At this time last year, at least behind the plate, the Rockies had a constant.
It probably wasn't the constant they wanted, but the had no choice. Much like the second base position this year, the Rockies had a player they wanted to win the spot----only one little problem---he couldn't do it.
Well, as they say, that was then and this is now.
Back at the start of 2007, Chris Ianetta was seen as the Rockies catcher of the future with a chance to learn in the present. Yorvit Torrealba was a career transient, just lookiing to make the team. He won the job and the prized prospect went to down to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
With the personable Torrealba calling the signals, the Rockies went to the World Series. His background in Spanish helped im work effectively with young pitchers Manny Corpas, Ublado Jiminez, and Franklin Morales.
He also came up with some key hits to help spark what is now known in these parts as "Rocktober".
Late in 2007, Ianetta received a call up and while he contributed, it was less than what Torrealba had given them with the bat and the glove. Strangely enough, as spring training began, it seemed like it was Torrealba's job lose.
He had an off-season signing with the Mets declined due to a failed physical and came back to Colorado, where management would seemingly have an upper hand in a deal for a new contract. Still, if he outperformed Ianetta, Torrealba would continue to stunt the development of the can't miss prospect who seemingly can't get on the field.
To state it once more, that was then and this is now.
The pendulum has shifted. As of Thursday night, Ianetta is batting .353 with 3 home runs. His two-run triple in the eighth Wednesday was the reason the Rockies finally defeated the Cardinals after much frustration.
His competition, Torrelba is batting .235 and it seems clear Ianetta's hot play of late has been the spark this team needed. In addition,Torrealba's ability to communicate with the team's young pitchers appears a light concern, at least momentarily. Morales is headed back to the minors. Corpas lost his job as closer. Jiminez is the only one left but has been shaky at times.
I think it's safe to say the shaky part of Ianetta's career may have come and gone.
Have a great day.
-"z"
