- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Rox rotation should follow De La Rosa’s lead
- Updated: September 21, 2016
DENVER — Jorge De La Rosa was a 10-year baseball journeyman, who spent the bulk of his time bouncing around in the Minor Leagues with the D-backs, Red Sox, Brewers and Royals, when the Rockies decided to give him a shot. In spring 2008, Colorado acquired him from Kansas City to complete a trade for Ramon Ramirez.
“None of the metrics look good, but [scout] Terry Wetzel saw something in him and really believed in him,” former Rockies manager Dan O’Dowd remembered. “The Royals were down on him, so we decided to see what might happen.”
The answer to the question: plenty.
De La Rosa, who will turn 36 two days after the Rockies’ scheduled April 3 opener next season, made what manager Walt Weiss said will be his final start of the season on Tuesday night against the Cardinals. It most likely is the final start of his Rockies career.
A free agent in the fall, De La Rosa would not seem to fit in a Rockies rotation that is built on promising youth. He, however, leaves with a legacy of success.
“He has shown that you can pitch at Coors Field and win games there,” said O’Dowd. “He has been a great contributor and has shown you can survive just fine.”
The numbers don’t lie. Coors Field has been De La Rosa’s salvation.
In parts of five big league seasons with the Brewers and Royals, De La Rosa was a combined 15-23 with a 5.85 ERA in 97 games, 41 of which were starts.
Things changed in Colorado. De La Rosa went into Tuesday with the most victories (86-60) and best winning percentage (.589) in franchise history. He is the Rockies’ all-time strikeout leader with 977 going into Tuesday, and …
