Rockies starting rotation has crowded future
| August 3, 2009 | 12:43 PM
More journal entries from Steve Foster »
Christian Friedrich, the Rockies’ 2008 first-round pick, skyrocketed to the top of Baseball America’s weekly Hot Sheet last week after a second consecutive start in which he struck out 11 batters. Friedrich is 5-3 with a 1.95 ERA between low Class-A Asheville and high Class-A Modesto this season.
Jack Etkin at InsideTheRockies.com reported the Rockies want Friedrich, who missed a few starts in June with elbow soreness, to throw about 100 pitches in a couple starts before promoting him to Double-A Tulsa, a move that’s likely not far off.
With a starting rotation that’s already the most stable in franchise history, the Rockies will have some decisions to make next season.
- Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis and Ubaldo Jimenez are certain to be back.
- Jorge De La Rosa, who has been frustrating at times this season but has won his past seven decisions, is a safe bet to return.
- Jason Marquis is a free agent. He likes Colorado and has been an anchor in the rotation this year. If the price to re-sign him is reasonable, the Rockies need to consider bringing him back.
- Jason Hammel has been steady at times this season and could be a candidate to stay in the rotation next season. But he’s more likely to end up in the bullpen or traded in the offseason.
- Jhoulys Chacin and Esmil Rogers will compete for spots in the rotation out of spring training. Most likely one, if not both, will end up in the bullpen at least.
- Friedrich will be right behind them and could rack the major-league roster by midseason if not earlier.
- Greg Reynolds and Greg Smith, who have dealt with injuries this season, will be in the mix if healthy.
- Chaz Roe, Samuel Deduno and Brandon Hynick will be trying to squeeze into the picture as well.
Journals, Sports, Steve Foster
aaron cook, brandon hynick, chaz roe, christian friedrich, colorado rockies, esmil rogers, greg reynolds, greg smith, jason hammel, jason marquis, jeff francis, jhoulys chacin, samuel deduno, ubaldo jimenez
