The Denver Post’s Patrick Saunders answered questions on Tuesday from readers about the Colorado Rockies during a Lunch Special live chat. Here are the highlights:
Will we see outfielder David Dahl when the rosters expand? Or is this a lost season for him?
Patrick: I always get a ton of questions on David Dahl. I think that’s because he’s such an intriguing, young player. But his back/rib issues continue and I don’t think we will see him in a Rockies uniform this season.
With the roster expanding on Friday, who are the possible five guys that will be called up?
Patrick: Five guys to call up? Hmm, well they have to be on the 40-man roster. I’d say Brendan Rodgers, Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman to be sure…. I’d have to think about the other two.
What does your gut say on the Greg Holland situation? I keep thinking this goes back to his kitchen accident, and maybe he’s not getting the right feel for the baseball, but that’s me speculating. Do you think he can get back to being the dominant closer, or will he have a reduced role?
Patrick: Well, that’s a good question. He insists, and Bud Black insists, that his cut finger is not a problem. I’m not so sure. He cut the index finger (on the top) on a kitchen knife while doing dishes. I’m wondering if he altered his grip, even so slightly, and it’s messed him up.
However, another Rockies pitcher (I won’t say who) told me he thinks Holland is throwing his slider too hard and taking the action out of the pitch.
Any chance Jake McGee is the closer from here on out? Seems like he’s pitching well enough.
ʲٰ:Bud Black said Monday that Greg Holland is still the Rockies closer, but he will not hesitate to use McGee in the ninth inning. McGee has been excellent lately. Holland is on a short leash right now, but the Rockies believe in him. If he can get his slider fixed, he’ll be just fine.
Any chance Bud Black may switch the batting order (for example, moving Charlie Blackmon batting 3rd or 4th?) to spark the Rox’ offense?
Patrick: In my opinion, I think it’s time to try Charlie in a power spot. I asked Bud Black after last night’s frustrating loss if he had plans to shake up the lineup. He can of dodged my question, but the Rockies are thinking what they need to do to get the offense humming.
I’d love to see Carlos Gonzalez in the leadoff slot to get him thinking differently at the plate. He did it early in his career — think 2009 playoffs — and had success there. I know his OBP is low, but maybe it would spark him. Am I crazy, Patrick?
Patrick: You are Loony Tunes! I’m kidding, but I don’t see it. CarGo’s low OBP negates the move, in my opinion and he doesn’t have the speed he used to. I’d rather see Parra there. Or Ian Desmond.
Lately the Rockies have been hitting into a lot of double plays. Is there anyway the Rockies can avoid the double plays? Seems to always kill the potential for a big inning.
Patrick: It does seem like the Rox are hitting into a lot of DPs, but I don’t think there is a particular strategy to avoid DPs. Most of the season, I don’t think it’s been a huge problem. I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I don’t think the Rockies have an inordinate amount of DPs.
Patrick, talk to us a little about Ian Desmond at shortstop.
Patrick: Playing Ian Desmond is certainly and option, and I think we will see it soon. Not full time. I think the Rockies value Trevor Story’s defense too much. But I can see Desmond getting a few spot starts at short, and play the bulk of his time in left and first base. It will depend on who’s hot, who’s not and what the pitching matchups look like.
Will Antonio Senzatela stick in the rotation, or is there a chance that he gets shifted back to the bullpen?
Patrick: Regarding Senzatela … I think Black is losing patience. It would not shock me to see Jeff Hoffman or even Tyler Chatwood back in the rotation, with “Senza” going to the ‘pen. Also, Tyler Anderson will be back soon, so there are options.
Assuming the Rockies make it to the playoffs and through the wild card game, what does your playoff pitching rotation look like?
Patrick: Let me answer it this way. If I had to pick one pitcher for the one-game playoff, I would go with German Marquez. I love his attitude and ability to role with the punches. After that, I could go with Jon Gray, Chad Bettis and Kyle Freeland, then back to Marquez.
Get the full transcript of Tuesday’s chat below:
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