Rockies Briefs COLORADO MUST IMPROVE ITS RECORD IN ONE-RUN GAMES
scottsdale, ariz.» One-run losses, or one-run victories for that matter, don’t necessarily define teams. Indeed, good teams lose plenty of one-run games.
The defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs, for example, were 22-23 in one-run games last season, with their .489 winning percentage ranking 15th in the majors. The theory is that the Cubs were good enough to stay close in games in which they didn’t play their best or weren’t getting the breaks.
Other teams — the American League West champion Texas Rangers quickly come to mind — were indeed defined by their ability to eke out victories. The Rangers posted a remarkable 36-11 record in one-run games in 2016, setting an all-time best winning percentage of .766.
The Rockies were not good in close games, and it’s fair to say it did color their 75-87 record. Colorado finished 12-20, ranking 27th in the majors with a .375 winning percentage.
New Rockies manager Bud Black said it’s about much more than the inability to generate the big hit in the big moment.
“Not only is it a function of your offense executing, it’s a function of your bullpen,” he said. “You have to continue to put a zero up in those one-run games. For every time you don’t score, you have to put a zero up. If you don’t put a zero up, that’s an L (loss).”
Colorado’s bullpen blew 28 saves last season, tied with the Chicago White Sox for third most.
The Rockies’ starting lineup for Saturday’s exhibition opener against Arizona featured center fielder Charlie Blackmon leading off, followed by second baseman DJ LeMahieu, right fielder Carlos Gonzalez and third baseman Nolan Arenado. New first baseman Ian Desmond hit fifth, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base.
Backup first baseman Mark Reynolds, the designated hitter, hit sixth, followed by shortstop Trevor Story (who hit a solo homer), left fielder Gerardo Parra and catcher Tony Wolters.
Black said he will experiment with his lineup throughout spring training. For instance, David Dahl will certainly get his fair share of starts in front of Parra. Black, however, said he will stick with a fairly consistent lineup during the regular season. Colorado shortstop Trevor Story throws out Arizona’s David Peralta on Saturday. John Leyba, The Denver Post Saturday’s recap At Salt River Fields scottsdale, ariz.» Bud Black’s Cactus League debut as the Rockies’ manager got off to a rocky start Saturday when Tyler Anderson gave up three first-inning runs. But solid pitching thereafter, coupled with productive offense, paced Colorado’s 8-4 victory over Arizona. Hits: Ian Desmond impressed in his Rockies debut, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base. … Shortstop Trevor Story led off the fourth with a first-pitch, solo homer off Archie Bradley. Misses: Backup first baseman Mark Reynolds, in camp on a minor-league deal, went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. What’s next: A split-squad doubleheader, hosting Arizona at Salt River Fields and also traveling to Glendale to meet the Chicago White Sox.