T Kahn

Colorado Rockies Position, Batting Order Analysis

2010-02-08T21:46:00.011-06:00

DEFENSE - FIELDING

Catcher - Yorvit Torrealba signed with San Diego as a Free Agent. Chris Iannetta looks to fill the starter role, while Miguel Olivio, acquired from Kansas City, will back him up. Also, Colorado has signed veteran Paul Lo Duca to a minor league deal in case of injuries or other circumstances.

1st Base - Veteran and Leader Todd Helton will once again be back to start at 1st base for Colorado. As he is getting old, days off are becoming more and more routine for Helton, which is why the Rockies signed Jason Giambi to back him up. If worst comes to worst, Brad Hawpe can fill in as well, as he is relearning the position he played in college at LSU.

2nd Base - Clint Barmes will be returning with Colorado to start at 2nd base this season. There is lots of competition to see who will back him up. Ian Stewart and Eric Young Jr., after making a few appearances with the Major League team towards the end of last year, will be in the running. One new addition will be Melvin Mora, who will be holding the utility spot (formerly Garret Atkins job) for the Rockies this year. When Troy Tulowitski needs a day off at Shortstop and Barmes takes over for him, Mora will most likely fill in the role at 2nd.

3rd Base - Ian Stewart is currently holding the starting position at 3rd as long as he can keep up his Batting Average. Mora will also possibly back up Stewart.

Shortstop - Once again, Captain and Leader Troy Tulowitski will be starting at shortstop this year. Clint Barmes will be backing up Tulow, as shortstop is his original position.

Left Field - Look for split starting time between Carlos Gonzales and Seth Smith with Cargo getting the majority. Ryan Spilborghs and Eric Young Jr. will be backing up Left.

Center Field - Dexter Fowler will start the majority just as he did last year. Carlos Gonzales will fill in when Fowler needs days off and Spilborghs will provide more backup if needed.

Right Field - Hawpe will likely be starting again this year unlike the end of last year due to his slump at the plate. Ryan Spilborghs, EYJ, and Seth Smith all are likely to provide backup relief at Right.

DEFENSE - PITCHING

Starting - Ubaldo Jiminez will likely provide the Ace Starting role after a very strong season last year. Even after an 0 for 6 start, Jorge De La Rosa still had the most wins for the Rockies staff last season which is why he will likely be the number 2 guy. Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis could both be contending for the Number 3 guy as long as Francis comes back strong from his shoulder surgery/season off. Jason Hammel will fill in the number 5 slot. This is a strong rotation, as all of the Rockies starters, with the exception of Francis, had double-figure wins last season. Tim Redding was acquired this year from the Mets over the offseason and after a sub-par to average year last year, he provides veteran experience for the younger pitchers to learn from. He will likely fill in if Francis needs some time off after his shoulder surgery.

Relief - Huston Street will be closing once again for the Rockies this year after a stunning 35 for 37 saves last year. Redding will provide relief in clutch situations, filling in the role Jose Contreras did with Colorado last year. Matt Daley will be providing relief most likely for short spurts in the middle innings. Other key relievers for Colorado include Manny Corpas, who lost the closing job in 2008, Franklin Morales, Rafael Betancourt, Taylor Buchholz and Randy Flores. Betancourt, after returning from Tommy John Surgery, will likely be the Right Handed Setup man, while Morales will be the Left Handed Setup man. The bullpen looks to be stacked this year with a very strong lineup of relievers.

OFFENSE - BATTING ORDER

Dexter Fowler - With his speed, Fowler is more than likely to lead off the Batting Order for the Rockies. With 27 stolen bases last year, a club record for rookies, he looks to be dangerous if he gets to first.

Carlos Gonzales - While not as fast as Fowler, Cargo is still just as much as a speed threat to other teams, which is why he will likely fill in the 2-hole spot in the Batting Order.

Todd Helton - With a strong .322 Average last year, Helton will likely fill the 3-hole.

Troy Tulowitski - While batting cleanup for most of the season last year, he looks to be returning to that spot again this year.

Brad Hawpe - If he gets back to his offensive spark as he did the first half of last season, he will likely bat 5th.

Ian Stewart - While having a strong power-hitter hitting type season last year, he will likely bat 6th, as long as he limits his very high strike-out total.

Melvin Mora - When he starts, he will likely bat behind Hawpe in the 6-hole.

Clint Barmes - 7-hole.

Chris Ianneta - 8-hole.

The 9-hole will obviously be filled by the pitcher.

OFFENSE - PINCH HITTERS/RUNNERS

Jason Giambi, while providing the key pinch hitter slot for the Rockies last year during the playoff run, will be the go-to guy. Spilborghs and Smith (who has the highest pinch hit average for the Rockies) will also provide strong pinch-hit at-bats for the Rox.

Eric Young Jr. will provide excellent speed on the basepaths. And if they don't start, Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzales are also good options.

Top 10 Baseball Movies

2010-01-20T11:06:00.001-06:00

There are hundreds of movies portraying America's Pastime available your viewing pleasure. So much so that narrowing it down to the 10 best of all times is quite the curveball. This top 10 list ranges from documentaries to "Feel Good" movies our kids will love, bringing us to number 10 on our list.

10. Angels in the Outfield (1994) - This movie, geared for a younger audience and perfect for families, stars Tony Danza And Danny Glover. An orphan, depressed from his Angels losing streak, prays for help. His prayers seem answered when actual angels start bringing the team to life and giving them a heavenly hand. This movie is guaranteed to open up kids' of all ages imaginations.

9. Baseball - This documentary by Ken Burns is perhaps one of the most detailed baseball series there is. While not for the casual sports fan, it is perfect for the avid baseball fanatic who cannot get his mind wrapped around enough information of America's Pastime.

8. 61* - Billy Crystal's 61* is a made for TV movie on HBO that captures the timeless story of the home run race between Roger Maris and teammate Mickey Mantle in 1961. With surprisingly good acting by Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane, the film shows how Babe Ruth's home run record is broken and chased by the M&M boys like no other film before.

7. Eight Men Out - Staring John Cusack and based off of the novel by Eliot Asimov, Eight Men Out tells of the "Black Sox Scandal" that changed the politics of Baseball forever. Known for being historically accurate, the movie effectively portrays how the Chicago White Sox threw the 1919 World Series in one of the most elaborate gambling cases of all time.

6. The Natural - A Classic Disney movie staring Robert Redford. While points are docked for not following the novel as closely as Eight Men Out does, the fairy tale ending caters to kids and families all over. About a mysterious ballplayer with a shocking amounts of power who helps a team turn their losing ways, this movie pleases fans who are looking for more of a classic feel and a happy ending.

5. A League of Their Own - A veteran cast including Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell, and Marylin Monroe guide this film relating to a significant breakthrough in history as women learn to play professional baseball while the men are overseas during World War II. Tom Hanks stars as a drunken ex-player who manages the Racine Belles' girls throughout the season. Props to the historical importance this film portrays.

4. Pride of the Yankees - A very highly acclaimed classic staring Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig. This movie depicts Gehrig's life accurately, following his love and passion for baseball since his childhood all the way through his career ending terminal disease. Extra runs are scored thanks to Babe Ruth's acting debut as himself. On a more feminine note, the romance between Lou and his wife might even send the boys home with a tear in their eye.

3. The Sandlot - The movie all the kids can watch over and over again! A timeless comedy for all ages! Staring Tom Guiry and Mike Vitar, The Sandlot takes you back to the childhood days where you could only dream of playing in the bigs. Full of quotable lines that never get old, this movie will no doubt keep your attention until the end. Little League Baseball is portrayed at its finest through a group of kids who play ball in a sandlot with nothing but passion for the game.

2. Major League - With a stellar cast of Tom Berenger and Charlie Sheen, this "Wild Thing" of a film won't let you stop laughing until it is over. While not the most original plot, an underdog team trying to make its way to the top, the diologue is filled with hysterical quotes aimed at older (teen to adult) audiences. The sequels hurt the original, but just the fact that a third movie was made after the disappointing Major League II shows how much of a home run the initial movie is.

1. Bull Durham - One for the ages. Kevin Costner at his finest. This film portrays a love triangle between a "hot stuff" rookie, Minor League veteran, and the team's groupie. This sexy movie will send you laughing with its comedy, romance, and baseball-centered outline. This movie ranks as not only the best baseball movie of all time, but also one of the most acclaimed dramas out there. This film is also home to Costner's infamous "I Believe..." speech with is loved by baseball fanatics everywhere.

Honorable Mentions (The ones that hit for extra bases but couldn't reach home) - For the Love of the Game, Field of Dreams, Bang the Drum Slowly, Hardball, The Rookie

Colorado Rockies

2010-01-17T22:09:00.002-06:00

New Season. Same Ballclub (Almost).

With the 2010 schedule out, everyone is starting to get anxious for opening day. For Colorado, this happens to be Monday, April 5th in Milwaukee, 12:10 MST. Our home opener, Friday, April 9th is scheduled for 2:10 MST against San Diego.

Major Additions: Jeff Francis off the DL. In the 2007 season, Francis had 17 wins, a club record. Catcher Miguel Olivio was also acquired to back up Ianneta, who is scheduled to start behind the dish this year. However, the most important addition is the permanent contract of Jim Tracy, who led the Rockies to an outstanding comeback last season towards the National League Wild Card.

Major Subtractions: Yorvit Torrealba gona, due to failure to reach arbitration. He is a Free Agent now. While not official yet, Free Agent Jason Giambi will probably sign outside of Colorado for next year. A DH/Backup 1st Base Role will suit him well, as Ryan Spilborghs can fill in the Pinch Hit Role for Colorado. As far as giving Helton a rest at 1st base, Brad Hawpe is re-learning the role he used to play in college at LSU.

Outfield: Hawpe looking to start in Right. Gonzales should start in Left regularly. Fowler will be in Center, and when he needs a rest, Gonzales can back him up. If that's the case, Smith will fill in in Left.

Media News: On Baseball Tonight, Aaron Boone stated Colorado will have a strong year.

Baseball - It's Unique Tribute to the World of Sports

2009-12-08T16:20:00.002-06:00

Baseball and Its Uniqueness
1. "The one constant through all the years has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It's been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that once was good, and what could be again." – Terrence Mann

2. Baseball is the only sport where coaches support the team enough to wear the uniform as well.

3. In baseball, if you miss a game, you only have to wait one day to watch the next one.

4. Other sporting arenas are identical. But all baseball parks are unique.

5. In baseball, the visitor bats first (courtesy), while the host bats last (for drama).

6. Baseball statistics open a whole new world to us.

7. Baseball has no penalties at all.

8. “Of all major team sports, baseball alone acknowledges perfect games in its record book.” – Good Reading magazine

9. Baseball is the only sport in which the defense controls the ball.

10. Baseball is the only sport capable of being played every single season. From Spring Training to the Regular Season, and from the Playoffs to Winter Ball Leagues.

11. Baseball is the only sport in which fans can catch a game-used ball and keep it as a souvenir.

12. “Baseball is the only endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer.” – Ted Williams

13. Baseball is the only sport when “Let’s play two!” is heard.

14. Physics argues that hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports.

15. “A baseball park is the one place where a man’s wife doesn’t mind his getting excited over somebody else’s curves.” – Brendan Francis

16. Baseball has the MLBPA, the Major League Baseball Players Association, a union that has represented its members better than any other sport.

17. There is only one sport that is referred to as the “National Pastime.”

18. “Baseball is the most intellectual game because most of the action goes on in your head.” – Henry Kissinger

19. Baseball demands perfection when played. The weather must be perfect – no rain.

20. Baseball is a gentleman’s sport. Name one other sport where players wear a belt, modest pants, AND tuck their shirt in.

21. Baseball is the only sport in which Instant Replays are kept to the absolute minimum.

22. “You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all.” - Earl Weaver

23. Baseball is the first sport to have integrated races to play on the same team – Jackie Robinson.

24. Baseball is the only sport to make use of a farm system, thanks to Branch Rickey.

25. How many TV timeouts do you see in Baseball?

26. Baseball honors its Hall of Famers during their Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony like no other sport.

27. Baseball has the best fans in the world. What other sports have fans who have cheered for their team who has not won a Championship in over 100 years?

28. Baseball relies on consistency. One bad game can easily be made up the very next day.

29. “It is impossible to isolate and objectively assess the contribution each [football] team member makes to the outcome of the play. [E]very basketball player is interacting with all of his teammates all the time. In baseball, by contrast, every player is more or less on his own. Baseball is therefore a realm of complete transparency and total responsibility. A baseball player lives in a glass house, and in a stark moral universe.... Everything that every player does is accounted for and everything accounted for is either good or bad, right or wrong.” – Michael Mandelbaum

Lost in Your Eyes

2009-11-11T22:34:00.002-06:00

A song I wrote a while ago. It's depressing :( but it's all chill :)

Lost In Your Eyes
By Tyler Kahn

It’s been a few years since I’ve last seen your face
Sometimes I feel I’m just taking up space
Especially since I’m not with you
If only we weren’t through

Memories and memories, what have they turned to?
When we’ve laughed, and cried, I’ve been more than blue
And at times I feel I’m worthless
This doesn’t make any sense

I remember getting lost in your eyes
Who would have thought all those feelings were lies?

I’ve loved you despite all the things that we’ve been through
But it doesn’t seem I was good enough for you
I meant every word that I said to your face
And it’s time those feelings get replaced

Spiritually, I looked up to you
All the signs showed that you were true
But you didn’t feel the same way
My springs and summers turned grey

Holding your hand is what I'm missing
All that’s left is reminiscing
When I sleep, you're all I dream of
I guess that’s what they call love

Jesus Emmanuel

2009-11-06T16:30:00.001-06:00

It has guitar too

Jesus Emmanuel
By Tyler Kahn

You are my one true love
The only God above
My saving hope and redeemer
The holy, sacred savior
You are my whole salvation
The leader of this nation
My lover and my father
You’re closer than a brother

Jesus, Emmanuel
You are forever, all eternity
You took my heart and made it new
I worship you in spirit and in truth
I love you, I love you
Oh Lord, I love you

You are the holy one
Jesus Christ, God’s son
My shelter and life-changer
Born in a humble manger
You spoke the earth to creation
My life and my foundation
You change the old to new
And we thank you
We thank you
We thank you

My Father
My healer
My savior
Great redeemer
My blessing
My everything
My saving grace

For all you Baylor students from Colorado!

2009-11-03T00:07:00.003-06:00

We wrote part one freshman year and I wrote part two over the summer. Both have guitar parts! We recorded Part one, if you want a copy, let me know :) We'll hopefully record Part Two sooner or later.

Part One - By Tyler Kahn and TJ Blease
A Psalm of missing Colorado from Baylor University

Walking in front of the SUB
If only there was time for some grub
For class is in six minutes
and its clear across this campus
There’s no time for food in the CUB

Well I aced my last test in Sid Rich
But lately math’s been a bitch
I walk past these fountains
But they’re no Rocky Mountains
No salmon, no bass, no fish

I’ve been here for two months now,
Not a forest for miles around,
I need some snow, but there’s no place to go,
I miss you Colorado
I miss you Colorado

Penland’s up next with free lunch
And my jello has some sort of crunch
There’s beef gyros on pitas
But there’s no line for pizzas
And there’s cereal and I got a bunch

Now it’s chapel with Burleson,
It’s been a whole week since I’ve been,
I’ve been kicked out for talking,
Now it’s time to start walking,
Back to Penland where my days begin

That good old Baylor line
No mountains with sharp declines!
Missing those Bighorn Sheep
Four wheeling on rocks with a jeep

Part Two - By Tyler Kahn
A Psalm of Missing Baylor University from Colorado

Walking before these foothills
This snow always gives me the chills
It’s a bit nippy outside
And there's moose right by my side
It’s too windy to kindle the grill

Well I miss wearing shorts year round
And the bears on the campus are sound
I walk past these mountains
But they’re no Sid Rich fountains
We shall study at Common Grounds

I’ve been here from May to July
And everyone’s way too high
I wanna see ALICO but there’s no place to go!
I miss you Baylor line,
I miss you Baylor line

I’m driving through a foot of snow
So I have to go extra slow
There’s a car crash survivor
It must be a Texas driver
Can they handle this blizzard? Oh no

Well I’m boarding at A-Basin
But I can’t frolick in the fountains
I’ve been craving DP Floats
But I’m stuck eating wild oats
And yellow snow every now and again

Purple mountain majesty
Oh, Baylor University
Rosa’s honey tortillas
And Penland’s steak quesadillas

Today is the Day!

2009-10-27T23:49:00.002-05:00

Today is the Day - Lincoln Brewster

I`m casting my cares aside
I`m leaving my past behind
I`m setting my heart and mind on You, Jesus!

I`m reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there`s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good, is good!

Today is the day You have made!
I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Today is the day You have made!
I will rejoice and be glad in it!
And I won`t worry about tomorrow
I`m trusting in what You say!
Today is the day!

I putting my fears aside
I`m leaving my doubts behind
I`m giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus!

I`m reaching my hands to Yours
Believing there`s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good, is good!

I will stand upon Your truth
And all my days I`ll live for You
And all my days I`ll live!

Today is the day You have made!
I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Today is the day You have made!
I will rejoice and be glad in it!
And I won`t worry about tomorrow!
I`m giving you my fears and sorrows!
Where you lead me I will follow!
I'm trusting in what you say!
Today is the day!

I was on a bear walk tonight, and this song came on in my worship mix on my iPod. I've been really stressed out lately because I got lots of tests and speeches coming up in the next week, and this song really helped me through it. It showed me that every day i live through, God made. He's put the tests in my path and is going to help me through it, as long as I do my part by studying for them. This goes for other things as well, not just tests - like job decisions, relationships, applying to college, etc.

And when I am particularly stressed out, I can give God my fears and sorrows because he's going to lead me to the right place. He has something literally 'awesome' for me and he'll do the worrying for me.

Matthew 6:34 says "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." It isn't our job to stress out about the next day. It's our job to take care of things as they are happening, one step at a time, knowing God is there with us, helping us out all along the way.

Postseason!

2009-10-21T16:31:00.003-05:00

Ah! October! The one month of the year where baseball overshadows football. Filled with rabid anticipation, wild uncertainty, and heart-pounding tension! Where underdogs are bound to leap on top! Where dreams begin and legends are born! Where one small mistake could cost the glory of winning for the agony of defeat! This is it! This is where teams make or break there fan’s hearts! This is where cities come together – in joy or in sorrow. This is where kids experience in their hearts the magic of baseball. It gives you every chance you have to be great, and then it puts every pressure on you to prove you haven’t got what it takes! You can’t just sit on a lead and kill the clock. You gotta throw the ball over the plate and give the enemy a chance! And when the ball meets the bat, damn, if you don’t feel like you’re going to live forever! It’s postseason! It’s the home of young heroes, new underdogs, and experienced legends! And home to your National League Wild Card Champions, the COLORADO ROCKIES!

And Congrats to Jim Tracy, the National League Manager of the year! After taking over a team that was 18-28 with Clint Hurdle, Tracy led the Rockies to being 22 games over .500 and National League Wild Card Champions!