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 June 6.
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Hey, Troy. Obviously we don’t want to mess with Ubaldo Jimenez going down to Triple-A, but what about giving him a shot in the bullpen, get his confidence up and then try him in the starting rotation again? It just seems like Jim Tracy is beating a dead horse.
— Colby Valdez, Aurora
Colby – Ubaldo Jimenez is not going to the bullpen. I have a better chance of pitching in relief than him. He’s the ace of the staff. Plus, he’s starting to figure it out.
Colleague Jim Armstrong revealed in that Jimenez battled slight hip flexor and groin injuries in spring training. Neither caused him to miss time, but coupled with his right thumb cuticle injury it helps paint a clearer picture on why Jimenez’s mechanics became so dysfunctional.
I really believe that spring training was a mess for Jimenez. He didn’t gain the proper traction to get ready for the season. And obviously the word is out from opponents to take until he throws his fastball for a strike.
He’s done a lot more of that in his last two starts. He has improved his fastball command and mound demeanor. He’s more mean, less timid. The reality is the Rockies need Jimenez to be good to reach the playoffs. They don’t need a Cy Young candidate or all-star, but a solid 3.50 ERA with 15 wins would work nicely.
Why is no one talking about the impact the loss of Miguel Olivo may be having on Ubaldo Jimenez this season? Everyone is trying to figure out what’s different with Ubaldo — his delivery, his health, etc. — when the most obvious difference seems to elude everyone.
— Shane, Denver
Shane – It’s not the catcher. Don’t get me wrong, Miguel Olivo did a nice job in Jimenez’s starts. But so did Yorvit Torrealba. And so has Chris Iannetta since the two were together in Double-A.
Jimenez’s problems were his own. His delivery was flawed, leading to an inconsistent arm slot. It led to walks, timidity and losses. He’s turning the corner, in my opinion. But bottom line, he needs to win a game by himself. A shutout. One run over eight innings. Something of that ilk. That’s when you will know that Jimenez is officially back.
With the , any chance of Jordan Pacheco being called up for a shot to play third base?
— Steve, Brighton
Steve – Don’t see that happening. Pacheco was a middle infielder in college. There’s no way he’s going to learn to play third base at the big league level. It’s not fair to him or the team.
Josh Fields is putting up nice numbers in Triple-A. And Ian Stewart is still down there. The Rockies need somebody to take ownership of that position. They aren’t going to the postseason if the offense at third doesn’t spike dramatically. Will that be Jose Lopez, Ty Wigginton, Stewart (Take 3)? I don’t know. But the Rockies need improvement.
I was beginning to think of Jason Giambi as nothing more than a sideshow. He wasn’t doing much with his ninth-inning chances. Then Thursday at Philadelphia. What happened?
— Lawrence, Denver
Lawrence – He changed to a more upright batting stance after consulting video of swings last season. It allowed him to see the ball longer. Obviously, it clicked. He became the second oldest player to hit three home runs. Giambi saved the bat from the game.
He’s been in a tough spot this year because Todd Helton is playing a lot more. That’s great for the Rockies, but has led to long stretches without at-bats for Giambi. With interleague play around the corner, Giambi should become more of a factor.
Isn’t Ian Stewart a perfect candidate for a “change of scenery” by now?
— Jason M., Denver
Jason – He’s still just 26. I wouldn’t trade him now because his value is at an all-time low. Let him hit in Triple-A for another month. See if the Pirates or White Sox want to take a shot at the former top prospect. Still, the Rockies don’t have to trade him. He’s young enough that he can still put the pieces back together. I don’t disagree that a change of scenery might help Stewart. But I just don’t see the need to give him away either.
How long is Jim Tracy going to keep running out that feeble offense before they call up Eric Young Jr. and his .340 batting average?
— Ron Duran, Phoenix
Ron – The Rockies’ offense has underperformed since the 11-2 start. They have had too many empty at-bats, especially with runners in scoring position. It’s a byproduct of the stars not getting hot at the same time — Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki — and lacking execution.
For me, the Rockies are trying to make pieces of the puzzle fit that ultimately might not go together. Dexter Fowler has had an intriguing, if not maddening season. He hits better in the clutch than anyone on team, walks a lot, but strikes out too much and doesn’t steal bases. It makes you wonder if he would be better off hitting second or maybe sixth or seventh.
I also think at some point the Rockies need to take a long look at bringing up Charlie Blackmon. Not to take Fowler’s job, but to have another lineup option. Blackmon has some raw power and can run well. Maybe he can provide a jolt a few days a week.
Eric Young Jr. has always hit well in Triple-A and is playing predominantly outfield. So you could bring him up in place of Alfredo Amezaga. The Rockies need to start thinking outside the box at this point in an effort to ramp up offense. But I always caution that hitting in Triple-A is not hitting in the big leagues. Young Jr. struggled in his cameo last year, especially on the road.
Todd Helton is walking less than in previous years. Is he being more aggressive at the plate (maybe more confident swinging the bat), or are opponents pitching him differently?
— Johnny, Louisville
Johnny – He’s been more aggressive this year because his body feels stronger. He’s looking to drive the ball more. The Rockies need extra-base hits from him, and he’s delivered. He has a chance to be better than 2009, a credit to his offseason work and his offensive talent.
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.
