The Denver Post’s Patrick Saunders answered questions from readers about the , who are in the midst of a six-game losing streak. Here are some highlights:
What is going on with the starting rotation? They’ve been terrible lately. Are all the rookies just hitting a midseason slump? Is there something bigger that’s going on that we don’t know about?
Patrick: I think a couple of things are going on with the rotation. First, I’m not saying the start of the season was a fluke, but I think the Rox rookies caught a lot of teams off guard. Now teams are catching up. It’s time for the Rox pitchers to counter punch.
But it’s not just that. They have simply thrown bad pitches and issued too many walks.
Is moving Antonio Senzatela to the bullpen the best move? I thought they would go with German Marquez there first.
Patrick: I also thought Marquez would go to the bullpen before Senzatela. I thought Senzatela’s big-body and strength made him a better candidate to stay in the rotation. The Rox thought otherwise. They are concerned about mounting innings. Plus, Bud Black made it clear yesterday that he was not happy with Senzatela’s last four starts.
But hang on, because more moves are coming soon.
How did fair during rehab starts?
Patrick: Gray, who’s likely going to start Friday night at Arizona, has had excellent fastball velocity at AAA. His command was not great, but that could be rust.
Gray will be the rotation a much-need shot in the arm, but he is no savior. He’s not an ace yet … at least not in my opinion.
What can you tell us about Zac Rosscup and where he figures into the Rockies bullpen situation?
Patrick: Rosscup has had some shoulder issues, but the Rockies must think he has put them behind him … otherwise they wouldn’t have traded away Carasiti.
I look at this trade as a fresh start for two prospects who fell out of favor with their teams.
Rosscup is not going to factor into Colorado’s bullpen any time soon.
Will we see Ryan McMahon called up sooner rather than later? The kid is tearing it up in Triple-A.
Patrick: You’re right, McMahon is ripping it up. However, with the roster full right now, I don’t see him getting called up very soon. The Rockles tend to be pretty conservative about promoting prospects.
When do the Rox expect to come back and how effective do you think he’ll be once he returns?
Patrick: Chad Bettis looks terrific. I spoke to him yesterday.
He’s said he wanted to get back in the rotation before the All-Star Game. That’s not going to happen, but I could see him back by the end of July.
At first I thought he would be in the bullpen to start, but given the Rox struggles, I think he’s bound for the rotation. If so, that will be a great story.
What are the odds that is a Rockie next year?
Patrick: Regarding CarGo — one of my all-time favorite people in the Rox clubhouse, FYI — I think there is zero chance he returns.
And unfortunately for him, his value as a free agent has been tarnished by this horrible slump.
Do the Rockies have any arms in Triple-A or elsewhere that might be called up as bullpen reinforcements over the course of the season? (Besides Carlos Estevez of course.)
Patrick: Unfortunately, I don’t seem much help coming to the rescue from Triple-A. Guys just aren’t ready. , a pitcher a like very much, got rocked last night.
I’ve said it over and over …. for the Rockies to have any chance to catch the Dodgers and stay with the D-backs, they have to make a bold trade or two at the deadline.
The full chat transcript is below:
[scribble src=”/event/2614055″ /]Mobile users, .
