ROCKIES - 7/11/02

LATEST TEAM INFO: 42-46, Fourth in National League West.

The Rockies knew it was going to be a rough go in the National League West entering the 2001 season with the Diamondbacks, Giants and Dodgers. Following the firing of Buddy Bell, and the hiring of Clint Hurdle, the Rockies found themselves just 5½ out of first at the start of June. But the Rockie slide since then has Colorado 12 back at the break. So now it's a question of tweaking or rebuilding the roster. Numbers are blocking the two likely players to be traded: Mike Hampton's salary, and Denny Neagle's 6+ ERA.

Now, the Rockies may end up doing the unthinkable – make Larry Walker available. The NL’s leading hitter (.350 BA, 20 HR, 67 RBI) is signed through 2005 with an option for 2006, but at age 35, his value may not be any higher.

Frustration is setting in. Hampton has said, "We have been losing for over a year now. It's getting old. It stinks to have a losing ball club. I haven't been pitching the greatest in the world, but we have to step it up, pick ourselves up and have some pride. This has to stop. It's embarrassing."

And reliever Todd Jones said, "I think it's going to be real hard for us to catch the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. No one is giving up. But look at what they have done, and what we have done? We are 12 games out. They are going to have to implode. And when you have to rely on teams of that caliber doing that, you are going to come up short most of the time."

The Rockies sound like they are resigned to the fact the season is likely over.

Rotation:

Hampton, working through all the trade talk in addition to his season-long trouble, managed a 2-1 record in his last three games, despite a 5.71 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. Which was an improvement, as well. The 4-1 win at Los Angeles June 24th kicked off, with six innings of work in which he allowed one run on five hits and a walk.

John Thomson has been the most effective pitcher over the last two weeks, with a 1-1 record in three appearances, a 3.60 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP, highlighted by the 3-2 win July 7th over San Diego. Thomson pitched seven innings of six-hit ball with no walks and four strikeouts.

Despite managing a 1-1 record,Jason Jennings pitched in an ugly fashion, with a 7.23 ERA and 2.05 WHIP. Shawn Chacon was 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. Denny Stark will take over Neagle’s spot in the rotation after the break.

Bullpen:

The Rockies’ bullpen continue to be the strongest element of the team, having finished the first half with a staff ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.40.

Jose Jimenez is in his third year as the Rockies' stopper. And unlike many young pitchers, the right-hander has grown into the role. When Jimenez first was given a shot at the role by pitching coach Marcel Lachemann, he tried to grunt and groan his way to success. That wasn’t doing the job and Jimenez’s shot at the closer role appeared to be lost to Jay Powell.

But Powell defected to the Texas Rangers, and Jimenez became wiser. Rather than try to throw as hard as he can - which because of his big hands often causes his sinker to move erratically – backed off on his speed: his two-seam and four-seam fastballs check in around 93 mph. In giving up a few ticks of velocity, Jimenez gained control. He has walked nine hitters in 43.2 IP and reached the break with 23 saves.

In recent weeks, Jimenez, who gave up a game-winning, three-run home run July 2nd to Jeff Kent, hasn't had many clean innings lately. He quickly was in trouble when he began his inning with a hit-batsman, followed by a single before Kent’s homer. Although Jimenez had been uncanny about making the right pitch at the right time this season, he quickly found out Kent was the wrong batter at the wrong time.

Justin Speier has been spectacular over the last two weeks. In six appearances, Speier is 1-0 with three holds while having posted a 0.00 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP. Jones has been equally stunning with three holds in six appearances and a 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Dennys Reyes and Rick White have both done satisfactory – Reyes with a 2.25 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP, while White had a 2.90 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP.

The new member of the bullpen, Neagle, after posting an 0-2 record and an astronomical 21.55 ERA and 3.38 WHIP in his last two starts, saw his first relief appearance on May 7th, where he went 1.1 IP, having allowed two hits, including a home run, a walk and two strikeouts.

Infield:

Todd Helton , Colorado’s lone representative at the All-Star game, finished his excellent first half with a .346 BA, 25 2B, 16 HR and 63 RBI. Over the last two weeks, though, he struggled with a back problem, having hit .314 with no HR and just three RBI.

Brent Butler continues his solid play since being called up last month. Butler has maintained a .275 BA with a HR, six RBI and 11 RS.

While both Jose Uribe (.143 BA with a HR and four RBI) and Todd Zeile (.261 BA with a HR and seven RBI) need to improve their offensive performances from the last two weeks, manager Clint Hurdle knows that for the Colorado Rockies to make a move in the National League West in the second half of the season, there has to be better defense at key spots on the field. The numbers say the Rockies' fielding percentage going into Sunday's game was tied for 13th in the National League with San Diego and Montreal. Only the .977 fielding percentage of the New York Mets was worse. The Rockies have made 68 errors.

With Zeile adjusting to playing third base after a couple of years at other positions, and Uribe cutting his teeth as a major-league shortstop, the left side of the infield has struggled. Uribe's 18 errors are the most among NL shortstops, and Zeile's 13 errors are second most among NL third basemen, second to the 15 by Adrian Beltre of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gary Bennett is playing adequately, with a .250 BA and his only RBI coming on his only home run.

Outfield:

When June began, Walker was hitting .310. He has tacked on 40 points to his average in 26 games by going 40-for-95, which works out to a .421 average, or in Walker's case a very productive .421 because his output includes seven doubles, 10 home runs and 29 RBI. He has homered three times during a current nine-game hitting streak in which he has gone 19-for-33.

The Rockies approached Walker a year ago about going to Atlanta, which he didn't oppose, but a deal never materialized. Walker has been to the playoffs once - in 1995, when the Rockies were the wild-card team - which is one more chance to savor the postseason than Don Mattingly or Ernie Banks enjoyed.

Right now, Walker stands much closer to being included among players for whom the postseason was a pipe dream than he anticipated when he joined the Rockies. But expect Walker to keep playing like he’s in first place.

Todd Hollandsworth continues his solid play (.306 BA, 5 RBI). While he will still share time in left, he has solidified himself into the lead role in playing time.

Juan Pierre is back to playing full time – not so much due to Pierre’s performance (.266 BA, 0 HR, 3 RBI), but due to the ineffectiveness of Mark Little (.083 BA).

INJURIES:

Left-handed pitcher Kent Mercker, who suffered a laceration on his left hand and broken little finger, had been given clearance last week to play catch, but didn’t, Hurdle said, because doctors had "to dig a little deeper'' to remove pins from Mercker's left hand Friday. [ICK!] Mercker, instead, threw about 50 pitches July 7th at Coors Field. He lobbed them underhand to kids during the Rockies' family day, but it was the latest sign of his progress. Mercker threw long toss July 9th, then will pitch off the mound July 11th in San Francisco. Mercker figures he will be ready to rejoin the team after four side sessions and a simulated game, though Hurdle said he's "still not close to coming back."

Walker was hit in the right elbow by Padres reliever Michael Holtz in the eighth inning July 7th and left the game, resulting in a golf ball-sized knot above the joint. The injury, however, did not aggravate the strained ligaments in the elbow, which have forced Walker to rest periodically this season. "I would have been out for a couple of days," Walker said. "With the (ligaments), it's not bothering me like in years past. It acted up for a couple of weeks in April, but I have been able to extend in my swing really since then."

Helton's back continues to cause him difficultly. For the third time in nine days, Helton sat out July 7th with a strain of the soft tissue in his upper back. If not for Helton's usual durability, this would hardly be anything abnormal. But Helton has played in a minimum of 159 games in each of the past three seasons. After his appearance in the All-Star game, Helton said, ''Hopefully, it won't put the second half in jeopardy, Hopefully, two at-bats won't cause a problem. I didn't do anything (Monday) and didn't feel I had a problem. I felt fine until the final round (of batting practice before the game).''

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:

The Rockies were discussing trading Neagle to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for catcher Jason Kendall. The deal would involve monster contracts, and likely would have to include cash considerations to even the dollar amounts in order to be completed. . Kendall is more likely to waive his, given his success at Coors Field and the presence of his father, Fred, on the Rockies' coaching staff. Kendall, a career .302 hitter, has a .287 average this season with two homers and 26 RBIs and has thrown out 38 percent of the runners attempting to steal. But Kendall would save them $2 million during the next two seasons, when he makes $8 million to Neagle's $9 million. Kendall also has only $3 million in deferred money, while Neagle has a $9 million buyout in 2006 that is to be paid out over five years at 5.5 percent interest. The Pirates, who see Neagle as a candidate to provide veteran leadership for their young pitching staff, are concerned about Kendall's lack of run production and would like to create an opportunity for prospect J.R. House.

Texas has shown the strongest interest in Hampton, sending a scout Friday to watch him pitch. Reports out of Texas, though, indicated the Rangers would have to offset any salary that would be added, leading to speculation the Rangers would want to move reliever Jay Powell - he is in the first year of a three-year, $9 million contract – starter Kenny Rogers and outfielders Gabe Kapler and Rusty Greer.

A look at the most likely Rockies to be moved in the next few weeks, other than Hampton and Neagle:

Jones -- American League Fireman of the Year two years ago has regained velocity on his fastball.
Hollandsworth -- Free agent at the end of the season, which makes him likely bait for prospects.
Terry Shumpert (IF/OF) -- Another potential free agent who has value to a contender because of his versatility.
Greg Norton (IF/OF) -- Contenders like bats off the bench, particularly those with power.
White (RHP) -- Veteran could be of interest to a team that needs bullpen depth.

NL West-leading Los Angeles and second-place Arizona have approached the Rockies about the availability of Jones, who two seasons ago won the American League Fireman of the Year award with 42 saves, sources close to the teams say. Arizona's interest might be limited, though, considering the Diamondbacks acquired veteran reliever Mike Fetters from Pittsburgh during the weekend.

Jones figures to attract interest from most contenders because he has a low salary this season - $1 million - and a $300,000 buyout for the 2003 season.

The Rockies are seeking prospects to add depth to their farm system, and because Jones is under an option for next season, Colorado most likely would look for two players in return for him.

Ben Petrick and left-handed pitcher Brian Fuentes were being recalled from the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, while the Rockies optioned Chris Nichting and outfielder Benny Agbayani to the Sky Sox. Since going to Triple-A on May 6, Petrick switched from catcher to the outfield. In 54 games for the Sox, Petrick hit .305 with 14 home runs and 41 RBIs. Agbayani was hitting .205 with four homers and 19 RBI in 48 games for the Rockies. Fuentes will give the Rockies a third left-hander in the bullpen, joining Reyes and Neagle.

Two more major challenges facing the Rockies in the next month or so, including:

• Hurdle's situation. He was given a contract through the end of the season, during which his status could be evaluated.

• The need for depth in the farm system. This area might be addressed by moving potential free agents in exchange for prospects. Any such trade might be made in advance of the July 31 deadline for deals that do not require that players first clear waivers.

ON THE FARM:

Class AA Carolina shortstop Clint Barmes and Class A Salem right-handed pitcher Kip Bouknight were selected the Rockies' minor league player and pitcher of the month for June. Barmes hit .356 with seven doubles, four home runs, 13 RBI, seven stolen bases and 22 runs scored. He produced a .538 slugging percentage. Bouknight went 5-0 with a 2.61 earned-run average. He allowed a .201 batting average.

The Rockies farm system was ranked the best in baseball in the current edition of USA Today Baseball Weekly. The Rockies moved up two spots from No. 3 a month ago.

The Rockies have shown a desire to give prospects a two-month late-season look. They did it with Pierre two years ago, and Jennings and Uribe last year. This year's candidates:

Jack Cust (OF) – Need to decide whether he can handle defense or should be dealt to American League, where he can be a designated hitter.
John Barnes (OF) – Has played all three outfield positions and shows plate discipline at Class AAA level.
Aaron Cook (RHP)— Has made strides since end of last season, moving from Class A to AA to AAA.
Jason Young (RHP) – Is moving along with Cook, keeping stride along the way.
Victor Santos (RHP) – Acquired from Detroit in spring training, coming off injury.

Although Cook and Young, both 23, arrived at the big-league threshold at the same time, their backgrounds are as dissimilar as could be. Cook, the son of blue-collar parents in Ohio with his dad working 21 years at a local papermill before becoming a dispatcher of trucks, while his other works for Butler (OH) County. Young comes from southern California, son of a lawyer and renown artist.

Cook was considered a long-term project with great potential. Young was regarded as a superstar and was at one-time considered a consensus #1 overall pick in the 2000 draft before an injury during his junior season at Stanford raised some health questions. That dropped Young out of the first round. Cook had a four-year professional head start on his west-coast buddy, but the two would serendipitously join the same rotation in the spring of 2000 pitching for Class A Salem Avalanche.

It started clicking for Cook last year at Salem. He began this season at Double-A Carolina, where he dominated, going 7-2 with a 1.14 ERA in 14 starts. His 15th start was for Colorado Springs, and he has heard and read the reports that the big leagues are upon him.

While Cook was developing in the minors, Young was helping Stanford reach the title game in back-to-back College World Series. After going 6-7 for Salem in the first half of last season and missing the second half with an elbow injury, Young bounced back impressively this year. Unlike Cook, who relies heavily on his power sinker, Young has four pitches and the changeup may be his best.

Class AAA Colorado Springs:

Jack Cust (OF) – still has the big head (.266, 20 2B, 18 HR, 42 RBI).

John Barnes (OF) – If the Rockies want to keep knocking Cust down a peg, like they did by calling up Ross Gload and Petrick, Barnes would be a good candidate (.286, 20 2B, 6 HR, 30 RBI).

Aaron Cook (SP) – See above (2-1, 2.73 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 12 K).

Jason Young (SP) -- See above (2-1, 3.50 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, 18 K).

Class AA Carolina Mudcats:

Choo Freeman (OF) – One of a trio of promising outfielders (.327, 58 RS, 15 2B, 5 3B, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 11 SB)

Matt Holliday (OF) – A pitcher in high school, his power hitting is just now starting to come around (.287, 47 RS, 14 2B, 5 HR, 38 RBI).

Rene Reyes (OF) – .272, 43 RS, 18 2B, 8 HR, 30 RBI.

Clint Barmes (SS) – .282, 49 RS, 19 2B, 10 HR, 43 RBI

QUICK VIEW:

HOT:

John Thomson, Justin Speier, Todd Jones, Larry Walker

NOT:

Jason Jennings, Shawn Chacon, Denny Neagle, Juan Pierre