B.(I.)S.

In my last posting two weeks ago I introduced BIS, Big Inning Syndrome. I detailed how the rockies have had problems with the big inning and gave a few statistics. Since then I have been working on a formula for a BIS Index, to track how the rockies do throughout the season in regards to big innings. As of May 3, the BIS Index was at 5.21 and topped out at 5.31 on May 6. As of this posting, the BIS Index stands at 3.85, so the rox have been able to avoid the big inning for the most part in the last two weeks, having only four big innings during that time. Here's the formula I came up with: BIS Innings/Total Runs*100*(BIS Runs/Total Runs). I may still find some flaws in the methodology, so it is a work in progress at this point. I will mention the BIS Index from time to time in DITr.

A big DITr welcome to Blaine Neal, the newest member of the rockies bullpen family. He seems to fit right in, giving up two runs in one inning for his rockies debut Saturday. You have to give DD some credit, he obviously is constantly on the lookout for potential arms for the pen. Unfortunately, quantity is only a good thing if there is some degree of quality also. That combination seems to have escaped DD and Clint up to this point. Now, it's not all doom and gloom for the pen like it was in April. Theyv'e pitched well in some close games, but the pen is still a work in progress. One indicator that the pen has been better overall is one-run games. The rockies had only one one-run game in all of April, beating the Giants 5-4 on April 16. The rox have had seven in May, meaning the pen is keeping us in games and not giving up tons of runs late like we were accustomed to seeing in April.

There's nothing like waiting until the last minute. Last week I got a call with an offer I couldn't refuse, so I have signed a summer contract with the Real Men of the Highlands Ranch Metro District League. You can track our progress here. The schedule starts tonight, let's hope the Real Men can keep the capital R all season.

In the Beginning

I'm sure most of you have heard the question, "Where was baseball first mentioned in the Bible?". The answer, of course, is in Genesis 1:1, the first verse of the Bible, which starts out "In the b(ig) inning..." I loved that when my dad first told me it when I was about 10 years old.

I say this to introduce what has, up to this point, been the second leading factor in the overall inefficiency of the rox' pitching staff, the "Big Inning". While watching Francis give up four runs in the second inning Monday, and recalling Jennings and Kennedy having the same problem in the Dodgers series, I wondered how big the problem of big innings was. So, I looked into it, and here's what I discovered. On fifteen occassions, the rox have given up four or more runs in an inning. They've given up four runs eight times, five runs four times, six runs once and seven runs twice. Overall, the rox have given up 50% of the runs they have allowed in 7% of the innings pitched. I have two words to describe this: bad and horrible.

I have decided to term this issue "Big Inning Syndrome" and the problem with walks "Chronic Walking Disease". Hopefully Dealin' Dan can discover the antidotes for these sometime this season. We'd hate for the "victims" to go untreated all year.

On a separate note, it's not very often you get to watch a young hitter mature right before your eyes. That, however, is what we have been fortunate enough to witness with Brad Hawpe. The announcement by Hurdle Monday that Hawpe has been moved up to the fifth spot in the order illustrates the growth he has already undergone in this young season. The move was primarily strategic to alternate right and left in the batting order, but it clearly illustrates the confidence Hurdle has in Hawpe. Barmes has already made himself the man to beat for ROY, but don't be surprised to see Hawpe in the hunt as well come September.

Wright vs. Redding tonight at 8:05. Let's hope Wright doesn't succomb to BIS like his last game.

Swept

The Designation Committee met and decided to take away the capital R. Since the feeling was that no explanation was really necessary for the move, none was given and the meeting was adjourned.

The rox were swept this weekend in L.A. by the Dodgers. No surprise there. What was surprising is that the bullpen didn't implode and let the Dodgers break open a close game. No, the starters took care of that duty in two of the three games themselves. Yes, the 7th inning came in the 5th in Friday and Saturday's games. Jennings allowed four runs in the 5th on Friday and Kennedy allowed five on Saturday to essentially put close games out of reach. Sunday's game was close the duration, so none of the pitchers outright failed, for a change.

The fact is, the rox actually outhit the Dodgers in each game of the series: 7-5; 7-6; and 6-4, but were ourscored 6-3; 6-2; and 2-1. This was partially a result of timely hitting by the Dodgers, but more so 23 walks by the Rox' pitchers. I hate to sound like a bad record, but control continues to be a major issue for this pitching staff, almost in its' entirety. In the 22 games played so far, the rox have walked 10 or more three times and 7 or more nine times. Through Sunday they average 5.60 BB/9 innings. The rox have also hit 13 batters, tied for the NL lead with the Mets and Reds.

Couple all that with our general inability to hit consistently on the road and the outcome is bound to be unpleasant. We are now hitting 74 points lower on the road than at home. Although this is not an anomoly, it still leaves very little room for error for the staff on the road. Walking batters at the current rate absorbs what little room there is and has certainly led to disaster on more occassions than not. The bad news is we haven't won a game in California this season. The worse news is we head to San Diego for three starting tonight. In my estimation, our only good chance of leaving California with a win and avoiding a second 8-game skid this season is Tuesday with Wright vs. Redding. We go against Eaton and Peavy in the other two games.

In an effort to find anyone who will throw strikes and get outs on a consistent basis, the rox have talked to former rockie reliever (twice) Dan Miceli about a minor-league contract. The word is that Miceli wants to play in Colorado, apparently because compared to the rest of the pen, he'll look pretty darn good.

Francis vs. Eaton at 8:05 tonight.