Colorado Rockies news and links for Monday, May 19th, 2025
We all need a vacation sometimes. Maybe even—perhaps especially even—people who write about the Colorado Rockies. Unfortunately, I decided to frame my vacation around said Rockies. I headed deep in the heart of Texas to catch our purple-clad heroes play three games against the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers.
In my defense, I had chosen to take this trip when the 2025 schedule was released, back when we only knew the Rockies were probably going to be bad and have another losing season. No one knew quite how dire things would turn out.
While I was waiting for a bus to head to the airport, I heard the news of Bud Black’s firing
Naturally, I had already finished what was supposed to be the Monday Rockpile and recorded a podcast where I lamented at length the embattled skipper’s continued tenure with the team. While it was the right move by the organization, I can’t help but laugh at the Rockies’ hilariously awkward sense of timing kicking in right as I was hitting the road. The column was shelved since it was no longer timely, but hopefully I can still release it at some point this season.
At the very least, while I was in Arlington, I could witness the beginning of the Warren Schaeffer Era in Rockies history. I had tickets to all three ballgames.
Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas first opened in 2020 with some considerable fun poked at its enormous retractable roof. Even the Rockies took a shot at the Rangers’ new home in a long-since deleted tweet.
It’s actually quite a shame because the roof is a distraction from a beautiful ballpark.
There are plenty of fantastic seats and sight-lines in the stadium, some appealing architectural choices, and many other interesting features. The park is also full of monuments—statues, art installations, plaques, and more—dedicated to the history of the organization since the Washington Senators became the Rangers in 1972.
The honoring of the past at Globe Life field is something I have argued the Rockies should try to emulate at Coors Field.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Admittedly, the Globe Life Field is at its best when the roof is open. Unfortunately, that opportunity is rare due to the very hot and frequently damp weather in Arlington during the baseball season. The Rangers had the roof open just ten times last year and just 67 times in the stadium’s history through the end of the 2024 season.
Thankfully, I was able to enjoy a game with the roof open on Monday—the series opener—due to lovely weather despite the humidity. For the rest of the series, I was grateful for a closed roof and climate control. The temperature in Arlington was in the mid-to-high 90s for the next few days in addition to the somewhat oppressive humidity. It made for a very comfortable viewing experience.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
There’s not much to say about the games themselves. As you well know, the Rockies were swept by the Rangers. However, there were enjoyable parts of the experience.
Watching Chase Dollander dominate through 5 2⁄3 innings against the Rangers—to the frustration of the Rangers fans around me—was a highlight. Dollander was in need of a strong outing and he delivered in a hostile environment despite having no run support.
It was also a lot of fun to watch Rockies batting practice from various angles each day. On Monday’s game I was out in the outfield and watched relief pitcher Jimmy Herget absolutely refuse to throw any balls sent his way into the stands for the clamoring Texan children as he was deep in conversation with an unidentified coach.
That “coach,” I later found out, was former Rockies great Aaron Cook. The 2008 All-Star pitcher currently lives in Oklahoma and was visiting with the Rockies in a consultation capacity during the series.
When I caught batting practice from the third base side—where the visiting dugout is located—I got the chance to say high to Cook. He seemed delighted to be recognized and signed a ball for me with a smile. It was one of the highlights of the entire trip for me.
I also enjoyed brief interactions with Owen Miller—who was designated for assignment after the series—and Ryan Spilborghs. Both were absolutely lovely.
I was also surprised by my interactions with the fans. There were very, very few Rockies fans in attendance during the series as a whole and the crowd was decently packed. However, the vibe between myself and the Rangers fans rarely felt antagonistic.
It was pity more than anything. Very few Rangers fans could name any one Rockies player, but they recognized that the team was bad. There were a few apologies and knowing glances from Rangers fans about the state of the Rockies throughout the three games.
After the Rockies ended up losing the first game of the series due to one bad pitch from Chase Dollander, a boisterous Rangers fan sitting next to me turned and apologized. He stated that Dollander had pitched a great game and he know he was one of the bright spots of the Rockies season so far. He had spent the first 5 2⁄3 innings of the game complaining that the Rangers—who have had offensive struggles of their own—were making Dollander look like a Cy Young candidate.
Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
On the other hand, I did get frustrated as multiple Rangers ushers suggested I head to the team store and replace my Rockies gear with paraphernalia for “a good team” or “the right team.”
After the Rockies series, I capped off my trip with two more baseball games. I caught the series opener for the Silver Boot Series against the visiting Houston Astros. There I was treated to an absolute delight of a pitcher’s duel between Jacob deGrom and Hunter Brown, ending in a Rangers win.
I also headed out to Frisco to catch a RoughRiders game. The Frisco RoughRiders are the Rangers’ Double-A affiliate and they walked off the Corpus Christi Hooks in 12 innings.
I will admit, as much as I love the Rockies, it was nice to enjoy two games where I had little in terms of emotional investment yet the team I was casually rooting for not only stood a chance but even won!
Ultimately, I did not end up regretting planning an entire trip around Rockies baseball. Despite the losses it was both a rewarding and enjoyable trip. However, I definitely wouldn’t mind if the Rockies actually won a few games the next time I follow them on the road.
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On the Farm
Triple-A: Tacoma Rainiers 11, Albuquerque Isotopes 8
Despite ten hits and 9 walks, the Isotopes were unable to come away with a victory and were outhit by the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners). Ryan Ritter went 3-for-4 and was just a home run away from the cycle while Warming Bernabel and Yanquiel Fernández both had two hits on the day.
Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies 5, Hartford Yard Goats 4
Gabriel Hughes had his first difficult start of the season, giving up four earned runs on seven hits in 4 1⁄3 innings of work against the Rumble Ponies (New York Mets). Victor Juarez gave up another earned run while allowing six hits in two innings of work, but the rest of the bullpen kept the game within reach for the Yard Goats. Nic Kent plated two of the Yard Goats’ runs on a triple, while Bryant Betancourt and Braiden Ward both had two hits.
High-A: Eugene Emeralds 3, Spokane Indians 1
The Indians offense failed to get much done despite having seven hits against the Eugene Emeralds (San Francisco Giants) pitching staff. They were just 1-for-3 with runners in scoring position and had just one extra base hit via a double from EJ Andrews Jr. The Indians pitching staff gave up a combined three earned runs on six hits and struck out ten batters, but were saddled with the loss without run support.
Low-A: Lake Elsinore Storm 12, Fresno Grizzlies 3
Three of the Grizzlies’ four pitchers used in their finale against the Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres) gave up four earned runs. Tommy Hopfe and Kevin Fitzer both hit doubles, but the Grizzlies went 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and scored just three runs.
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‘It was all worth it’: Rox prospect fulfills family dream | MLB.com
Rockies rookie Carson Palmquist had a difficult debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, but was proud to make his debut in front of friends and family that made the trip to Arizona to see him.
“It means the most to them, they’re crying happy tears 24/7 and just telling me how proud they are,” he said. “It’s been special to be able to share it with them, especially my dad, who took me all over the place, and my older brother, who played pro ball but didn’t quite make it up here.”
Rockies interim manager Warren Schaeffer ‘hates losing, but keeps hoping’ | Denver Post ($)
New Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer has been a part of the Rockies organization since the team drafted him in 2007. Almost 20 years later he’s now getting his chance at the big league managerial role. Praised as an excellent communicator and positive—but not delusional—Schaeffer looks to turn this team around and build a new culture. He also knows Rockies fans are frustrated.
“Rightfully so,” he said. “Because they want to see a good product on the field. They deserve that. One of my goals is to do that, with a day-to-day plan, moving forward. I feel like, moving forward, this thing can get rolling. I’m a big believer.”
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