Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Ringolsby: Big turn of events in rotations

Published January 26, 2007 at midnight

Text size  

More Sports Columns & Blogs

More stories »

San Francisco created a stir with the signing of left-handed pitcher Barry Zito to a seven-year deal.

But did the Giants make themselves better, at least in the short term? Remember, they also lost right-hander Jason Schmidt to free agency, which means Zito, at best, simply replaces Schmidt.

The Giants, like the rest of the National League West, shook up the rotation this offseason, and there appears to be only one team that made a definitive improvement - the Dodgers.

They did lose Greg Maddux, who pitched only two months for them, and Aaron Sele, but they signed Schmidt and Randy Wolf, who combine with holdovers Derek Lowe and Brad Penny for a combined .570 winning percentage the past three seasons.

Colorado is the sleeper in the pitching derby. The Rockies gave up Jason Jennings, their former No. 1 draft pick who set most of the team's statistical records for pitchers and has shown he can win at Coors Field.

In return, they received right- handers Jason Hirsh and Taylor Buchholz, both capable of being contributors, although Buchholz figures to be in the bullpen.

More than that, the Rockies are gambling on a revival by Rodrigo Lopez, who clashed in Baltimore with pitching coach Leo Mazzone and went from the team's Opening Day starter to excess baggage, and they will get a long look at spring training at Oscar Rivera, a 24- year-old left-hander from the Mexican League.

San Diego brought in Maddux in hopes his veteran presence will aid the development of Jake Peavy, Chris Young and Clay Hensley.

Arizona brought back Randy Johnson, but he's 43, coming off November back surgery and somehow got a two-year guarantee to approve the trade from the Yankees.

The Diamondbacks also added left-hander Doug Davis from Milwaukee, but they also lost Miguel Batista to free agency and included Claudio Vargas in the deal with the Brewers.

Batista (11-8) and Vargas (12-10) were the only Arizona pitchers other than Brandon Webb to win more than five games last season.Overheard

• Pittsburgh has moved into the bidding for free- agent pitcher Jeff Weaver. Agent Scott Boras has indicated he was disappointed in a two-year proposal from St. Louis.

• Minnesota is focusing on signing left-hander Bruce Chen with the idea he would provide left- handed bullpen help for Dennys Reyes.

• The Mets are serious enough about re-signing right-hander Victor Zambrano that bullpen coach Guy Conti was sent to Venezuela to watch Zambrano pitch in his rehabilitation from surgery.Readers' turn

Johnny Dorste wants to know why the Rockies struggle putting a winning product on the field in this "small market" when the Broncos, Avalanche and even the Nuggets have proved themselves over and over again.

Is it more the fault of the owners than the general managers and managers? If the Monfort Clan were to sell the franchise to Stan Kroenke or other big-name owners, Dorste wonders, would they step up and be devoted to putting a winner on the field without cost stipulations?

Johnny, there was a lengthy period when the Rockies had one of the top payrolls in baseball, but it didn't translate into success because they didn't have a foundation.

The sad part for the Rockies is that in the early years, the team's management didn't put money into player development and scouting, so there wasn't any depth to the system. To be successful, the Rockies first must have a quality nucleus.

Then the commitment of ownership comes up. The Rockies' budget didn't keep them from signing any free agents this offseason.

The market was out of whack for pitching, and the one position they looked for help, center field, was filled with average players who demanded above-average salaries.

The question isn't what the working budget is. The question that remains to be answered is if ownership is willing to put up the money when that critical piece is available. In other words, would the owners have found the money to allow for the addition of a Vernon Wells or Torii Hunter had one of them been available?

For Tracy Ringolsby's response and to ask questions of your own, check out the Rockies blog at rockies.Two cents' worth

Rest assured, advertising on uniforms is not far off.

Check out the Chicago White Sox's latest concession - home night games will start at 7:11 p.m. at the behest of the sponsor, a convenience store with a similar name.

And at Fenway Park, the Red Sox have built a new batting cage for visiting teams. It is adjacent to a stadium club, where a one-way mirror has been installed so patrons can watch the visitors swing the bat.MILE HIGH WATCH

The frustrations of a season that was the least productive of Todd Helton's career had the Rockies first baseman reaching into his past for a conditioning program he hopes will help him reignite his career.

Helton re-enlisted the aid of Charles Petrone, an athletic trainer based in Helton's hometown of Knoxville, Tenn., to develop an offseason program.

The relationship began seven years ago when one of Helton's college roommates introduced him to Petrone, who primarily works with football players.

Though Helton and Petrone had a mostly long-distance relationship this offseason, the two worked face to face when Helton was in Knoxville for three weeks this month.

"Most of the winter, he would fax me programs and I would follow the instructions," Helton said, noting he and his family "didn't go home for the holidays and we wanted to see our family before spring training started, so it worked out that Charlie and I could work together."

"I'm not going to say it was fun. I wouldn't call any workout fun. But it was good."

Helton said he finally has regained the weight he lost while he was in a hospital early last season because of intestinal problems and he feels strong as he prepares to report to spring training next month.

He has worked out at Coors Field with teammates this week but said he felt he benefited in the long run from getting away from the ballpark for the bulk of the winter.

"It's no knock on anything (the Rockies do)," Helton said. "I just felt it was time to clear out the head. You work out every day at the ballpark, all winter, and by the time the season starts, there's not that special feeling. I just felt I needed to get away and refocus."

MORE HELTON: One thing to remember when the inevitable trade talk involving Helton comes up: He's not going anywhere unless he approves a deal. Helton has a complete no-trade clause and all indications are his preference is to spend his entire career with the Rockies.