the chances are of Alan Johnson being called up again for this year? If the chances aren’t great with the Rockies, could he have a shot with another MLB team?
— Randy, Atlanta
Randy – He was your classic cup of Starbucks spot starter in his big league debut against the Cubs. Those games can be difficult. It looked like the third deck and the big crowd made him nervous. No shame in that.
Johnson has pitched well in Triple-A and could be called up again. Right now, it’s hard to forecast his future, especially with Clayton Mortensen on the Rockies and Greg Reynolds throwing well in Triple-A. John Maine is also with the Sky Sox, and he is starting to gain a little traction. What that all means for Johnson is that it could be a while before he gets another shot. But I will say this: The kid reached the big leagues. And he pitched one more game than 99 percent of the population.
Dear Troy – With Todd Helton’s career close to the end and no clear replacement, who do you see as the Rockies’ first baseman of the future?
— Reid, Denver
Reid – Todd Helton has two years remaining on his contract. He’s a prideful man and would like to finish out his deal on his terms. There have been hints this year that it might be possible. He’s much healthier and stronger. The wonders of P90X.
The key is more rest, regardless of how he’s performing. That’s why Helton was on the bench Sunday despite his hot start. You can look at last season and see a direct correlation to his performance and too many consecutive starts.
As for his future replacement, Helton himself endorsed Ben Paulsen. The big kid had a terrific spring. He performed as well as any minor leaguer, even if he was a bit overshadowed by Jordan Pacheco. Paulsen has raw power, and multiple Rockies’ players have told me that they think his swing will transfer to the big leagues.
Hate to say it, but I will believe Helton has a replacement when I see it. He’s been to the Rockies’ first base what Peyton Manning has been to the Colts’ quarterback position.
Is Huston Street the answer at closer? Or should the team look to another bullpen member for that critical role?
— Donald, Lone Tree
Donald – I get that Street increases Pepto-Bismol sales. But the guy has been the most efficient closer in Rockies history. He deserves a little leash. How quickly people forget the nightly roller-coaster ride of Brian Fuentes or the airbags-deployed season of Shawn Chacon.
Street is healthy. He has the slider, changeup (especially to lefties) and well-located fastball to prove it. If he struggles, the Rockies will turn to Matt Lindstrom, who has had bursts of closing in his past.
The reality with Street is simple. He paints with a small brush. If he lives on the black of the plate, he’s really good. That’s what he did in 2009 when he had the best season ever by a Rockies closer. When he gets tentative and pitches around certain guys, it’s usually a bad sign. What I have seen from Street since the first week of the season is someone who has earned the right to close until further notice.
Hey, Troy. What are some of the better food options at Coors Field? Any special stands? Where do you go for grub? Or is there a spread in the press box? Thanks.
— Mac, Denver
Mac – There are a lot of options at Coors Field from the traditional fare of hot dogs and burgers to Famous Dave’s ribs. The new Wazee Market place is a nice touch. There’s a lot of variety.
When I sneak out of the press box for food, I score a Philly cheesesteak or a Helton Burger. But honestly, I rarely eat outside of the media lounge in Denver (can’t say that about some ballparks). The food is consistently good at Coors Field. It ranks near the top in the league. San Francisco is usually strong, and San Diego added a pasta bar a few years ago that was a huge upgrade. And who can beat a free Dodger Dog after the seventh inning? The fact that sub sandwiches, soup and salads are always available at Coors Field regardless of the entrée makes it easy to stay in the press-box cocoon.
Denver Post sports writer Troy E. Renck is in his 16th season of covering the Colorado Rockies, his 10th for The Denver Post. for the Rockies Mailbag.
