Chris Nelson brought the total number of Spring Training Walk-Off’s for the Rockies to 3, as he smashed a shot to right-center against the Angels. Nicasio, today’s starter, for the most part looked really good – before and after a three run shot by Howie Kendrick. The last batter he faced look completely fooled by all three pitches and “made a left turn” back to the dugout. I’m sure Nicasio felt like the outting was a success, especially since the last batter just happened to be Mr. Quarter Billion Pujols himself. You can even see EdTheUmp enjoying the strikeout:
EdTheUmp Watching Nicasio Sit Down Albert
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For those with MLBtv you can do your best to spot fellow RWO’rs in the crowd today as the Rockies take on the Angels at Salt River. The line-up is suspiciously close to the one that might grace the opening day roster. Blake makes his first appearance since his neck injury issues. The line-up is as follows:
Fowler, CF
Scutaro, 2B
CarGo, LF
Tulo, SS
Helton, 1B
Cuddyer, RF
Hernandez, C
Blake, 3B
Nicasio, P
Nicasio, 5 IP, one bad inning in 3rd when he gave up 4 hits and a 3-run HR.
agree on the lineup Jaredean. Going to see that more and more at home games during ST. Except I am still thinking Blake will be released and Nelson starting with Pacheco getting some time.
other than 1 pitch today, another solid outing by Nocasio
I completely agree, i don’t think Blake will start the season with the team. He really didn’t look comfortable out there, but did have a couple of nice strong throws to Helton. His batting is just awkward, like he really wants to swing normally but is worried about his head…I think Nelson/Pacheco platoon would make the most sense…
If Blake doesn’t show he’s healthy enough to play starting opening day, and assuming he still wants to play, doesn’t he pretty much have to agree to a minor league assignment? If he can’t make the Rockies roster he can’t make any MLB roster. Let’s face facts: the Rox competition at 3B is the weakest you’ll find. So I’m guessing Blake may get a bit more time, one of those “if I’m not on the roster by May 15 I’ll be released” deals.
Sorry I am going to go the other way on this one and I have two pretty solid reasons:
1. J Tracy loves veterans! Even if Arenado was ready (and he likely isn’t) there is no way that they start the season relying on Nelson and Pacheco (and I like both these guys).
2. Defensively Blake is better than any of the other alternatives. They will Blake at least two months to find his hitting strock.
Bottom line is that until Arenado knocks down the MLB door, Blake is your starting 3rd Baseman unless he is on the DL.
2 months? No way! If they were willing to give somebody 2 full months of complete suckage they would have kept Stewart, Lopez, Wigginton, Kouzmanoff, who else….?
Blake better hit .300 the rest of the spring or he’s gone.
The Rockies are not in a position to release Nelson for example just to give a flyer on someone who frankly looks completely lost and damaged.
I agree with Agbayani that he’ll likely accept a AAA assignment.
Big news today was Nicasio, who is officially back big time. Evidence? His domination of Mr. Pujols. Forget the mistake to Kendricks. Nicasio was very strong today. Great to see.
I’m still not sold on Nelson, who I don’t see as much more than utility (and Rox have an excess of that with EY2 and Herrera). Third base is too much of a power position to hand over to a guy with warning track power. Don’t give up on Casey yet. There’s still time. There’s also time for a trade for a placeholder for Arenado for a few months. Let’s see.
Anyone know how Stewerts doing w/Cubs.Just curious as I was one of his earliest detractors.After the “black hole ” at third [my orig.term-later stolen by Renck] of last year,I think it’s time to gamble with the youth of Nelson/Pacheco unless Blake really turns it around.I hope he does go to AAA,however,if he believes this is his last harrah,for 4-6 weeks and fines the stroke that made him a Rockies killer w/Dodgers.[wow,what a terrible sentence].
Stewart is batting .333 with 5 hits in 15 ABs with 2 doubles 2 walks 3 strike outs 1 stolen base 2 rbis and no home runs in 6 games.
Jaredean—-ANOTHER walk-off win…..first “season” for Roxwalkoff.com….
Coincidence or premonition?? *Cue twilight zone music*..
I know TJ! I’m tellin ya, it is a good thing I didn’t call the site, “RoxLossByOne” as a nod to 2011!
Maybe the Rox will have some 8th and 9th inning guts this year.
Go Rockies!!!