Josh Rutledge Continues A Torrid Pace
Denver, CO. Colorado Rockies’ rookie Josh Rutledge is giving frustrated Rockies fans a glimpse into the future. Rutledge at the age of 23 continued his torrid pace since being called up on July 13 hitting a home run in four consecutive games. With that fourth home run, Rutledge set a Colorado Rockies rookie record as the team ended a 5 game losing streak beating the St. Louis Cardinals 8-2 on Thursday night in lower downtown Denver. Rutledge is a big part of the Rockies youth movement this season as the Rockies tumble towards the worst record in team history.
Along with Rutledge we as Rockies fans can also look at Jordan Pacheco (26), Tyler Colvin (27) and Wilin Rosario (23) as great additions to this young squad. Add in Carlos Gonzalez (27), Dexter Fowler (26) and Eric Young Jr (27) and you have a roster for the future. With Troy Tulowitzki seeming like the wily veteran at 28 years old these players are on the verge of hitting their prime as long as they can avoid injuries. Tulowitzki and Gonzalez have already made all-star appearances and should see many more in their futures. If Wilin Rosario can improve on his defense there may be an all-star appearance in his future as well.
Thursday night was dominated by the youth of the Colorado Rockies. Alex White was called up from AAA to make a spot start and may have gained himself a place in the rotation. White is only 24 years old and was a key part of the Ubaldo Jimenez trade. White was the AAA pitcher of the week last week and has earned a spot on the major league squad that has struggled mightily in 2012 to pitch beyond 4 innings with the Dan O’Dowd created paired pitching rotation. Jordan Pacheco was 3-3 with two doubles and two RBI along with Wilin Rosario’s adding a pinch hit two run shot in the bottom of the eighth. Tyler Colvin was 2 for 5 hitting from the lead off spot with an RBI in the bottom of the second. The Rockies put up 13 hits in the victory with the youth movement accounting for 10 of those hits including a hit by Alex White.
Colorado’s pitching staff is filled with youth as well. Christian Friedrich is only 25, Drew Pomeranz is 24, and Alex White is only 24. Veteran Jeff Francis seems old at 31 and Jonathan Sanchez won’t be 30 until November. With Jorge De La Rosa returning next year at 32 and Juan Nicasio potentially returning in September at 26 the pitching staff is young but eager to show they belong in the big leagues.
Fans continue to flock to Coors Field with nearly 30,000 fans attending last nights game. Even with the Rockies floundering this year the fan base continues to support this team. Tough to beat a night at Coors Field. Best deal in Denver for a major sporting event. Tickets are still cheap and the weather is great. The Monforts as owners need to consider a reduction in prices for season ticket holders for 2013 to entice them to stay. As an original season ticket holder I need to see something other than re-assignments of key coaches and front office personnel. Give us a break as a fan base and let us look forward to the future as we watch the youth of this team mature.
Denver Sports Chat – Kris Loco
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