Bleacher Report - Articles by Nic Hallisey

Wiffleball: A Child's Game

Nic Hallisey — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:57:52 -0400

They say baseball brings out the child in them.

Even as we grow older, however, some of our childhood pastimes don’t fade out of the spotlight.

I grew up spending every summer hour from dawn to dusk in my backyard.

My best friend and I would play “fake games,” which consisted of imaginary wiffleball games where the two of us played both teams and all 18 players. We tossed the ball up to ourselves and let our creativity unfold the rest.

I’d step up to the plate, pretending I was the actual player.

When Andres Galarraga stepped to the plate, my stance was open. When it was Dante Bichette’s turn in the lineup I would remove my hat from my head, run my fingers through my imaginary long hair, and clinch both hands on the ends of the bat and circle it over my head like he used to do.

We had a magic erase board for the scoreboard and my dog’s pen for the dugout.

One summer when my next door neighbor was getting his house painted, the painters stayed late so they could listen to the excitement in our voices as we called the game.

Perhaps that was the game that concluded when Larry Walker hit a walk-off home run, clanking off the neighbor’s house, still fresh with wet paint.

When my friend wasn’t around, the baseball didn’t stop.

I used my pitch-back to, again, throw my imaginary games. This time I was the actual player on the roster, playing for a big league team.

I gave myself four seconds to field the ball, throw it to the net and have it bounce back into my glove in order to record an out. For every four seconds it took to do that, it was another base.

I even kept track of stats and recorded them into a document on the computer. After the game I would conduct my own postgame interviews, where I, both the analyst and the manager, would discuss the game and box score.

Now, a decade later, I’m a 20-year-old grown man and my imagination still runs wild.

There is no greater summer evening activity than getting friends together for a game of wiffleball.

My friend has an ideal wiffleball yard, full of fenced off home run areas, a short porch in right field and the giant pine tree, ruled as an automatic ground rule double.

Two floodlights make up the lighting so the games can stretch well into the evening while a homemade block of wood marks the strike zone.

We’ll even cut the grass into a baseball diamond and chalk the base paths with flour.

It’s now my turn to bat. Two pitches go by, the latter banking off the wooden strike zone. On the third pitch I take a swing and watch it soar.

“That one’s hit deep,” I shout out. “Back, to the track, you can kiss it goodbye.”

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

A Look Back On My First Baseball Game

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:57:06 -0400

July 23. It’s a simple date, but today marks the 13-year anniversary of my first trip to Coors Field.

Who knew it would transform my life and who knew the game would be so historical?

To be honest, I don’t remember much about the game.

I know the Rockies played the New York Mets.

I also recall my grandma, who took me to the game, teaching me that the home team wore white while the visitors were in gray.

Besides that, the last thing I remember about the game is joining the crowd with boos after the Rockies let up a home run. My grandma told me booing players was not polite.

Looking back at the game, it turns out we were booing a six-run sixth inning for the Mets, who tied the game that inning after the Rockies once led 7-0.

Upon looking back at the box scores, it turns out my first game at Coors Field was one heck of a game. It’s a shame I can’t remember anything from it, but that game was the first of an endless amount to come. Who couldn’t be turned on to the sport of baseball seeing 21 runs, 31 hits, and a game-winning, walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth?

I saw Dante Bichette and Vinny Castilla hit home runs while Andres Gallaraga hit a pair. Did I mention they were back to back to back home runs in front of a home crowd of 48,000-plus?

Eric Young, my all-time favorite Rockie, had a ninth inning infield single with the bases loaded, scoring Jayhawk Owens for the win.

The reason I remember the date of this event was my grandma later bought a personalized brick.

Back in Coors Field’s first few seasons of existence, the Rockies organization allowed fans to purchase bricks that could be engraved with a message, and then cemented into the ground leading up to the stadium near left field.

In quadrant 11, row three, seven bricks from the left,

“Nicholas A. Hallisey

Game 07 23 1996”

is engraved.

During my last visit to “the greatest place on Earth,” I took a stroll down Wynkoop Walk, the area containing the few thousand bricks.

Some people wrote personal messages, some were to loved ones. Others had famous quotes or were signed from the Rockies No. 1 fans.

“Baseball is life,” “Another Rockies fan born,” “Kiss it goodbye,” and “Thanks for the future memories” are just a few.

It’s a neat part of the stadium that not many people know about.

On the certificate that was given to me with my brick, it states that my brick will be forever etched in stone at Coors Field.

Thanks to that July game 13 years ago, my love for baseball has also been etched in stone.

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

The Colorado Rockies Must Trade for a Setup Man to Bolster Playoff Hopes

Nic Hallisey — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:02:21 -0400

With an improbable June and a stellar July so far, the Colorado Rockies are showing naysayers they are here to contend.

With Monday’s 10-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, along with the San Francisco Giants being pounded by the Atlanta Braves, the Rockies can say that if the regular season ended today, they would become the National League Wild Card winners for the second time in the past three years.

The problem is that there are still 68 games to play.

But with a record of 33-15 since May 29, when manager Jim Tracy took over, the Rockies look like they can compete to the end.

With the trade deadline approaching in just nine days, what the Rockies desperately need is a strong middle reliever.

The club’s bullpen looks nothing like its opening day roster. With the exception of Huston Street, who also lost his role as closer once, the bullpen has been shuffled around and mix and matched in its entirety.

Matt Daley, Josh Fogg, Juan Rincon, and Ryan Speier were not on the club’s Opening Day roster. Franklin Morales was, but not as a reliever. The club traded Jason Grilli while sending down players like Joel Peralta and Matt Belisle.

The team also lost a quality arm in Taylor Buchholz to Tommy John surgery and a veteran leader in Alan Embree to a broken leg. The Rockies recently added veteran Matt Herges to a minor-league deal and is reporting interest in free agent Mike Timlin.

Sure, signing a guy with the name Roy Halladay would bring excitement to Blake Street, but for what, two months? And Matt Holliday had a great stay in purple pinstripes, but a reunion tour is not what needs to be done to make an October push.

What the Rockies need is a reliable setup man.

Not some has-been or could-be. Not multiple washed up pitchers like in years past.

The organization has minor league depth at nearly every position. I’m not suggesting throwing away the farm, but package a couple prospects for a guy that can bridge the gap between the starting rotation and closer Huston Street.

Or even better, if O’Dowd can find a club that will unload Garrett Atkins or Yorvit Torrealba, take it.

Chad Qualls is, perhaps, the biggest availability.

With 18 saves for a dismal Diamondback team, Qualls is paving his best year in the majors. He sports a lifetime 3.31 ERA, but one of his more impressive stats is just three home runs allowed this season. This would help in the thin air of Colorado.

Other possible names on the market are Boston’s Takashi Saito, Baltimore’s left-hander George Sherrill, and Cleveland’s Rafael Bentancourt.

Colorado has a good team, no doubt. But with its bullpen ranked 14th out of the 16-team National League, it is apparent that a strong setup man is needed.

Perhaps the biggest evidence, however, is the last two nights. On Monday night, the Rockies held a 10-1 lead leading up to the seventh inning. But then the relievers surrendered five runs, causing the closer to get warmed up in the ninth inning.

In Tuesday’s loss to the Diamondbacks, the Rockies blew a 4-0 lead, with the relievers allowing the final runs for the loss.

In less than two months, the Rockies have jumped from 10 under .500 to eight over. I believe it’s time the Rockies become buyers at the deadline and purchase a durable arm.

College World Series Displays Excitement, Passion: Deserves More Respect

Nic Hallisey — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:46:09 -0400

It sure is a shame that college baseball doesn’t attract more attention.

Most would consider March Madness more entertaining than the NBA Finals, and fans plan their holidays around each year’s college football bowl games.

But the College World Series comes and passes with only the diehard baseball fans taking notice.

As the CWS comes to a close tonight, I am saddened by its passing. See, the student-athletes competing at Rosenblatt Stadium isn’t an everyday-site.

They show enthusiasm. They play with passion. They play with heart.

The defense is ready with each pitch and each batter hustles to each base.

In the dugout, players hang over the railing, eye black smeared and jerseys dirty, engaged with each pitch.

Late in the innings, superstitions arise with rally caps in every shape and the entire team sitting in similar formation.

They play the game like it’s their last. And for some, tonight will be.

It all takes place at a 60-year-old raggedy stadium, falling apart and facing its final days before destruction after next year’s World Series.

Rosenblatt stands in the middle of nowhere, but the players and fans treat it like it’s a magical place.

The fans are just as excited as the players. Hours before the game, baseball-junkies line up outside the outfield gates to reserve their general admission seats.

In 2001 they renovated The Blatt to add an additional 10,000 seats because the place would continuously sellout game after game.

The entire community of Omaha takes part of the two-week event.

It may be Nebraska, but during these weeks in June, the town is seen as a baseball Mecca.

On ESPN’s telecast of Game One, an emotional video tribute was shown.

The narrator told the story of Omaha.

“This place, this place is just inspiring. Rich with history and tradition. A shrine. The shining light and ultimate destination of so many… and so few. You see, Omaha’s not just another stop, not just another spot on the map. It’s a link to our past, and a clear path ahead. As time ticks away on this magnificent little place. It’s not a time for sadness, but a time for reflection. Because no matter at what location or on what hill, it’s Omaha that makes the College World Series special.

2009 has been full of memories. From Arizona State dusting off a four-run early hole to eliminate North Carolina, to Arkansas, one strike from elimination, taking Virginia into extra innings with a two run game-tying home run before beating the Cavs.

Arizona State nearly knocked off No. 1 seed Texas in the next game with a go-ahead triple in the ninth inning before the Longhorns hit two home runs in three batters, etching its name in the championship slot.

All that sets up tonight’s winner-take-all Game 3, featuring two of college baseball’s most historic teams, Texas and LSU.

“Who could have asked for a better script?,” LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. “It’s one game to one. It’s one game for the national championship.”

History could be in the making tonight in Omaha.

It’s too bad the rest of the country won’t be watching.

Baseball: A Game for Fathers and Sons

Nic Hallisey — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:10:43 -0400

Baseball truly is something special.

It’s more than a simple sport or even a game.

Baseball involves feelings and emotions, and in result, can create a special bond between a father and a son.

My dad didn’t introduce me to the beloved game. He didn’t pass down his trading cards or retell memories of players he saw while growing up.

No, my story is unique.

You see, my dad didn’t grow up loving the game that I do. He played little league, faked breaking his finger, and didn’t pick up a glove until more than two decades later.

The reason my story is so special is how my dad became a fan of baseball.

I grew up playing recreational baseball, moving my way up into competitive and travel leagues.

My dad would spend endless hours in the backyard with me. He would wake up early or stay up late in order to help me become a better ballplayer. With each ball he soft-tossed to me, he pushed me to become a better player. As we played catch, he would instruct me to follow through with each throw.

One time I failed to listen to his advice and my throw sailed over his head and through the next door neighbor’s window, a memory that is humorous now, but wasn’t so funny when it happened. I was mad that my dad didn’t jump higher to catch my errant throw.

My dad took time off work to drive across the state and country to see me play. He went with me to every tournament and rarely missed a game. His free time turned into time watching me play baseball.

My mom recently told me that my dad would read books about baseball, learning the game so that it would give us something to talk about.

He gave up his life for the game that I loved.

I have the good fortune of having an April birthday, always falling right around Opening Day. Each Rockies’ home opener, my dad and I would play hooky from work and school to go to the game. A couple times, the game fell on my actual birthday, and once, we even saw Albert Pujols make his Major League debut.

We would get down to the game before the gates opened, early enough for batting practice and autographs, and he allowed me to stay after the game to savor the final sights, sounds and smells of the ballpark.

It was our time together.

There is no worldly thing that is more special to me than baseball.

When I think of baseball, however, it’s more than a game.

It’s an emotional attachment. It’s memories full of my dad and me spending hours together in the backyard, on the diamond or at the ballpark.

Baseball is for fathers and sons.

It’s for me and my dad.

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

Rockies' Magical Ride Hits Nine

Nic Hallisey — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:37:50 -0400

Pinch me, I must be dreaming.

Everything seems to be working out perfectly for the Rockies. It’s like all of a sudden, something clicked and the light turned on.

Nine straight winning performances by the starting rotation, solid relief from the bullpen, timely, clutch hitting and games without mental lapses. For the first time, all aspects seem to be playing well at the same time.

The storm clouds that formed across the Denver skyline cleared up at game time, creating a nice evening at the park. Rain, hail and tornado warnings across Colorado all week settled down for the two hour, 28 minute contest. Directly after, the clouds let loose and the streets were flooded with rain showers.

Nine consecutive wins ties for second all-time in Rockies' history—and they’re still going.

Unlike the first eight, though, the ninth came in front of an energetic home crowd. When a double play would be turned, the crowd would roar in cheers. When a close call went the other way, the fans would rain boos.

And let’s not forget the suicide squeeze bunt in the sixth inning when Ian Stewart barely slid home safely on Dexter Fowler’s bunt. Or when Ubaldo Jimenez executed a perfect fake-bunt slap hit past a charging infield to score another run.

Ubaldo threw 127 pitches for the complete game. It was a gritty performance as he surrendered four runs just one out into the fourth inning.

My friend turned to me at that point and asked, “When would you take him out?”

I told him to give him a chance and keep in there for a little longer. Jimenez ended up going another 4 2/3, throwing just his second complete game of his career.

The crowd cheered when manager Jim Tracy left Jimenez in to bat in the eighth inning after his pitch total was well into triple-digits and then erupted again when Tracy walked back to the dugout with two outs in the ninth inning and the tying run at the plate. The manager went out to talk to Jimenez. Most feared he was taking him out just one out before the complete game.

And it was even a special night, not for the Rockies, but for myself getting to see Ken Griffey, Jr. play. I took off work and bought my tickets well before the streak began hoping to see him play.

I grew up idolizing Jr. and wanted to get one last chance to see him play. I saw him about a decade ago when he was still "The Kid" with the M’s and saw him a few years later on Opening Day with the Reds.

I was hoping he would take the field for a rare outfield spot in the lineup to see him play once more. I was disappointed when he didn’t start, but when I saw the pitchers spot was due up in the ninth, it gave me hope. In fact, Griffey did come to the plate, drawing a walk.

It was the never give up mentality that gave the Rockies their ninth consecutive win. They fought, battled, and came from behind to beat the Mariners 6-4 in the series opener.

Don’t wake me, I’m enjoying the ride.

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

Happy Mother's Day to a Baseball Mom

Nic Hallisey — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:08:00 -0400

My youth baseball coach used to tell my team there were no girls allowed in baseball. The opposite sex wasn’t allowed on the field, in the dugout, or anywhere else that could potentially take our focus away from the game being played.

The guideline may still hold true, but they are allowed in the stands.

I started playing baseball during my early childhood and didn’t relinquish my passion for playing the game until more than a decade later. At the beginning of my playing career, I’d be surprised if my mom knew what the difference between a home run and a double play was.

Over the years, however, she began to learn the game that I had fallen in love with.

To be honest, I don’t know if she had much of a choice. That’s how she spent each of her weekends between March and October. She traveled all over the state of Colorado and even to nearby states through the Midwest. She graciously sat through heat, hail and freezing temperatures to watch me play.

My team created shirts that my mom proudly wore that read, “I have no life. My son plays competitive baseball.”

She began to understand and even started to enjoy the game. She volunteered herself to chart pitches to keep track of balls, strikes and what type of pitch was thrown during my games.

My mom was a baseball mom.

During the summers we would go to Rockies games together.

We would eat sunflower seeds in the car as she kindly made the trek to the stadium in the late morning so I could see batting practice and gather by the home dugout to get autographs. After the games, she would stay late to let me savor each moment of being at the stadium.

I witnessed my first playoff game with her in 2007 and got to be with her for her first Opening Day last season. Perhaps my favorite memory with my mom, not just involving sports, but in general, was when she picked me up from a morning pitching lesson and told me we had to run a few errands before going home.

Being a child, I was disappointed that I was going to miss my favorite cartoons to instead go shopping. After several miles of driving south down I-25, I grumpily asked my mom, “What mall are we going to?”

She pulled out my glove and Rockies jersey from the backseat and started singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

We were going to the Rockies game that afternoon.

Despite the excessive amount of games I’ve been to in my 20 years of living, I have never caught a foul ball. I’ve gotten balls during batting practice or tossed to me during warm-ups, but never during a game.

My mom, on the other hand, has.

In an afternoon ballgame, a foul ball hit by Neifi Perez sliced down right field and into the seats one section away. As I quickly popped out of my seat to run near the ball, the ball bounced several feet in front of me and well over my head.

When I got back to my seat, my mom held the ball up to me with a smile. The ball had bounced straight into our row where she picked the ball up off of the ground. She explained how a guy tried grabbing the ball from her, but she wrapped her fingers around it tightly and yelled, “It’s mine, I’ve got it.”

In another game with my mom, I was ecstatic when I saw my first live balk called as Chan Ho Park of the Dodgers double-stepped while on the mound. I looked at my mom with excitement and asked, “Did you see that?” I proceeded to explain to her what Park illegally did and what a balk was.

Earlier this season, while watching a Sunday night telecast with my mom, she rewound the DVR on our TV as she said, “Look, that’s a balk!”

I’ve turned my mom into a sports nut. She has given her life to baseball and now will turn on the TV to watch a game, even if I’m not home with her.

I’m now in college and have final exams next week. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do much for my mom for her special day today. However, when the Rockies return from their road trip and play at Coors Field again later this month, I’ll be taking her to a game.

She’s almost as big of a baseball fan as I am now, and I know she wouldn’t want to spend her day any other way.

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

Even Manny Ramirez Haters Hate to See Him Fall

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:57:34 -0400

I do not like Manny Ramirez.

I think he’s lazy. I don’t like his persona while playing the game. He’s greedy in my opinion. And now, he’s a cheater.

Two weeks ago, Manny and the Dodgers came to Coors Field to take on the Rockies. I had the privilege of sitting in the left field bleachers, directly behind Manny’s defensive position. I enjoyed nine innings of heckling the slugger and cheered thoroughly after each of his three strikeouts.

Ramirez is a great hitter. He is the quintessential slugger, but he is far from what a baseball player should be.

Despite my dissatisfaction with Ramirez, I was not one of the hundreds, probably thousands, of gleeful anti-Manny baseball fans Thursday morning.

In February, during the wake of the A-Roid incident, I wrote a piece in which I hoped for baseball innocence. I said it’s the only way for baseball to get over the infamous “steroid era.”

I’m getting pretty tired of the “I didn’t know what I was putting in my body” excuses. We know you’re stupid, Manny, but are you really that naïve?

Although I don’t believe Manny, nor any other suspected users (Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, etc.), is innocent, it’s sad that all of the top players are ruining the great game of baseball—our nation’s pastime.

These players are tarnishing the game and hurting the reputation of all other players. When players perform well, they will no longer be innocent until proven guilty, but guilty until proven innocent.

Despite my stance against Manny, I was not excited to hear the breaking news Thursday morning.

Indeed, today is a sad day for baseball.

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

Colorado Rockies Need To Put Best Eight on the Field Despite Their Status

Nic Hallisey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:33:36 -0400

There is no question in any fan’s mind that the Rockies desperately need to turn things around.

Yes, it’s early in the season, but this isn’t exactly the quick start we all were looking for.

The biggest issue, without a doubt, is the pitching. But, for a moment, I’m going to push that aside and focus on the offense.

I believe the club has one of the most solid lineups one through eight as any other team. I wrote during Spring Training that they have power and great hitters both in the starting lineup and coming off the bench, and I still stand by that.

The offense showed up the first four games and then caved in. I won’t go into detail. We all know that we’re not getting hits with runners on, we’re not getting runs across the plate, and we’re striking out at an alarming rate. The Rockies scored 30 runs in their first four games but have combined for just 27 in the last eight.

I’m no expert with handling lineups, and that is why I am a fan sitting at home rather than actually managing the team, but here is a thought: Put the best players in the lineup each day.

Seems obvious, right? Isn’t that the intention of every team?

Todd Helton was crushing the ball in Spring Training, but since the regular season has begun, he's hitting .231.

Chris Iannetta earned his starting role last season but has just three hits in 27 at-bats in 2009.

Even Garrett Atkins, who went on a spurt where he tore the cover off the ball, is now hitting .191.

The point is, these are all players who are considered “starters.” They are on the team to lead them. But right now, they aren’t doing it.

Because of their status and the capabilities they have shown in the past, they continue to be in the lineup despite their struggles.

Most readers probably think it would be crazy to take Atkins out of the lineup. And, yes, I do believe that he will bounce back and recover from his slump. But, for the time being, put the best players in.

Ryan Spilborghs started out strong but has since struggled. Take him out and give Dexter Fowler and others time to prove themselves.

Give Ian Stewart a chance at third base, his primary position, while Atkins and Helton are struggling. Stewart leads the team with a .375 batting average, .467 on-base percentage, and a .792 slugging percentage to lead the team. He has six runs scored (tied for second) and seven RBI (second on team) despite just 24 at-bats. He is tied with or ahead of Atkins in every offensive category despite half the at-bats.

I do agree that these struggling players aren’t going to get better riding the pine, but there is too much depth on this roster to let talent sit while starters are struggling.

Give some of the starters a few days off to clear their minds while others get a chance.

If someone isn’t getting it done, let someone else prove their worth, despite their status.

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

Series Recap: Colorado Rockies-Arizona Diamondbacks

Nic Hallisey — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:20:22 -0400

Last year it took seven games before the Rockies got their second win of the season. It took three tries before the team won its first series.

2009 is a new story.

Using a tough early schedule as motivation, the team got off to a good start in the opening series.

Series Recap: The Rockies never trailed Wednesday afternoon, soundly defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-2 at Chase Field and taking the opening series two games to one.

What I liked: As a team, the offense was solid, putting up 20 runs on 25 hits in three games.

In games one and three, the team scored eight and nine runs, respectively. During Tuesday evening’s game, the team was in the middle of a pitcher’s duel between Ubaldo Jimenez and Dan Haren. Even then, however, the Rockies were able to get productive hits and bring runners around when they needed to.

The key hits were something that did not come easy in 2008.

Offensive power from the lineup was seen from top to bottom. Even the team’s arguably least powerful hitter, rookie Dexter Fowler, hit the first pitch he saw in game three over the left field wall. In all, seven home runs were hit in the series, including back to back home runs, twice.

What was more impressive, however, was the pitching.

Jimenez was phenomenal, allowing just four hits and zero runs in seven innings, striking out eight. As a big surprise, No. 5 starter, Franklin Morales pitched six solid innings in Wednesday’s game, not letting a run past the second batter of the game. Stephen Drew’s home run was the only runner to reach scoring position off of Morales.

Morales, who was told prior to the start of the season that this was his only chance to prove himself, did everything he could to keep his spot in the rotation. With several off days, Morales will pitch in Triple-A for next two weeks. His next possible start would be April 21. He is competing with newly acquired Jason Hammel and Matt Belisle for the last spot in the rotation.

The bullpen struggled a little bit in the first game, allowing three runs in 5.66 innings, but has since been nearly perfect, allowing just two hits and one run in five innings of relief.

The team was also perfect in the field, committing zero errors in the three-game series.

What needs improvement: Even in the loss, I was impressed with the product on the field. There’s not much to complain about.

Aaron Cook, who pitched in the opener, got the hook just seven outs into the game after giving up six runs. This was not the type of start expected from the club’s ace. However, the pitcher has revisited film and knows what he needs to do in order to perform like an ace for the remainder of the season.

The base running wasn’t how I had hoped it would be. Although I do agree with manager Clint Hurdle’s plan of being more aggressive, it didn’t work in the series, which included players like Brad Hawpe and Chris Iannetta being thrown out while trying to steal and pitcher Franklin Morales picked off at first base.

However, I hope that the early struggles don’t hesitate Hurdle’s aggressive decisions.

Overall: The Rockies were 3-15 against the Diamondbacks in 2008. They knew that in order to compete this year, they would have to beat the teams picked ahead of them in the division.

It’s still early, but I liked what I saw in the opening series.

Series Preview: The road for the Rockies doesn’t get any easier as they open up their home schedule in a weekend series against the defending World Series champion, Philadelphia Phillies.

After trailing 10-3, the Phillies scored eight runs in the seventh inning Wednesday afternoon, becoming victorious for the first time since clinching the title last October. The Phillies had dropped their first two games to the Atlanta Braves earlier in the week.

The Rockies were 0-6 against the Phillies in 2008, and haven’t beat them since sweeping them in the 2007 NLDS.

Probable starters:

Friday:

Phillies' Cole Hamels (14- 10, 3.09) vs. Rockies' Jason Marquis (11-9, 4.53), 2:10 p.m. MT

Saturday:

Phillies' Brett Myers (0-1, 6.00*) vs. Rockies' Jorge De La Rosa (10-8, 4.92), 6:10 p.m. MT

Sunday:

Phillies' Chan Ho Park (4-4, 3.40) vs. Rockies' Aaron Cook (0-0, 23.14*), 1:10 p.m. MT

*2009 stats

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

2009 Brings Optimism For Colorado Rockies Fan

Nic Hallisey — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:38:05 -0400

With the 2009 season upon us, I couldn’t help but pull out my personal copy of 21 Days: The Rockies Run for the Pennant.

Even today I get chills when I see highlights of Todd Helton drilling a walk-off home run over the right field fence off of Takasha Saito and racing around the bases before throwing his helmet and leaping into his mob of teammates.

Goosebumps spread throughout my body as footage shows Matt Holliday diving headfirst into home to score the game winning run to send the Rockies to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.

Reminiscing about those memories will bring a grown man to tears.

I don’t care what type of team is put on the field or what anyone says about a team’s chances in a given year. Watching and remembering what the Colorado Rockies did in 2007 gives any fan the optimism that this is their team’s year.

The beauty of Opening Day is that it is the only time that your team is guaranteed first place.

Everyone is 0-0. It’s a fresh start.

The Rockies’ run at the end of the 2007 season will go down as one of the greatest streaks in baseball history.

Manager Clint Hurdle later stated, “Man cannot script what sport can create.”

It transformed hearts and turned Denver into a baseball town—even if they were bandwagon fans and it only lasted that season.

The feelings and emotions accompanied with the run brought more joy to me personally than any other sports moment. It made me concentrate my full attention on the game and lose focus on my schoolwork and everything else surrounding me.

It was an improbable run. Something I will be telling my children and grandchildren about 50 years from now.

Ernie Harwell, the narrator of the documentary, said, “In the end, the Rockies’ run for the pennant will be remembered as a band of brothers. Believing when no one else believed, reaching a level that no one thought they could reach, but meeting all challenges with the confidence, resiliency and spirit of a champion.”

Many are already writing the 2009 Rockies off. Vegas is giving the Rockies 75:1 odds of winning the World Series—good for fourth worst in all of baseball.

Obviously most don’t believe it can happen.

I’m convinced, however, that our offense is better than it has been in years. Players will be running around the bases on a consistent basis this season. Our defense will support the pitcher and our base running is improving each day. Our bullpen is rock-solid while our starting rotation has some young arms that have plenty of potential.

And what better way to head into the new season than closing out spring training on a three-game win streak and winning seven of their final nine games?

21 Days closes with several Rockies’ players reciting an inspirational quote once written by Vince Lombardi:

“A man can be as great as he want to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive, and if you’re willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”

Some say I have blind love for the Rockies, but I’m ready for another improbable run.

It can be done.

** For an article highlighting the joys and feelings of Opening Day for baseball fans, please visit my Opening Day article. **

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

Opening Day Fills Fans with Euphoric Emotions: Baseball Is Back

Nic Hallisey — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:59:50 -0400

April 5, 2009.

One-hundred and fifty-eight days of withdrawal between Brad Lidge’s strikeout to win it all at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark on Oct. 29 and the opening pitch in the very same stadium.

It starts tonight at 8 p.m. ET where the reigning champs play host to the Braves.

It begins in Philadelphia, but where will it end?

Magic begins. Miracles happen.

The sound of the wood bat striking a 98 mile per hour fastball. The feel of your hand inside a freshly-oiled glove.

The days start getting a little longer. The weather a little warmer. Springtime is here.

25 men, nine coaches, a front office and an entire stadium full of fans all pulling together.

Baseball is America’s sport. America’s pastime.

There’s a feeling of optimism within each of the 30 teams today.

A fresh start. A new chance.

An opportunity to prove that their transactions over the winter have put them in position to be the best team in baseball. This could be the year.

The pennant will be raised in Philly. The Rays will try to prove last year wasn’t just a fluke. The Yankees are in a new home, and will try to make a comeback after not being invited to the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

Will money prove to win championships? Can Kerry Wood’s new home take the Indians to the top? Will Francisco Rodriguez be the answer to the Mets’ late season chokes?

The dirt has been watered. The lines are chalked. The smell of the freshly cut grass lingers in the air. Pine tar is spread up the first 17 inches of the bats.

Tell Fenway Park to strike up “Sweet Caroline” after the sixth inning again and “Tessie” after a Red Sox win. Wrigley fans can join in the infamous “Take Me Out To The Ballgame,” singing during the seventh-inning stretch.

Maybe year 101 will be the lucky year for the Cubs to finally break their curse.

Each jersey is pressed. Each light and each seat in the stands has been checked as the scoreboard lights up for the first time.

Contracts are finalized. Lineups are penciled in. But the road to the postseason is anything but certain.

Summer nights will soon settle in where there is no better place to be than at the ballpark. Fans of all ages will soon fall asleep to the voices of Peter Gammons, Harold Reynolds, and Kurt Ravech on Baseball Tonight.

The boys of summer.

Inside the stadium, concession lines will form as hot dogs are cooked. Ketchup, mustard, and all of the condiments of your choice.

Sunflower seeds, peanuts, and cracker jacks.

Fans willing to shell out $11 for a hot dog and soda, and not ashamed to do so—just for a chance to witness something great. The chance to see someone great. The chance to witness history.

A towering 450-foot home run. Hustling around first base and sliding into second for a double down the line. Taking one step too many and getting caught in a pickle which turns to be a 1-3-6-1-4-3 out to end the inning.

Stains on the jersey from a diving catch deep in the outfield. Collisions at the plate.

Infuriated managers. Ejections.

Catchers giving pitchers signs. Pitchers shaking off the catcher’s sign.

A suicide bunt to score the tying run. A grand slam. Hitting for the cycle.

Extra innings. Game-winning walk-off hits. Fireworks. Excitement. Celebrations.

Grown men dog piling on top of each other.

Joy.

Baseball brings euphoric emotions to each of its fans.

Dreams begin for children today. Dreams for their team. Dreams of playing someday.

Dreams for adults. This game allows them to become kids. Fathers and sons enjoying their first glimpse of the new season while playing hooky from work and school.

We witnessed extraordinary events in 2008: two no-hitters, Manny Ramirez’s 500th career home run, Ken Griffey Jr. hitting his 600th, a phenomenal showing by Josh Hamilton in the Home Run Derby, a 15-inning All-Star Game, and two historic stadiums hosting their final games.

What will be in store for 2009?

Gary Sheffield’s 500th career home run? Randy Johnson’s 300th career win?

An unassisted triple play? The game’s 18th perfect game?

Button up your jersey. Tighten your newly-polished cleats. Adjust your cap and get ready. The boys are back in town, ready for a 162-game dogfight for the chance to be crowned the world’s greatest.

Baseball is back.

** For an article highlighting a season prediction for the Colorado Rockies, please visit Optimistic Rockies Outlook. **

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile with additional photos.

Don Baylor's Coaching Brings Power to Colorado Rockies' Lineup

Nic Hallisey — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:53:44 -0400

Opening Weekend is upon us at last.

But baseball season right around the corner brings uncertainties for each ballclub.

Heading into his club-leading eighth season at the helm of the Rockies, manager Clint Hurdle has reached the end of his contract.

Owners Dick and Charlie Monfort have made it clear that Hurdle’s performance will be judged critically and that no Opening Day contract extensions will be awarded like in 2007.

During the offseason, the Rockies cleared out a majority of Hurdle’s coaching staff and brought in veterans like Jim Tracy (bench coach) and former Rockies manager Don Baylor (hitting coach).

A couple wrong moves by Hurdle and one of these guys could be getting a promotion.

Baylor led the Rockies for their first six years of existence before being fired for Jim Leyland, who had just led the Florida Marlins to their first World Series championship two years prior.

Leyland quickly fled, and then Buddy Bell managed for two years and a few games, and then Hurdle replaced him less than a month into the 2002 season.

Baylor, whose career coaching record in Colorado stands at 440-469 (.484), has the highest winning percentage in club history.

His tenure with the Rockies includes the team’s first trip to the postseason, a 1995 Wild Card berth, and a Manager of the Year award.

In his final season with the Rockies, he guided them to a fourth-place finish and a 77-85 record. With this statistic, it doesn’t bother me that he was replaced soon after.

What does bother me, however, is the fact that the Rockies have bettered that record just twice in the 10 seasons since, and just one time under Hurdle’s reign.

Despite his sub-.500 career record, Baylor is the best manager the Rockies have ever had. He has been so instrumental to the club that he was even selected to be an honorary member on Hurdle’s staff at the 2008 All-Star Game because of his influence to the ballclub.

Baylor has brought a noticeable amount of change to the Rockies clubhouse this spring. The team’s offensive numbers are showing evident improvements, with several players giving Baylor the credit.

The team’s offense shows a lot of potential with power in the lineup from the top all the way through. It even seems a little bit like the Blake Street Bombers—the offensive powerhouses of Dante Bichette, Vinny Castilla, Andres Galarraga, and Larry Walker during the late 1990s under Baylor’s managing.

Even without Matt Holliday in the lineup, the Rockies have known power coming from Brad Hawpe and Garrett Atkins. Todd Helton is showing that his back is healing just fine, while Ryan Spilborghs’ spring says that he can be a multi-tool center fielder, including a powerful bat. Troy Tulowitzki’s determination should help him bounce back from his sophomore slump, while Chris Iannetta’s numbers could top the chart among the league’s catchers. Even off the bench the Rockies are loaded, with names like Ian Stewart (hopefully not off the bench), Seth Smith, and Jeff Baker.

Our pitching may be inconsistent, but the offense should be explosive. Maybe ditching the humidors and bringing back the days of the Bombers isn’t such a crazy thought.

Back in Baylor’s days as manager, he would hold The Don Baylor Show, a segment of the postgame show after Sunday afternoon games. Three kids in attendance were able to go on the show and ask the skipper a question for him to answer.

I once was lucky enough to get on the show. If I had the opportunity today, maybe I’d ask Baylor to bring back the power at Coors Field.

Baylor has been missed. Could his presence in the clubhouse result in the Blake Street Bombers 2.0?

This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile.

Colorado Rockies Have Dynamic Duo Late In Games

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:47:14 -0400

It was a difficult decision.

One that couldn’t be made until four simple days before Opening Day.

But nonetheless, it’s becoming a reoccurring decision for the Rockies organization lately.

I’m talking about the Rockies’ closer—the ninth inning guy that goes in with more pressure on his shoulders than anyone else.

Much like a pinch hitter, the closer enters the game after sitting for the first eight innings, waiting for his opportunity to shine.

When he does it right, he’s seen as a hero, a firefighter, and he’s given the accolade of a “save.”

When he doesn’t do it right, he’s often booed, and seen as the reason the team’s failure.

The Rockies named Huston Street as the club’s 2009 starter (at least for now) Thursday afternoon. Street was awarded the position over Manny Corpas, who won the hearts of Rockies’ fans during the playoff run in late 2007.

Corpas was lights out after taking over as the Rockies’ closer when then-closer Brian Fuentes blew four consecutive saves opportunities in late June.

The native of Panama had an ERA of 1.02 after the switch, and successfully saved 19 of his 20 opportunities. His only blown save was in the World Series.

After posting these numbers, Corpas was given the opportunity to close the 2008 season. However, once again, a series of struggles early in the season caused manager Clint Hurdle to revert back to Fuentes, who closed the remainder of the season before filing for free agency and signing with the Los Angeles Angels.

Corpas then seemed to be the Rockies’ 2009 closer, and even when Street was acquired from the Athletics in a trade for Matt Holliday, many fans believed he would still win the spot.

In roughly the same amount of innings pitched in spring training, Corpas allowed fewer hits (seven to 11), fewer earned runs (one to six), more strikeouts (five to four), and a lower ERA (1.00 to 5.23).

However, Street’s statistics can be read misleadingly due to the fact that he was still overcoming a quadriceps injury in early March. Take away Street’s first two appearances, and in his final eight, he gave up just one run, a single hit and zero walks.

Many fans are upset and have multiple speculations on why Street was given the role over Corpas.

One theory is to make the controversial offseason trade sending Holliday to the Athletics look better.

The three players the Rockies received in return for Holliday include Street, starting pitcher Greg Smith and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Smith and Gonzalez will both be starting the year in Colorado Springs playing Triple-A ball, while some say that Street was given the closer role so that at least one of the players featured in the trade would be seen as a major factor in 2009.

Another possibility is Street’s experience.

In his four-year career, Street is 21-12 with a 2.88 ERA. In addition, the former A’s closer has 94 saves on his resume. Street has missed time each of the last two seasons, however, due to injuries.

Despite the front office’s decisions sometimes, I do believe that this team’s intentions are to put the best group of players onto the field each day and to win ballgames.

Both pitchers will still get plenty of experience, with Corpas currently being the set-up man and Street closing it out.

The way I see it, the Rockies have two solid late-inning pitchers that are both capable of closing ballgames. Whether it is Street or Corpas that gets it done, having both pitchers in the final two innings of a game should be a very valuable asset to the club and very intimidating to opposing teams.

And for you Corpas supporters, having him not being named the opening day closer might not be that bad of a thing. If history says anything, he may regain his role. The last two years, the backup has been the one that ends up closing games by the end of the year.

It’s a long, 162-game season. Things can change. But either way, the Rockies have a reliable duo that they can count on.

** This article is also featured on View from the Rockpile **

Huston Street Claims Rockies' Closer Role

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:06:12 -0400

One of the biggest questions facing the Colorado Rockies coming into spring training has been answered.

Manager Clint Hurdle will announce this afternoon that Huston Street has beat out Manny Corpas for the club’s closer role.

The decision brings much controversy among Rockies’ fans.

After Street’s slow start to spring training, many believed Corpas would claim the spot.

Street’s spring stat line is not impressive. In 10.1 innings pitched, the former Oakland Athletic has allowed 11 hits, seven runs (six earned), surrendered two home runs and walked two in addition to a hit batsman.

Corpas, the Rockies’ opening day closer in 2008 until losing the role to Brian Fuentes partway through the season, pitched 9.0 innings this spring, allowing seven hits and just one run.

Many fans believe Corpas deserved the ninth inning position. In roughly the same amount of innings pitched, Corpas allowed fewer hits (seven to 11), fewer earned runs (one to six), more strikeouts (five to four), and a lower ERA (1.00 to 5.23).

One theory of why Street was given the position is to make the controversial offseason trade sending Matt Holliday to the Athletics look better.

I don’t buy the theory, and believe that both Street and Corpas will be valuable assets whether pitching in the eighth or ninth inning.

In addition, Street’s statistics can be read misleadingly due to the fact that he was still overcoming a quadriceps injury in early March. Take away Street’s first two appearances, and in his final eight, he gave up just one run, a single hit, and zero walks.

** This article is also featured on MLBlogs **

Colorado Rockies Can't Focus On Tough April Schedule

Nic Hallisey — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:38:13 -0400

It seems like the most recent trend in Colorado sports is to complain.

We all are aware of the Jay Cutler saga, but now the Denver sports pages are beginning to be filled with articles about how the Rockies got the short-end of the stick in scheduling in 2099.

It’s true, April will be a tough month for the Rockies.

Twelve of their first 15 games are on the road, something that does not come easy to the team.

They will have to travel to Arizona on two separate occasions, face the defending NL West champs in Los Angeles, and battle against the Cubs, who posted more regular season wins (97) than any National League team in 2008, at Wrigley. Their lone home series is against the defending World Series champion Phillies.

It seems like a rough start, sure.

And to add to the Rockies’ misery, the team is known for slow starts.

Through 30 games last year, the Rockies were already in last place, 10 games out of first, with an 11-19 record. The year before, the same year they made it to the World Series, it was the same situation, sitting at 11-17 going into the second day of May.

The Rockies cannot use a tough schedule as an excuse for another lousy start, however.

Truth is, manager Clint Hurdle needs to use the difficult opponents as extra motivation for his team to be ready from the start, or for him to get his bags packed.

Yes, the opening schedule is tough. But that can’t be used as an excuse or a crutch.

My school's football coach recently wrote, “I’ve always said the schedule is like the weather. For the most part, it’s out of your control. You can’t worry about it.”

The team opens up conference play against last season’s three top Mountain West Conference teams, all of them ranked at the end of last season, and two of them in the top 10.

In baseball, each team plays 81 games at home and 81 games on the road. If the Rockies draw a tough early schedule, than it will lighten up later on in the season.

All that the Rockies can control is the product they put out on the field.

** This article is also featured on MLBlogs **

Rockies' Helton Returns to Old Form This Spring

Nic Hallisey — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:29:32 -0400

September 18, 2007

Bottom of the ninth, two strikes, two outs.

With the Rockies barely clinging to any chance of a playoff run, Todd Helton did what was necessary.

The veteran let loose with a dramatic walk-off home run, arguably one of the most emotional home runs in franchise history, to keep the team in the playoff hunt.

He lifted his teammates onto his back and carried them through the next 20 games (19 wins), clinching the Wild Card and sweeping their way to the World Series.

September 18, 2008

One year later and Todd Helton’s season was already finished as he began to prepare for offseason back surgery.

Over the winter, nearly every fan from Colorado was at Helton’s neck, bashing him and saying that he couldn’t come back. “He’s too old,” “the surgery is hard to overcome,” “he needs to retire and give back his money,” were all responses.

March 8, 2009

Todd Helton returns to the lineup with a towering 450-foot home run in his first at-bat since the surgery.

Perhaps the greatest player to ever don a Rockies’ uniform, Helton has shown that he is back this spring.

A lifetime .328 hitter with 310 career home runs in 12 seasons, Helton’s aging back began to wear on him in 2008, causing him to miss nearly half of the season and hit below .300 for the first time in any full season of his career.

Despite the concern of whether his surgically-repaired back can withstand an entire season of play, Helton has shown his critics that he is back to his old form and ready to compete again.

In 12 games this spring, Helton has hit .515 with an on-base percentage of .568 and a slugging percentage of 1.000. In 33 at-bats, the veteran has converted 17 into hits, including four doubles, four home runs, and 14 RBI.

Helton is among a list of players with four home runs this spring training. However, of those players sitting ahead of him, only three players have hit a home run more often than Helton. The smooth-swinging lefty has hit a home run once every 8.25 at bats this spring.

Helton and the Rockies beat up on the Diamondbacks Monday afternoon in the Rockies’ final home spring training game.

The first baseman was the root of the explosive offense, going 4-4, and raising his batting average above .500. He currently ranks fourth among all players this spring with more than 10 at-bats.

Helton is here to prove that he can return to his old form.

Let’s hope that he can carry the Rockies to the playoffs again. This time, though, please, don’t put all the weight on your new back.

** This article is also featured on MLBlogs **

Colorado Rockies Remain Aggressive on Bases

Nic Hallisey — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:49:07 -0400

They’re not a team made up of speed, but they’re showing aggressiveness.

“What you don't want to see is to have this type of program in spring training and then drop back to Plan B in the regular season," manger Clint Hurdle said. “We can't afford to do that. We've got to stay aggressive and look to pick up 90 feet whenever we can, with whoever is on base."

In 2008, speedy Willy Taveras led the major leagues with 68 stolen bases. It stands as quite an accomplishment, especially considering he posted just a .308 on-base percentage as a leadoff hitter.

His offensive struggles kept him from a spot with Colorado in 2009.

Hurdle made it an immediate emphasis this spring to be more aggressive and steal more bases.

As of Sunday, four Rockies rank among the MLB’s top 50 this spring in stolen bases. The team as a whole ranks second in the MLB with 36 bags, behind only the young Rays with 38.

This doesn’t mean that they are the quickest team out there. The Rockies have been caught stealing 18 times, which is tied for first.

What it does mean is that they are being aggressive and attempting to steal more bags than any other team.

Despite ranking among the top teams in 2008 with 141 stolen bases, the Rockies were not a team full of speed. The team’s top two players based on stolen bases are no longer with the team (Taveras and Matt Holliday). Out of the rest of the team, only four players successfully stole more than two bases—Clint Barmes with 13, Scott Podsednik with 12, Ryan Spilborghs with seven, and Jeff Baker with four.

The Rockies had one player with speed, but not an entire team that could catch an opposing pitcher off guard.

Speed can be an essential element to the game.

In 2007, Taveras and Kaz Matsui led the charge for Colorado with a strong 1-2 punch. With the two players at the top of the lineup, it became a key component to scoring early runs.

There were multiple games where Taveras would get on base to start the game, steal second and then either score on a Matsui base hit, or move over to third on a groundout. This would bring the heart of the order to the plate with just one out and a runner 90 feet away from scoring.

Other times, the top of the order was even successfully able to steal both second and third base during the same at-bat, allowing the runner to score on a base hit or sacrifice fly and giving the Rockies the lead two batters into the game.

Team speed was something that the Rockies missed last season, and in result, their offense never got going.

Let me reemphasize that 2009’s team is still not a team made up of speed.

No player on the current team has stolen more than 15 bases in a single season and the team leader for most career stolen bases is Todd Helton, who has a modest 36 in 12 seasons.

What this team is, however, is a team that’s willing to take that extra step while leading off in order to get a good jump off of a pitch or maybe two bases on a base hit.

If the Rockies keep up their spring pace, they will successfully steal 216 bases in 2009. That stat would rank first among any team this decade.

I think Hurdle is on track with being aggressive on the bases. There might be times where it hurts the team, but I think that in the end, it will pay off.

Hall of Famer Joe Morgan once said, "Whether you steal or not, you're changing the rhythm of the game. If the pitcher is concerned about you, he isn't concentrating enough on the batter."

Colorado Rockies Have Plenty of Depth: Now Is the Time To Trade Garrett Atkins

Nic Hallisey — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:52:10 -0400

Trade Garrett Atkins?

Many probably think I’m crazy for this statement. Perhaps I am.

After trading away the club’s star player (Matt Holliday) and losing the best closer (Brian Fuentes) in team history over the offseason, it’s easy to assume that trading Atkins, arguably one of the team’s most talented players, means throwing away the season for the Rockies.

And although I’m not one of the rare few who support the front office’s plan of building from within and starting over once those players become too good and too expensive, I think that trading Atkins could bring some positives to the team.

Without a doubt, pitching has been the Rockies’ biggest struggle for as long as I can remember. With Jeff Francis missing all of 2009, this year is no different.

Aaron Cook has the potential to build on his All-Star year in 2008 and Ubaldo Jimenez has shown in spring training that he might have matured to the potential we all have anticipated.

But behind that, it’s all up in the air.

Here’s where the trade comes in:

The Rockies have depth at nearly every defensive position. So much talent, that much of it will either be sitting on the bench, or in Colorado Springs, playing for the Sky Sox.

Even without Holliday and Willy Tavares, the outfield is stacked. Brad Hawpe and Ryan Spilborghs will be starters, while prospect Dexter Fowler is trying to prove that he’s also big-league ready. Seth Smith, Matt Murton, Scott Podsednik, Carlos Gonzalez and even Ian Stewart and Jeff Baker are also viable options.

In 2008, the Rockies used more second baseman than I can count on one of my hands. Despite the fact that none of them have stepped into the shoes that Kaz Matsui left in 2007, there is depth at the position.

Troy Tulowitzki is a lock at short stop, and many of the second baseman can shift to play either middle infield position when he needs rest.

Todd Helton will get the first look at first base, but with his unstable lower back, it is uncertain how much or how often he will play in 2009. Behind him, the Rockies could use Joe Koshansky as the primary starter.

Baker, a very versatile player, has experience at first base, while Christian Colonel, who is having a very impressive spring, will be waiting in the minors.

Chris Iannetta has more than earned the starting catching role, and although Yorvit Torrealba wants out of his contract with Colorado, teams aren’t showing interest in paying his remaining salary, meaning the Rockies will have a veteran catcher with plenty of experience coming off the bench.

That brings us to Garrett Atkins and third base.

Don’t get me wrong, Atkins is a proven player with a lot of talent. His career batting average is right around .300, he has plenty of power and his defense is on the rise.

It may seem foolish to trade a star, but that’s what makes this idea work. Stars draw interest.

Ian Stewart has proven that he is more than ready to start for the Rockies this year. He greatly improved towards the end of 2008 and has been playing solid all spring. Not to mention that his defense would be a step up, and that he is still just 23 years old and still improving.

The Rockies need to get him in the lineup.

Atkins will most likely be gone after this season with his contract ending, so it would be ideal to get some value for him.

It doesn’t matter how we get it, but the fact is, the Rockies need starting pitching.

As shown, there is quality depth at nearly every position, which should draw interest. Many of these players are ready for the big leagues, there’s just no room for them.

Who knows, there might not be teams that are willing to give up their top arms, but it doesn’t hurt to at least give it a shot and see what’s out there. There are several teams that are in need of a third baseman.

The Rockies have plenty of talent to replace Atkins. Losing him and gaining solid starting pitching will only improve the team.

** This article is also featured on MLBlogs **

A Day At HoHoKam Park

Nic Hallisey — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:36:07 -0400

To begin, I apologize that this is a bit outdated. It may be a recap written a week after the fact, but nonetheless, it’s a recap of the first spring training game of my adolescent years.

I decided back in January that I would go down to Arizona to visit a couple friends that go to Arizona State University over my spring break. There was one catch, however. I told them that if I was going to make a trip to Arizona in the middle of March, I had to be guaranteed at least one spring training game.

I live for baseball. It’s what gets me through each day during the spring, summer, and fall. So during the long, cold Colorado winters, I get a little antsy. It had been five and a half months since witnessing my last live baseball game.

As a child, my family and I would sometimes go to Tucson to see the Rockies in spring training action, and a few times, my baseball team would even practice down there in the mornings and then we would go to games in the afternoon.

But with eight years in between March visits to Arizona, I was more than eager to see the Chicago Cubs host the San Francisco Giants last Wednesday afternoon.

I had heard great things about HoHoKam Park, and it definitely lived up to its reputation. The stadium is beautiful, featuring my favorite type of seating, the outfield grass. I really like the idea of choosing your spot, laying a blanket down on the grass, and just sitting back and enjoying the game. Not to mention, the price can’t be beat.

My friends were surprised when they realized I wasn’t joking by the fact that I take a spring training game as an “all-day event.”

We got there early and I got to witness batting practice and pre-game drills on the practice fields. Even over the years, the players are still as personable at spring training as I remembered as a child. The drills were intertwined with players signing autographs, tossing balls to kids, even broken bats, posing for pictures, and joking around.

Spring training is a whole different atmosphere.

Inside the park, I was amazed by the energy by the Cubs fans. Sure, everyone knows about the Chicago die-hards who are convinced that “this year is the year,” but for a spring training game, I was quite impressed.

I salute you Cubs fans.

The place holds 13,074, with all but 50 of those seats accounted for Wednesday afternoon. The stadium is known for sellouts and leads the Cactus League in attendance. Even before the game, cars were backed up for more than a half-mile coming from each direction trying to turn into the stadium parking lot.

Many fans, including ourselves, parked a little off the premises and walked. The walk was filled with singing, chanting, and drinking Cubs fans, and featured memorabilia vendors outside the stadium with Cubs flags waving.

I was greeted immediately upon entering HoHoKam gates by Bob Brenly, a current Cubs broadcaster and former player and manager, leading the 2001 Diamondbacks to a World Series championship. Baseball greats George Foster and Rollie Fingers were also on hand, and constant “woos” were heard throughout the game by the Cubs’ greatest fan, Ronnie “Woo Woo” Wickers.

What I Liked:

The fans and the energy. It was evident that people were enjoying themselves—joking around in the grass, kids running around, chasing each other with squirt guns, and both genders working on their tans and just enjoying a game of baseball. The seventh inning stretch is even a big deal for Cubs’ fans in spring training. A fan is selected each game to lead the crowd in singing, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
I got to see Tim Lincecum pitch. Despite being from Colorado and seeing predominantly NL West games, I had never seen the kid pitch. He kind of got slammed by the Cubs offense, but nonetheless, six of his 11 outs were through strikeouts. He’s fun to watch.
I haven’t followed the short career of Joey Gathright too closely, but he was another player that I enjoyed watching. He went 2-4 in the game, reaching base three times and showing his speed by stealing second, his sixth stolen base of the year at the time. Sitting out near center field, I got to see him interact with the crowd in between innings, and he even threw a ball our way after warming up in the fourth inning. I fought my way through the crowd and proudly spilled a guy’s beer in order to catch the ball.

By the fifth inning—with the home team leading 5-0—the sun was beginning to wear on my friends who had so kindly joined me at the game. The temperature was in the 80s all game, and let me add, my friends are not baseball fans—I know, shame on them.

They pestered me about leaving the game early and even bribed me by saying they would buy me ice cream on the way home. Not uh. No way. I traveled from Colorado to Arizona for what, five innings of baseball? The least they could do is let me enjoy an entire nine inning game.

They did, and it all ended up turning out OK. The Giants came back and scored five runs in the ninth inning to win it 8-6. The game featured 24 combined hits, three home runs and two triples.

There’s nothing better than a refreshing day at the ballpark. It’s almost here at last.

Spring Training Guide: Colorado Rockies

Nic Hallisey — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 06:39:42 -0400

Baseball fans will experience 158 days of withdrawal between the Philadelphia Phillies’ initial World Series clinch and the time that the opening pitch is thrown to begin the 2009 season.

In order to witness the action early and ditch the harsh Colorado weather, Rockies fans everywhere can travel to the beautiful Tucson, Arizona to catch baseball at its finest, at Hi Corbett Field.

History:

Built in 1937, Hi Corbett Field is the oldest ballpark in the Cactus League. Originally named Randolph Municipal Baseball Park, it was later renamed to honor Hiram Stevens Corbett, a former Arizona senator who was a major part of bringing spring training to Tucson. Hi Corbett originally housed the Cleveland Indians.

In addition to being the spring home of the Colorado Rockies, Hi Corbett has been the home field for many minor league baseball teams over the years.

The stadium has been where the Rockies play their home games since the team’s expansion prior to the 1993 season.

Besides being served as a baseball field, the entire complex that Hi Corbett is located inside, Gene C. Reid Park, features a zoo, an aquatic center, two municipal golf courses and a popular concert venue.

The outside of the complex is a unique beige stucco design while the

Rincon and Santa Rita Mountains are visible in the distance of the outfield from all seats.

Tickets and parking:

Ticket prices for games at Hi Corbett are very affordable and a great way to witness a quality baseball experience. Ticket prices range from $4-17.

The cheapest tickets are found in section T of the stadium, known as the “Sandpile,” a takeoff of the Rockpile at Coors Field (Rockies home stadium for regular season games). The $4 Sandpile tickets are the cheapest seats in the entire Cactus League.

Other ticketing information:

The Rockies’ dugout is located on the first base side, near sections A-J, AA, and DD.

All seats have backs to allow comfort.

A patio is located along the left field line, popular for its tables with umbrellas and food.

No seats at Hi Corbett are obstructed, but make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. Nearly all areas of the ballpark will be hit hard by the Arizona sunshine.

Parking is free, but limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, when the lot fills up (which it will), fans will be redirected to the El Con Mall, located a half-mile away. Complimentary shuttles are available to transport fans to the stadium and back to their vehicles.

Capacity and field dimensions:

Hi Corbett Field seats 8,665 fans while its outfield wall dimensions read: 366 feed to left field, 392 to center and 348 to right field. Center field features a mini “Green Monster” wall because of its 35 foot height.

Fun facts:

Hi Corbett Field featured the first ever spring training game between Major League teams.

For those who enjoy watching sports movies, you may recognize Hi Corbett field from the film Major League. The 1989 film used Hi Corbett for all of its spring training scenes.

Seventy-four members of baseball’s Hall of Fame have played at Hi Corbett Field, including Mickey Mantle, Willey Mays and Ted Williams. Each players’ name is engraved on the Wall of Fame, located on the concourse behind home plate.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox also play their home games in Tucson. They play at Tucson Electric Park, located just minutes away from Hi Corbett Field.

In addition, the Rockies will host many American League teams most fans generally don’t get to see, including: Anaheim Angels, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers. The Rockies also played host to the Mexico team from the World Baseball Classic in an exhibition game earlier this month.

Autographs:

As a young child, there is no greater feeling than getting the chance to meet and receive an autograph from your favorite baseball player—essentially, your idol. Hi Corbett makes every intention to fulfill those child-like dreams.

With great opportunities for autographs along the right field line, while players play catch prior to games, the prime spot for autographs and live balls is the practice fields, located just outside of the stadium.

The four practice fields are often-times used for batting practice and drills several hours before games, and players are almost always willing to take time to sign a ball or meet a fan. The stadium opens two hours before game time, but fans can arrive to the practice fields prior to that in order to have more opportunities to watch and meet the players.

The athletes are much more willing to sign autographs at spring training than any other time in the year. Even some of the big-named stars will even sign on a consistent basis.

In addition, fans choosing to stick around after the game can sometimes catch a player leaving the stadium and walking to their vehicles. The gate is located along the first base line.

Food at the park:

Without a doubt, the most popular food choice served at Hi Corbett is the Rockie Dog. A famous, fresh footlong hot dog served with unlimited condiments, the Rockie Dog makes fans feel like they’re back at Coors Field.

In addition, the ballpark serves a variety of traditional ballpark foods plus multiple Mexican food options.

A variety of beer is always on tap in addition to Coca-Cola fountain drinks.

Where to stay:

There are multiple hotels located within two miles of Hi Corbett Field. The closest hotels are Doubletree, Clarion Hotel and Lodge on the Desert, all located on Alvernon Way.

What else to do:

A plentiful amount of restaurants area also located within a mile of the ballpark. A few of them are fast food chains, but many are unique Mexican restaurants that add to one’s Arizona vacation. Rubio’s, Tacos Don Juan, Las Brasas, and Mariscos Chihuahua are all popular venues located on either Broadway Boulevard or East 22nd Street.

Many, however, consider Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen one of the best Arizona offers. Famous for its chimichangas, tacos, and enchiladas, Macayo’s has been a tradition since 1946.

Tucson is the second largest city in the state of Arizona and is full of several clubs, bars and nightlife.

If you have time to squeeze in more than baseball, other ideas to finish your trip include hiking Sabino Canyon, walking through Old Tucson Studios, visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, witnessing the beautiful San Xavier Mission or touring the nearby University of Arizona campus.

Final thoughts:

Hi Corbett is considered by many, the most intimate spring training site in all of baseball. It has been compared to fields like Wrigley Field, not for its architectural structure, but instead for its rich history. The comfortable Tucson weather allows fans to get away from the Colorado winter and get a first glimpse of how their team is shaping up.

The prices are very affordable and the access to the players is remarkable. There are still many uncertainties regarding the 2009 Rockies’ lineup, so you’ll want to make sure that you get the chance to see the players fighting for roles first-hand.

Grab your closest friends, family, or fellow baseball fans and take a weekend trip to Hi-Corbett Field—the most intimate spring training ballpark.

Colorado Rockies Will Bounce Back Despite Early Spring Troubles

Nic Hallisey — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:45:10 -0400

It’s amazing what one week can do. Seven simple days and it seems like half of the Rockies' fan-base jumped off the bandwagon after a winless first week in Tucson.

The defeats can be looked at one of two ways:

1) It was the first week of spring training – the rustiness is understandable and the team still has plenty of time to work out their kinks

2) Or others could say, yes, it is only spring training, but it is also only spring training for the teams that are beating the Rockies.

Despite a week of frustration, I choose the first option.

As other writers have shown, there are several factors that could have been a reason behind all of the first-week losses. Pitchers were instructed to throw primarily, if not all, fastballs. Hitters were required to take the first pitch. Base runners were overly aggressive on the base paths.

And let’s not forget the early injuries. Players like Todd Helton, Garrett Atkins, Brad Hawpe, Ian Stewart, Jeff Baker, and Taylor Buchholz all missed parts, if not all, of the early games. In addition, Ryan Spilborghs left camp after the death of his mother.

The point is, yes, the Rockies struggled last week. And yes, signs show that they will probably struggle at other points during the spring.

Several of the early injuries aren’t serious and the players are back in the lineups, becoming contributing factors to the team’s offensive numbers. Todd Helton quieted his naysayers with a 450-foot shot in his first at-bat after having back surgery over the offseason.

And the Rockies’ bats are finally coming along, with Garrett Atkins leading the way with a .438 batting average as of Friday morning.

Ubaldo Jimenez had a strong final outing before leaving for the World Baseball Classic and was dominant, striking out 10 and allowing no runs in four innings in his start against the Netherlands.

Chris Iannetta, although also currently away from the team, showed the nation his power with four RBI and a three-run double in the World Baseball Classic on Sunday night and a home run on Wednesday.

No, the Rockies aren’t at their prime. Todd Helton will still have to play precariously, there are still issues with the rotation and there will be hiccups throughout the season without a doubt.

But the team has started to show improvement in turning things around. After dropping their first seven games (eight unofficially), they started a modest six-game winning streak, climbing their way back into the standings.

It’s still early. There’s no need to hop off yet.

World Baseball Classic: A Good Idea At A Bad Time

Nic Hallisey — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:03:10 -0500

Derek Jeter. Jason Bay. Alex Rodriguez. David Ortiz. Ichiro Suzuki.

This is a list of just a few of the hundreds of players who have been invited to play in the 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Many of the players invited have accepted the invitation to represent their respective country.

The 2009 WBC is less than a week away from premiering.

From March 5-23, numerous MLB players will leave their spring training camps and join the rest of their country in the WBC.

Starting in 2006, 16 different countries around the world compete against each other to determine the world’s greatest baseball country. This year’s event, much like the Olympics, will be the second installment of the Classic, with it reoccurring every four years after 2009.

I love the fact that players get the chance to compete for their country rather than a team, but not when it occurs at a time where players have to leave their teams for an extended period of time just weeks before the start of the season in order to play.

Many MLB managers give their players the ultimate decision on whether they compete in the WBC, but advise against it.

Teams worry about the possibility of one of their star players getting injured at the WBC and being unable to start the season with their team.

The bigger issue, in my mind, is the fact that players are breaking terms in their contracts.

Players have large monetary contracts and they need to earn them. By playing in the WBC, players are missing several weeks of valuable preparation.

I understand that players will be honing their baseball skills while competing, but there is more to it than just polishing your skills of the game—you can do that all winter. It’s about forming chemistry with your teammates so that by the time April rolls around, the team is ready to compete together.

We all have seen clubhouses without bonds between the players.

Players are expected and required to be at spring training.

The WBC is competition that spans across 19 days. Players competing for Team USA are allowed to practice one week before the event, which would mean that players could miss close to four weeks of spring training.

This would bring them back to their teams less than two weeks before Opening Day with a lot of catching up to do.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not against the idea of the World Baseball Classic as a whole. Anything that gives exposure to the sport across a larger audience around the entire world is going to help the game grow.

The WBC allows players to represent, play for, and fight for their country rather than the team that they have been bought by.

It brings out a sense of passion among some players that isn’t always seen in the MLB today. Much like you see in Little League, it is a passion that you are representing something much bigger than yourself.

With that being said, however, players need to seriously consider whether or not they accept their invitation to play in the WBC.

This can be seen with the Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies are relying heavily on their young starting pitcher, Ubaldo Jimenez, in 2009.

Many scouts believe that he has potential to become a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. In 2008 he posted a 12-12 record with a 3.99 ERA. He showed bright spots, but also much inconsistency.

With Jeff Francis out for most, if not all, of 2009, the Rockies need Jimenez to step up in their rotation.

Jimenez will be representing the Dominican Republic in the WBC, however.

In his first spring training appearance, Jimenez struggled to say the least. In two innings, he allowed three earned runs, three hits, two walks, and a hit batsmen, posting a 13.5 ERA.

On Sunday afternoon he battled back, allowing just a single hit in three innings pitched, but that was his final spring training appearance before leaving for the WBC.

With the Rockies relying so heavily on him this season, I believe that it is more vital for him to be with the club this spring.

Players will get at-bats and playing time at the WBC, but it is not guaranteed how much they will play. They are falling behind by not being with their teams during spring training and also potentially falling behind on playing time and at-bats.

The WBC is a good way of bringing an Olympic-style of competition back to the game of baseball, but it comes at the wrong time. Players that represent the MLB have other things to worry about during the last few weeks leading up to their season and need to focus on that as opposed to the WBC.

Time for Teams To Move On from Manny Ramirez

Nic Hallisey — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:59:04 -0500

Manny continues to be Manny.

The slugger turned down the Los Angeles Dodger’s fourth offer Thursday night, this time refusing a two-year, $45 million deal with an option for Ramirez to decline the contract after the 2009 season.

The $25 million he would have earned in 2009 would have made him the second highest paid player this season.

Despite being two days into Spring Training already, Ramirez is still without a team.

The only other team actively pursuing Ramirez is the San Francisco Giants, who have reopened discussion with Ramirez’s agent, Scott Boras, after talks faded over the past week.

Ramirez’s behavior that he showed in Boston is already kicking in after a half season in Los Angeles. No matter how good of a player he is, teams and fans alike are starting to realize the type of distraction he could be in the clubhouse.

Ramirez hit .396 with 17 home runs in 53 games for the Dodgers after being traded from the Red Sox midseason.

He played well there. The fans loved him. So what’s making him hesitate before signing?

The Dodgers obviously want him. Even with the struggling economy, they have increased their offers to accommodate Boras’ negotiations.

But now the fans in L.A. are starting to get upset. They’re starting to see why Boston was so eager to get rid of him. To me, it doesn’t matter how good he may be, I wouldn’t want him on my team.

Yes, he’s a phenomenal baseball player—but only when he chooses to be. Only when he chooses to run out a hit or attempt to make a catch in the gap. Only when he chooses to play.

Does he just not want to return to L.A.? Is it greed? Does he just want attention?

It doesn’t matter what it is. He’s a distraction to the clubhouse and his latest offer decline shows that he’s not committed to start preparing with a team. It’s not fair to the rest of the ballplayers who left their homes several weeks ago to begin preparing for the upcoming season.

It’s time for teams to stop pursuing him and show that they won’t take his antics anymore. They need to show him that they have moved on from him. Otherwise, he will continue to manipulate them, squeezing every penny out of Ned Colletti and the rest of MLB’s general managers and owners’ pockets.

It doesn’t matter what type of player he is. Manny will always do things his way.

Manny will always be Manny.

Glimpses Of Moby Magic Back Wednesday Night

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:19:39 -0500

Last week I wrote about how Colorado State’s home court, Moby Arena, needs to be transformed into the tough environment it has been known for in the past.

Over the past two games, it’s been transformed—into a heartbreaker.

An overtime loss to a Utah team currently ranked 10th in the nation on the RPI scale and a missed shot to tie the game in a key rivalry game against Wyoming have resulted in consecutive close home losses.

A venue that averages barely over 3,000 fans caused the athletic and marketing departments last week to discuss ways of getting student fans to attend the games.

Wednesday night’s rivalry match-up was marketed as a “Hostile Student Takeover” with several promotions including a free “Border War” T-shirt to the first 500 students and dollar hot dogs for all students in attendance.

Tickets were distributed on the center of campus Wednesday afternoon while cheerleaders promoted the game.

Despite the outcome, the marketing scheme seemed to work. The students came out and created a hostile environment inside Moby Arena.

The student sections, which are located on each end of the court behind the baskets, were filled to the brim. So full in fact that students stood in the upper tier of the arena above the concourse, normally reserved for general admission rather than students.

There were 5,556 fans in attendance Wednesday night—good for second highest on the season, but it definitely ranked first among volume and energy.

The attendance figure outnumbered Moby Arena’s past two games combined (TCU and Utah) by over 600 fans.

Throughout the season, I have heard glimpses of noise out of the crowd, but Wednesday night I felt like I was actually in a college basketball environment.

Chants of “de-fense" and the usual jumping while the opposing team has the ball were in full effect, and lasted most of the 40 minutes of play.

After multiple calls against the home team early in the first half, Colorado State called a timeout. With fans infuriated with the calls, the student section began a “C-S-U” chant that boomed through the arena and gave me chills.

It gave me a sense of unity for this team. The type of bond of a big brother standing up for his younger sister. The feeling that the fans had these players’ backs and were going to stand up for them when something wasn’t right.

I saw passion and enthusiasm among the students that I haven’t seen before in my time at the school.

It may be too late for the Rams this year, but head coach Tim Miles is taking this program in the right direction.

If the students could continue what was seen Wednesday night and hop on board with Miles’ train, I think the Rams have a bright future ahead.

Wednesday night gives a new meaning to the chant, “I’m proud to be a CSU Ram.”

Moby Arena Heartbreaker Part Two: Colorado State Falls To Wyoming

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:32:12 -0500

Down a dark, endless hallway inside Moby Arena, head coach Tim Miles sat in a crouched position against a wall with his head down. His suit jacket on the ground and his tie undone around his neck, Miles ran his hands through his hair and let out a deep sigh.

“We beat ourselves tonight, there’s no question about that,” Miles said. “I didn’t think we showed enough heart in our chests or enough will in our loins to play defense when we were supposed to.”

For the second week in a row, opposing teams have come into Moby Arena and stole the Rams’ hearts.

Last week it was conference-leading Utah who edged the Rams in overtime.

This week it came down to a last-second shot that wasn’t meant to be. Wyoming 82, Colorado State 79.

Two Wyoming free throws put the Cowboys up three points (80-77) with 20.2 seconds left before senior Willis Gardner answered right back with a layup and foul with 13.3 seconds to go. Gardner would miss the free throw (the story of the game Wednesday night) and the Rams were forced to foul Wyoming’s Brandon Ewing. The senior guard knocked down both attempts with 8.1 seconds left to give the Cowboys an 82-79 lead.

Gardner dribbled the ball up the court and took a tough three-pointer at the buzzer that fell short.

“It wasn’t the shot we were looking for, “Miles said. “We were looking to get (Marcus) Walker on the run and (A), we didn’t get a screen from him when we expected to and (B), we didn’t deliver to him when we could have.”

They say that free throws win games, and in the end, it’s what lost the game for the Rams Wednesday night.

The Rams shot a pitiful 59.3% (16-27) from the charity stripe, including missing four of their last five attempts in the final 3:32.

“We had great opportunities that we didn’t take advantage of, such as making free throws,” Miles said.

Gardner, a career 85.3% free throw shooter and the team’s leader, had the final two attempts, missing both. On the night he was 5-of-10 from the line.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Gardner said. “I was 5-of-10. They just didn’t go in tonight.”

The Rams got off to a quick start, taking a 3-0 lead on a Harvey Perry field goal on their first possession and led by as many as 11 (28-17).

The Cowboys would use a 14-5 run to cut the Rams’ lead to just two and trailed at half 35-33.

The second half of play featured back-and-forth action, three ties, five lead changes, a margin no larger than six, and Wyoming’s first lead on a Tyson Johnson dunk with 10:23 to play to give the Cowboys a 56-55 lead.

As a team, the Rams had four players score in double figures: Andy Ogide (19), Andre McFarland (16), Gardner (15), and Marcus Walker (15).

The Rams shot 45.8% from the floor compared to the Cowboys’ 56.9%, including 72.0% in the second half.

Wyoming was led by Ewing with 21 points on 5-of-8 shooting and 11-of-13 from the free throw line. The senior played all 40 minutes, dishing out nine assists.

“Players make plays,” Walker said of Ewing, two of the MWC’s best guards. “All that we do is worry about ourselves. If he makes it, we have to have something to counteract it.”

Prior to the game Walker said that he didn’t care if he doesn’t score another point in his career, but that a win over rival Wyoming would make all of the hard times at Colorado State worth it.

“I would have taken this win over any win,” Walker said. “It hurts more because they’re jumping around and celebrating. It’s a good game for them to win but we’re basically in the same boat. That’s what hurt the most. You know it’s a rivalry game and we got beat in our own house. It’s a disappointment.”

Walker was referring to Wyoming head coach Heath Schroyer failing to shake each player and coaches’ hand after the conclusion of the game and instead circling the court several times with both hands in the air, holding up the No. 1 sign.

With the loss, Colorado State is almost guaranteed the eighth seed in the MWC, meaning having to play in the play-in game against Air Force. With two games remaining, the Rams trail TCU by 1 ½ games for the seventh seed.

“It’s a rivalry game,” Ogide said after the game. “They don’t like us too much ad we don’t care for them too much either. It definitely hurt, probably more than any game. This is the hardest loss since I’ve been at CSU.”

This is saying a lot considering what the team has been through over the past two seasons.

“Well yeah,” Miles paused. “I’m mad. This won’t go away soon. It’s a tough loss. It’s winnable. It’s Wyoming. It’s the play-in game. It’s a lot of stuff.”

Colorado State-Wyoming: Rams Host Cowboys in Critical Border War

Nic Hallisey — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:42:19 -0500

The 211th Border War between rivals the Wyoming Cowboys and Colorado State Rams comes to Fort Collins, Colo. tonight.

The Border War, which features two teams separated by just 57 miles, is the longest series of any of Colorado State’s opponents.

The Rams (9-18, 4-9) lost in Wyoming earlier this year 83-74. After leading much of the first half, Wyoming (16-10, 5-7) took over as the intermission approached, leading by 14 at the break. Colorado State rallied from 17 down to get within one point late in the second half, but a 9-0 run by the Cowboys proved to be too much.

Freshman Jesse Carr tallied a career high with 21 points, while sophomore Travis Franklin added 17.

Carr’s status for tonight, as he has sat out the past two games with a strained groin, remains uncertain.

Senior guard Marcus Walker, who missed the last meeting against the Cowboys because of academic issues, has averaged 19.8 points per game in his last five outings. He has scored at least 18 points in all five games. His 16.1 points per game on the year ranks fifth in the Mountain West Conference.

Last time out, Colorado State ended its 19-game Mountain West road losing streak with a 71-66 win at Air Force. The win gave the Rams their first win at Air Force since 2002, as the Rams swept the Falcons on the season.

Walker scored 20 points in the win, while sophomore Andre McFarland tied his career high with four three-pointers. Sophomore Adam Nigon came off the bench to hit a perfect 4-of-4 from the field for nine points, while senior Willis Gardner had a solid all-around game with eight points, six assists, six rebounds, and three steals in 37 minutes.

Colorado State led by 14 points in the first half but then fell behind by six in the second half before rallying back. Junior Arin Dunn hit two free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.

The Cowboys have won two straight games after dropping four in a row. Wyoming knocked off UNLV (Feb. 18) and TCU (Saturday) on its home court, where the Cowboys are 12-1 this season.

Away from Laramie, Wyoming is 1-9, having lost eight straight road games. Senior guard Brandon Ewing leads the MWC in scoring (18.5) and assists (5.0) and is on the verge of becoming the first player in league history to finish the season ranked first in both categories.

In addition, Afam Muojeke (14.3), Sean Ogirri (14.3), and Tyson Johnson (14.2) all average over 14 points per game.

The winner of tonight’s matchup could determine the seventh seed in the MWC. Currently, Wyoming ranks sixth in the conference (1/2 game up on TCU and 1 1/2 games ahead of Colorado State) with five wins compared to Colorado State’s four, which ranks eighth in the conference. Air Force, still winless in conference play this season, is locked in the ninth seed.

The eighth and ninth seeds will battle in a few weeks in the play-in game at the MWC championship tournament in Las Vegas, Nev.

Last year, the Rams and Cowboys faced off in that game, with Colorado State defeating Wyoming 68-63.

In an effort to improve student attendance at the games, the athletic department is sponsoring a “Hostile Student Takeover” tonight with several promotions, including a free “Border War” T-shirt to the first 500 students and dollar hot dogs for all students in attendance.

Tickets, which are already free to students, were made easier to obtain this afternoon.

Members of the marketing department along with cheerleaders stood on the plaza this afternoon, handing out free tickets to students, hoping the Green Machine (Colorado State’s official student cheering section, or lack thereof) shows up for the rivalry.

The Rams are averaging just 3,098 fans a game this season and 535 students, their lowest attendance figures in school history.

The Rams are 3-3 at home in conference play and with a win on Wednesday would guarantee at least a .500 (4-4) finish at home in MWC action. Four home conference wins would tie for the most in one season since the 2000-01season, when Colorado State picked up five home conference wins.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for the Rams.

The Rams played the Cowboys close on Wyoming’s tough home court, and I think the Rams have improved in the month since that game. In addition, Wyoming has struggled on the road this season.

Colorado State needs to turn Moby Arena into a loud venue for tonight’s matchup, just like the athletic department is anticipating. In the last home game against conference-leading Utah, the fans showed glimpses of interest in the final moments when the score remained tied.

Head coach Tim Miles and his team need the crowd to be full of energy and become a force against Wyoming in this game. Playing for seventh place may not seem like much, but the Rams have a lot riding on this game.

I’m going to be bold and predict a crowd close to 4,000, a number that has been eclipsed just twice this season, and a four-point Rams victory.

Rockies' Francis Undergoing Surgery: Out for Season

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:37:46 -0500

Jeff Francis' return to the top of the Rockies' rotation ended before it even began.

The left-handed pitcher, who has been experiencing shoulder pain and missed the end of 2008 due to the injury, announced Thursday afternoon that he will undergo arthroscopic surgery and will miss 2009 in its entirety.

The Rockies’ ace propelled the club to its first playoff berth in 12 seasons and first National League pennant in 2007 with 17 wins, including two postseason victories. Relying heavily on him last year, Francis struggled from April through the end, going 4-10 with a 5.01 ERA.

The surgery, which will be performed in order to discover the exact nature of the injury, generally takes six to 12 months to recover. It is believed that he has a torn labrum flap in his shoulder but the operation will officially determine the injury.

An unfortunate event to begin 2009 indeed, but the problem I see with this situation is that Francis waited until after he reported to Spring Training to decide that he needed surgery.

His throwing shoulder has been bothering him since at least mid-2008, yet no decision was made to shut him down until Thursday.

I understand being optimistic that rest will help it heal, but the pain should have been responded to earlier in the offseason so that surgery could have taken place and Francis could recover throughout the season, and at least have a shot at jumping back into the rotation late down the stretch in case the Rockies are in a race for the NL West.

Instead Francis can do nothing but watch.

The news is disappointing for Rockies fans, but the club enters Spring Training with more starting pitching depth than ever before.

Keep in mind, though, that quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality.

Aaron Cook stepped up last season, winning 16 games and molding into the Rockies’ ace once Francis struggled early. The Rockies need him to show consistency, especially late in the season, and continue to improve on his 16 wins from 2008.

Ever since being drafted, scouts and the front office have told fans that Ubaldo Jimenez, a 25-year-old pitcher with velocity that competes with anyone in the league, has the potential to emerge into a No. 1 quality pitcher and could become the best prospect the team has ever landed. I’m not doubting Jimenez’ (12-12, 3.99 ERA in 2008) talent and abilities, but after two seasons of promise but inconsistency, now is the time for the young Latin American to step up and prove himself.

Expecting for the worst with Francis, the Rockies picked up veteran Jason Marquis in a trade with the Cubs over the offseason. In my view, this is a good move for the club. In 2008, Marquis was 11-9 with a 4.53 ERA. He has proved to pitch well at Coors Field in limited experience (3-0) and can eat up a lot of innings. I see him as a good fit in the middle of our rotation.

Jorge De La Rosa is expected to be the team’s fourth starter. Last year was the lefty’s first winning season where he posted 10-8 record with a 4.92 ERA in 23 starts. The pitcher is still emerging but competed well, filling a role in the rotation last season when injuries began to pile up.

The final spot of the rotation is wide open. Josh Fogg, Jason Hirsch, Franklin Morales, Greg Reynolds, Glendon Rusch, and Greg Smith will compete for the final spot. If Morales, like Jimenez, can live up to his potential, he will be a good mix in the rotation. If it seems like his control hasn’t improved, Hirsch, Fogg, or whoever it may be that wins the job in Spring Training will need to step up.

Even without Francis, the Rockies have arms that have the potential to fill his role. It’s just a matter of if the team will step up.

Only time will tell.

Griffey Heading Home: Signs With Mariners

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:09:22 -0500

Welcome back to Seattle, Junior.

No, I've never gone to Safeco Field before, I haven't even stepped foot inside the state of Washington. But I can tell it will be a warm homecoming for Ken Griffey, Jr.

The Mariners signed the veteran center fielder to a one-year deal with a base salary of $2 million. Now I know he’s 39-years-old and is often injured, but I believe that the Mariners got a good deal here, especially competing against the Braves—a team with much more promise than the Mariners who finished 2008 with the worst record in the American League.

Growing up, I couldn’t help but fall in love for Griffey. A lefty like myself, he had a smooth swing, child-like smile, and the sense of purity. I remember going to a Rockies game with the stadium sold out, not to see the Rockies, but instead to see Griffey and the rest of the Mariners.

The Kid hit nearly 400 home runs in Seattle and played his heart out in the outfield. He was always a fan-favorite in All-Star voting and was selected to 10 consecutive All-Star teams. The future Hall of Famer won 10 Gold Gloves and the 1997 Most Valuable Player Award, all with the Mariners.

In the midst of steroids in baseball, one can hope that Griffey’s career has been clean and his numbers are through talent and hard work.

Despite his age and the rest of the Mariners’ lineup, one can only hope that with Griffey’s return, he can bring fans out to the ballpark hoping to see No. 24 play like the old days.

The Kid is back in Seattle. He chose to return to his roots rather than the team with a bigger salary. It’s a feel-good story that baseball has needed for awhile.

Colorado State Basketball Needs Fans to Bring Back Moby Madness

Nic Hallisey — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:27:31 -0500

Colorado State’s Moby Arena has been referred to as hostile, electric, and a tough environment to play in by opposing coaches in prior years.

Before last season, the Rams had a winning record on their home court for 24 straight seasons dating back to 1983.

Overall, since its construction, the team is 431-146 on their home floor. The .747 winning percentage ranks among the top in their conference.

As of late, however, Moby Arena has been anything but hostile, electric, and a tough environment.

Last season’s attendance was the lowest in school history, averaging just 3,353 fans per game. After Wednesday night’s game, which drew a crowd of 2,246, the Rams have two home games remaining on the season and are averaging even fewer fans per game (3,098) than last year’s record low.

The campus of 27,273 is averaging just 535 students per game, less than two percent of their population. Admission for students is free.

Part of the low attendance could be blamed on the economy, but the Rams haven’t had an average of 5,000 fans since the 1998 season.

This was a number that was common during seasons in the past, including 14 of 16 seasons from 1983 through 1998, and multiple averages above the 8,000 (Moby Arena seats 8,750) mark in the early 1990s.

Keep in mind that all of those years, the Rams had winning records at Moby Arena.

The average crowd of Rams’ opponents this season is 7,326. Several conference foes, including UNLV and New Mexico, average crowds between 12,000 and 16,000.

Wednesday night’s contest in which the Rams led most of the way and forced overtime before eventually falling to the Utes—a team that is ranked first in the Mountain West Conference, is receiving votes in the AP and ESPN/USA Today top 25, and is ranked 11th in RPI ratings—showed glimpses of hope from the fans in attendance.

Fans were brought to their feet during the final minute as the Rams played defense with the score knotted at 73. Chants of “defense” were heard for the first time in a several years, and the light-up Ram located on the south end of the arena was lit to the tip—the louder the crowd is, the more the Ram lights up.

Yet for the majority of the contest, the crowd was overshadowed by a small group of Utah fans chanting, “Let’s go Utah.” Sad indeed.

The Rams are 6-7 at their home court on the year. Not great, but keep in mind that four of those seven losses have been by 10 points or less, including a six-point loss to preseason NCAA candidate Nevada, an overtime loss to Utah, and a last-second missed jumper loss to Minnesota, a team that has been consistently ranked this season.

The 6-7 record looks respectable considering the team is 2-11 on the road or a neutral court this season and has won just a single game on an opponent’s court in over two years.

This is a young, inconsistent team, but nonetheless is headed in the right direction. The team lost all 16 conference games last season compared to three wins this year with four to play—at least two of them should be winnable games.

It’s time for Colorado State fans to bring the magic back to Moby Arena. The difference between the Rams losing close contests at home and pulling out the victory is in the sixth man.