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Rockies' quiet bats surprise malady

Middle of order isn't producing when it counts for Rockies

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published May 12, 2008 at 11:40 p.m.
Updated May 13, 2008 at 9:14 a.m.

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Todd Helton, top, mirrors the frustration the middle of the order has encountered this season. Matt Holliday, below, has the same number of strikeouts, 11, as hits with runners in scoring position.

Photo by Steve Dykes / Getty ImagesKevork Djansezian/Associated Press

Todd Helton, top, mirrors the frustration the middle of the order has encountered this season. Matt Holliday, below, has the same number of strikeouts, 11, as hits with runners in scoring position.

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The Rockies have revamped their rotation.

They have realigned their bullpen.

They still aren't winning, though.

The real problem is that what normally is a franchise strength - the offense - has become a weakness.

The Rockies open a three-game series against National League West-leading Arizona at Chase Field tonight ranked 13th in the National League with 164 runs and 10th with a .256 team batting average.

The bottom line, manager Clint Hurdle said, isn't looking for redemption the next couple of nights against the Diamondbacks, who have won five of six games against the Rockies.

"We want to play better against anybody," said Hurdle, whose team is lingering near the bottom of the division. "It's not about who we are playing. It's about playing up to our level of ability."

And the offense has plenty on its to-do list, particularly a middle of the order that is considered one of the most threatening in baseball but has been an early -season bust in 2008.

The quartet of Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe are not only hitting a combined .257 with runners in scoring position but have struck out 37 times while managing only 39 hits in 152 at-bats in that situation.

"We need to play better, in all aspects, to get out of this," Hurdle said. "This isn't about what other teams are doing. You tip your hats to Arizona for the way it has played. This is about what we have to do to be as good as we are capable of being."

The next opportunity to reach that goal comes tonight. Winless Jeff Francis will start for the Rockies, who are eight games behind the Diamondbacks. Fellow left- hander Randy Johnson will start for Arizona.

Francis underscores the struggles of the defending NL champion Rockies. He won 18 games last year. He hasn't won any of his seven starts this year.

But with a little help . . .

He has a 3.74 ERA in his past five starts, which includes a string of three seven-inning efforts in which he gave up six runs. And there also was a May 2 game against the Dodgers in which he departed with one out in the sixth, a 3-1 lead and the bases loaded. Reliever Ryan Speier allowed all three runs to score and the Dodgers won 11-6.

Francis remains in the rotation, along with Aaron Cook, who has set a franchise record by winning six consecutive starts, and Ubaldo Jimenez.

Left-handers Franklin Morales and Mark Redman are with Triple-A Colorado Springs, having been replaced by 2006 first-round draft pick Greg Reynolds and left-hander Jorge De La Rosa, acquired from Kansas City to complete the spring training deal for Ramon Ramirez.

In the bullpen, three-time All-Star Brian Fuentes has regained the closer role because of the ongoing struggles of Manny Corpas, who could find himself back in the minors when the Rockies face some pitching decisions.

Starter Jason Hirsh and relievers Luis Vizcaino and Micah Bowie could be ready to return to the active roster in the next month.

In addition to De La Rosa, the Rockies have added reliever Jason Grilli by trade, acquiring him from Detroit, and they have brought up right-handers Alberto Arias and Speier from Colorado Springs.

The lineup misses shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, out likely until the All-Star break with a torn tendon in his left quadriceps, but has gotten strong play from Clint Barmes and Omar Quintanilla, who have become the primary players at shortstop and second.

Barmes and Quintanilla are complementary players, though.

The bats expected to carry the load belong to Helton, Holliday, Atkins and Hawpe.

A year ago, they combined to hit .331 with runners in scoring position, striking out only 127 times and getting 221 hits in 667 at-bats.

This year, none of the four is hitting even .300 with runners in scoring position. More than that, it's how often they don't make contact in clutch situations that underscores the team's struggle.

"We know what needs to happen," Hurdle said.

The challenge is making it happen.

Missing in the clutch

How the four key batters in the middle of the Rockies lineup have done with runners in scoring position this season:

Player (average) - - - RISP Avg. - - - AB - - - H - - - SO

Atkins (.333) - - - .227 - - - 44 - - - 10 - - - 9

Hawpe (.254) - - - .294 - - - 34 - - - 10 - - - 10

Helton (.271) - - - .235 - - - 34 - - - 8 - - - 7

Holliday (.315) - - - .275 - - - 40 - - - 11 - - - 11

Totals (.297) - - - .257 - - - 152 - - - 39 - - - 37

FIRST PITCH

ON HOLD

When the Rockies decided to bring up right-hander Greg Reynolds, they effectively put talks of acquiring stopgap pitchers from other teams — specifically right-handers Josh Fogg of Cincinnati and Julian Tavarez of Boston — on hold.

The Rockies are committed to giving Reynolds and left-hander Jorge De La Rosa at least a half-dozen starts each to see if they are ready for the major league challenge.

By the time that happens, the Rockies expect right-handers Luis Vizcaino and Jason Hirsh and left-hander Micah Bowie to be off the disabled list.

Tavarez was designated for assignment Monday — and the Red Sox have 10 days to trade, release or demote him — but the Rockies aren’t likely to give up more than a nonprospect and wouldn’t take on more than the major league minimum on salary.

IN THE SWING

.400 average for third baseman Ian Stewart in the first seven games of Triple-A Colorado Springs’ current homestand. He has three doubles, two triples, three home runs and nine RBI. Stewart, a left-handed hitter, is hitting .333 against left-handers this season.

HE SAID IT

“Everybody makes a big deal that I had to prove things. I felt I just had to do what I had done my whole life.”

Chris Iannetta, catcher, on the strong start he has enjoyed this season after having to earn a major league spot in spring training because of last year’s struggles.

ROCKIES REPORT

Scouting report:Arizona Diamondbacks

* Series history: The Rockies trail the all-time series 77-98, including 32-55 at Chase Field. The Rockies have lost five of six to the Diamondbacks this season, including two of three at Chase Field.

* Roster report: Left-handed pitcher Doug Davis (thyroid cancer surgery) and third baseman Chad Tracy (microfracture of right knee) are on rehabilitation assignments with Triple-A Tucson.

* Quickly: Arizona leads the National League West, but it was swept in a three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field last weekend and has lost six of eight. . . . The bullpen allowed 11 earned runs in three games at Wrigley Field and the offense went a combined 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position. . . . Left fielder Eric Byrnes is in a 6-for-54 slump in his past 13 games, during which he has one extra-base hit (double) and has not drawn a walk.

Etc.

Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins trails only Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman for the major league lead with 38 hits since April 16. Atkins also has a 10-game hitting streak after singling Sunday. It is his second double-figure hitting streak this season. He hit in 14 games in a row April 16-29, then went 0-for-4 before starting the current streak. . . . Right-handed pitcher Aneury Rodriguez pitched a one-hit, 11-0 win for Single-A Modesto against Lake Elsinore on Sunday, the first nine-inning, complete-game shutout in the California League this season. . . . Outfielder Scott Podsednik is 4-for-17 as a pinch hitter, but he has reached base once when he was hit by a pitch and five times with walks. He leads the majors, having reached base in 10 pinch-hit plate appearances. . . . Right-hander Ryan Speier, who allowed only one of 12 inherited runners to score last season, has seen seven of the 14 runners on base when he has entered a game this season score. . . . The Rockies are 13-3 when leading after eight innings, all three losses at Coors Field, where they are 6-3, compared with 7-0 on the road.

Comments

  • May 13, 2008

    4:35 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    flybys writes:

    The Rockies hitters are struggling and no one has an answer.

    The mystery solved is this -- large and numerous holes in the lineup.

    Supernova Troy Tulowitzki wasn't mature enough to make the adjustments to pitchers at the beginning of the season that he will one day make. Now out with an injury, he can't provide Colorado with the pop and run production this lineup needs.

    With him out, no one is capable of replacing his potential. In addition, second base is a black hole offensively, center field is a black hole offensively and as painful as it is to point a finger at a family member, the Rockies can't deny Todd Helton is an overstuffed backpack on the backs of the offense. He not only is no longer a superstar, he's not even above average anymore. The reality is Helton is an active coach who inspires little fear in opposing managers and pitchers.

    Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe are going to hit. The Yorvit Torrealba/Chris Iannetta combo looks like it will produce.

    Maybe if the Rockies had the Braves dynasty pitching staff of Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz as its' own, the club could still scratch out wins with this three-cylinder engine offense but Colorado's pitching is still a chewing gum, electrical tape and spit kind of group.

  • May 13, 2008

    9:39 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    daveg721 writes:

    I think Q has proved to be an asset at 2B... Hardly a "black hole." 10 hits (5 doubles)in 33 AB is not too shabby.

    I also think that you are overly harsh on Todd. He is going to bounce back. He is actually a feared hitter for pitchers as he consistently drives pitch counts up, even if he isn't reaching. He already has 27 BBs, even if his average is down. He has seen the second most pitches in all of baseball this year. There are some stats that are easy to overlook, that play largely into the outcome of games. That said... GO ROX!! We can bounce back still!

  • May 13, 2008

    1:56 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cologuy writes:

    Concerning Helton, let's look at some #'s...

    BA OBP
    Career vs RHP .340 .440
    '08 vs RHP .282 .404
    Career vs LHP .306 .401
    '08 vs LHP .222 .323

    Career @ Home .365 .463
    '08 @ Home .277 .382
    Career Leadoff Inning .306 .378
    '08 Leadoff Inning .276 .417
    Career RISP .344
    '08 RISP .235
    Career Opp Field BA .412
    '08 Opp Field BA .286
    Career Times Face SP-1 .329
    '08 Times Face SP-1 .375
    Career Times Face SP-2 .330
    '08 Times Face SP-2 .333
    Career Times Face SP-3+ .352
    '08 Times Face SP-3+ .258
    Career Faced Relief .317
    '08 Faced Relief .167

    Career 2-2,3-2 count 27.3%
    Career 2-2 count BA .280
    Career 3-2 count BA .287

    '08 2-2, 3-2 count 33.3%
    '08 2-2 count BA .226
    '08 3-2 count BA .118

    While he is working the count deeper this year, results are nowhere near career. RISP is down, yes fewer opportunities, but still not driving them in. Home has always been big for Todd, down significantly. He used to own starting pitchers in facing them the 3rd time in a game, not so this year and against relief – down 150 pts. Superstar numbers? No. But he is invaluable as a teammate/clubhouse guy.

    They are going nowhere in '08, Atkins needs re-signed (most consistent player), Holiday will demand too much (lousy agent and he is not deserving of superstar money, hasn't put enough seasons together) and Helton is expensive. CF, 2B (if Barmes turns out to be a 3 month wonder, again) need long term solutions - some tough choices for management.

    By the way, all the talk (from the players) last year about team unity and the importance of staying together will prove to be hyperbolic rhetoric, money is still boss, championships be darned.... Give me players like Elway who wanted championships more than anything and was willing to take pay cuts or give money back to make it happen.

  • May 13, 2008

    2:20 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jr_mcmillin writes:

    Helton is the man. Except for the last couple of seasons, Helton was always slow out of the gate with his average, and yet he always ended strong with a very respectful one. His off-season training was as intense as ever and again, he'll prove to the nay sayers that he can play the game at a very high level. For this, I am certain.

  • May 13, 2008

    2:46 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cologuy writes:

    Helton's career April BA - .304, OBP - .424. And with fewer AB's during April as well = NOT THAT SLOW OF A STARTER. He's also batting only .179 in High Leverage (important) situations. His career High Leverage Index BA is .312. Just sayin' he's slowing down, that's all.

    I was in hopes hitting in front of Holiday this year, he would get a lot of pitches to drive. Understandably, not many men on base since the beginning of the year. I hope you're right in that he and the rest of the team collectively begin to string hits together, getting traffic on the bases, feeding off of one another. This year however, given the competition, is not going to be a playoff year.

  • May 13, 2008

    5:38 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Vulions writes:

    Come on...seriously...Are we blaming Helton again?? Old, not what he was? The man has never hit below .300 in his life. April's always look slow because he hits .304 in April, well below his lifetime .330 average. Denver has no idea what kind of player we have in Helton. If he played in NY or Boston, he is a sure fire hall of famer. Don't be stupid, Helton is not the problem.
    The problem with the World Series run is that it brought all the half hearted fans back. Go back and watch the Broncos, the team you really care about.

  • May 13, 2008

    10:53 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cologuy writes:

    Vulions:

    I could care less about the Broncos, just admired Elway for his willingness to give back to get the ring for the Broncos.

    Baseball is THE sport and yes, Helton would get unbelievable attention in a big market city. I wasn't piling on like the first post, as he has plenty left in the tank. But to deny his numbers thus far is overlooking, which I disagreed with on the 2nd post. It's a uniformed wannabe fan of the game who would put blame on Helton, anyone watching the games thus far clearly sees the multiple issues with this team.

    You might not stereotype folks with your uniformed guesswork of where someone is coming from. I put up the stats cuz I love the #'s of baseball, been a fan since the 60's, and appreciate what Helton has meant to this team.

    Take your bandwagon bus elsewhere, this is a forum for purists who enjoy talking about all aspects of the game - producing facts, stats, trends - which is what the original article is all about - THE ROCKIES BATS ARE LISTLESS. Could put up everyone else's #'s, but put Helton's up as he is the leader. Nothing more, nothing less.

  • May 14, 2008

    11:41 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    daveg721 writes:

    Wannabe fan, huh? I wasn't piling on Todd. In fact, if you read my post, you'll see that I was giving statistical information on the underappreciated value he gives the team... slumping currently or not. Also, it appears as if defense isn't an important part of the game anymore. We would not have the NL leading fielding percentage if Helton wasn't digging balls out of the dirt.

    Before calling someone a wannabe fan, maybe you should read the post for comprehension.

  • May 14, 2008

    12:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cologuy writes:

    daveg721:

    Wasn't calling you a wannabe fan, my last post was directed to the fly-by comments of Vulions. I understood your post and if you read mine, I stated the first post was piling on Todd. I simply posted Todd's stats year to date, take it for what it is. His defense has never been questioned. His and the entire team's offense, save Atkins, has come under the microscope, which was the gist of the article.

    Most people just love to pick fights on these boards and sling away with reckless abandon. Why not have a decent dialogue with supported facts and leave it at that. My original and 2nd post were merely pointing out FACTS about Helton's current stats and to show that this is a much slower start, even by his standards. My post towards Vulions and others like him is to point out their fly by, no research, insulting rants are ridiculous. Post intelligently and you wont have to resort to stupidity....