A Rocky Situation: Rockies call up Carlos Gonzalez
Colorado Rockies have recently called up Carlos Gonzalez, the big outfield prospect that they received from the Oakland A’s this past offseason for Matt Holliday. The Rockies already have Ryan Spilborghs, Seth Smith, and Brad Hawpe in the outfield. It wouldn’t make much since to me to bring up Gonzalez if there wasn’t a move to make.
Expect Brad Hawpe or Todd Helton to get dealt in the very near future. Brad Hawpe would be the easiest to trade and could bring back more value than Helton, due to Helton’s massive contract. The Rockies should also act soon while his average, OPS, and RBIs are still among the top ten in the National League.
Say it Aint So Big Z: Zambrano talks retirement
Carlos Zambrano retiring in five years? If he does, it would make him 33 years young. He stated that family is a big issue. However, it obviously is a long time from that point so we will see. It has been a very frustrating past week for Mr. Zambrano who just got off a suspension for a tirade and missed a team flight to Atlanta. Zambrano has been taking a lot of heat from the media and fans alike.
In my humble opinion the tirades can be a good thing. It can fire up a team when a team has been struggling, but most importantly some guys thrive when they play with emotion. It seems in recent years Zambrano has tried to control it, but honestly I think it could be wise to let him pitch with that emotion again.
Brave Icon Gone?: Glavine released by Braves
Tom Glavine was released last week by the Atlanta Braves. The Braves executives claimed that he just didn’t have what it took to get batters out and pointing to the decreasing velocity as a cause for concern.
A lot of folks in the baseball community feel like this was more of a financial move since Glavine would have received a one million dollar bonus for making it back to the big leagues. I don’t necessarily disagree with the move the Braves made, it makes since. Age, injuries, and decreasing velocity would concern any organization.
However, they could have went about it a different way. For example they could have warned him a while back ago that it was unlikely, told him it was a financial move and that the focus was on Tommy Hanson and other younger pitchers, or simply given him a chance, even if that means he would have to pitch out of the bullpen.
On the other hand, Tom Glavine should see this more as an opportunity or a favor from the Braves. He know can sign with whatever franchise he so desires, he may have a better opportunity to pitch again in another organization, or better yet maybe he can latch on to a World Series contender. In the end it was probably the right move for the Braves and the right move for Tom Glavine.
