Disappointing Doen't Even Begin To Explain

Another 5 game losing streak. A 1-8 record against division leader Arizona. The team is batting .259 for the season, well below their .280 average from last season. The team ERA is 4.81, second worst in the National League. But that is only half a run more than the pitching staff gave up last year. So I really think that the Rockies down swing is mostly to blame on a hitting lineup that has failed to take pressure off a mediocre pitching staff.

It's amazingly difficult to watch this team right now. When you see them in jams like first and third with no one out, it becomes rather pathetic to become proud of a team that only gives up three runs in that situation. Not to mention the numerous RISPs that Rockies hitters have left out in the cold this year.

At this point I wonder, if this team can even salvage a decent season.

No wonder the front office has already sent out feelers that they are willing to entertain offers for Matt Holliday, they don't want to pay him $20 million a year salary; Garrett Atkins, who is also angling for a budget breaking contract; and Brian Fuentes, also coming up on an expensive contract year.

I think that management has indicated that they are not happy with this effort and are looking to develop an even better team through the farm system. It's hard not to see the wisdom in it. I think this team's true weaknesses were exposed in the World Series. When taken away from the 21 day run, the team was out-pitched, exploited and out hit in every way by the Red Sox. Obviously, the management is looking to fill glaring gaps. And they are dedicated to doing it with young talent. Even if that means many losing seasons and wandering in the wilderness.

But eventually this has to stop. The constant rebuilding of the team through the farm system will never get the franchise to the ultimate level it just takes to long. And when a part of the team breaks down, as it has on multiple levels this year (no second baseman, no two-hole hitter, weak back side of the rotation, over-extended bullpen), it takes forever to plug the gap by developing young players in to major leaguers.

In addition, if you don't keep your home-grown talent and eventually pay-off their effort and commitment to the system, then the Rockies franchise, much like the A's in the early 2000's,will become the minor league affiliate for teams with much deeper pockets, reaping the benefits of our franchise's long-term investments.

So, I think what I'm getting at is this: I would rather wallow in the muck with this team and have them under-perform for this organization then to have the best players traded off to be successful in Chicago, New York, or Boston. Is that selfish? I don't think so. If you're going to commit to home-grown talent, then you have to pay them to stay when they demand it and endure the bad times when they don't perform.

This season will be a telling season for the Rockies front office. In regards to what their approach is. Are they committed to home-grown talent and taking it like it is or are they just committed to being cheap bastards? We will find out as the season progresses and in the of-season. But if the past is any indication, the Monforts will prove to be cheap bastards.