Spring Training

[Durango53]

Three catchers competing for two roster spots equals one intense position battle for the Rockies as they open spring training today. One candidate is baby-faced Chris Iannetta, 24. He faces expectations to eventually become the best homegrown catcher in Rockies history. Candidate No. 2 is career backup Yorvit Torrealba. The starting job belonged to him last year until shoulder woes ruined his season. Now Torrealba must prove himself again. The third man in the triangle is Javy Lopez, a 36-year-old former all-star who's intent on making the most of a fresh start. "The catcher position is absolutely wide open," general manager Dan O'Dowd said Thursday. "It's going to be very interesting to see how it shakes out, but I think it's going to be good for the team."

http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_5237817

No wonder Rockies fans are so excited......:hmm:

[bama45]

Javy Lopez needed to hang his mitt up a long time ago.

[Durango53]

The Rockies have again brought up a multiyear deal with third baseman Garrett Atkins. Initial talks stalled this winter as the free-agent market exploded. Atkins won't be eligible for salary arbitration until after this season. Statistically, Atkins (.320, 29 homers, 120 RBIs in 2006) has put himself in position to receive a windfall. His offensive numbers last year were better than the New York Mets' David Wright (.311, 26, 116), whose contract calls for $25 million in his arbitration years, and were similar to Florida's Miguel Cabrera (.339, 26, 114), who just received a record $7.3 million in his first year of arbitration.

http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_5256454

[Durango53]

Javy Lopez needed to hang his mitt up a long time ago.

That is why he is a perfect fit for the Rockies. :D

[Durango53]

Rockies closer Brian Fuentes is in the last year of a two-year, $5.5 million contract. He will be eligible for salary arbitration for a final time after this season when he could command $7 million to $8 million, a challenging figure for a team with a small payroll. As such, Fuentes understands his status will be an issue this year - either because of his bullpen dominance or the ransom he could command in a trade. "My name has come up the last few years around the July (non-waiver trading deadline), so that wouldn't surprise me," said Fuentes, who has posted 61 saves the past two seasons. "My focus is on this year. If I pitch well everything else will take care of itself."

And then on the other side a guy that has been doing good and so he will be traded. :angry:

[Durango53]

Byung-Hyun Kim is a favorite to make the Rockies' rotation - if he's not traded to address other needs. Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca wants Kim to become more effective against left-handers, who hit .325 against him last season. Kim identified pitching inside as the key to having more success against lefties, along with relying more on his sinker and changeup.

[Durango53]

The Rockies likely will keep five outfielders, although adding a sixth outfielder/infielder such as John Mabry, who could be a primary pinch hitter, is a possibility. Matt Holliday, Brad Hawpe, Willy Taveras and Jeff Baker, who also plays first and third, appear to be roster locks. That leaves Cory Sullivan, Jeff Salazar, Ryan Spilborghs, Alexis Gomez and Steve Finley sitting on the bubble. Finley's experience, combined with the Rockies' win-now mantra, could help his chances.

[Durango53]

Matt Holliday swung at 45% of the first pitchs last year.

[Durango53]

O'Drool said that the Rockies No. 1 is still up for grabs along with number 2, 3, 4 and 5.

[Durango53]

Arin Cook has been named the number one starter and opening day starter.

[Durango53]

Hawpe who many teams wanted this off season but O'Drool keep him is red hot these past few games. Not being able to keep the ball in the park. His fourth-inning, two-run homer off Wes Littleton was his third round-tripper in a period of five at-bats. Against righties, he is 10-for-26 (.385) with all four of his spring home runs and 10 of his 12 RBIs. In all on Sunday, he was 3-for-4, and has five hits in his last seven at-bats.

[Durango53]

Cory Sullivan had a good weekend four hits, including a triple, in four at-bats.

[Durango53]

Second baseman Kazuo Matsui insists upon socks that have slots for the toes, the way gloves have them for fingers.

"I wear those so I can feel my foot fingers move," Matsui said in Japanese through his interpreter. "They're not for my injury. I've always worn them."

[Durango53]

Iannetta, Tulowitzki look to be the opening day starters.
Hirsh was named the 4th starter which leaves Kim and Fogg to pitch it out for the number 5 spot.

[cuongnet]

its noteven really "touch" screen from what i saw. i mean.. you do touch it.. but its a ton more advanced than that.