Troy Renck checks in with a couple of Rockies news items, including more contract details for the recently-signed Miguel Olivo:
- Olivo is guaranteed $2.5MM in 2010, as opposed to the initial reports of $2MM. Olivo also has incentives for games started, which Renck believes kick in around the 105 games mark. Should Olivo hit this mark, he'll earn an extra $500K for the season, and his $2.5MM mutual option for 2011 will vest.
- Olivo will compete with Chris Iannetta for playing time in 2010, and according to Olivo's agent, Martin Arburua, the Rockies' philosophy will be a very simple one: "Let the best man win."
- In dealing with the Rockies, Arburua also discussed another of his clients, Miguel Batista. The soon-to-be 39-year-old posted a 4.04 ERA through 71.1 innings for Seattle last season, notching his highest K/9 rate (6.56) since 2003. However, he also posted an ugly 4.92 BB/9, and his FIP on the year checked in at 4.64
Miguel Olivo needs to improve his OBP. If he does he could really prove to have been a valuable signing for the Rox.
And if my aunt had a ****, she’d be my uncle. Iannetta should be the starter. If Olivo meets his GS incentive, the Rox will be poorer for it.
I totally agree. But the best thing about having Olivo? He brings power to the plate, and allows the Rockies to have a RH power bat on the bench regardless as to who is catching when the opposing team sends out a lefty specialist.
Add in all the extra OF’s the Rockies can field (Hawpe, Fowler, Smith, EY Jr, Spilborghs), and you’ve got yourself many viable options for pinch hitting and in the case of EY, pinch running.
I really like the Rockies chances this year. They mostly hinge though on Iannetta bouncing back and Francis making a successful return to the show.
yeah absolutley. I do wonder about their rotation though.
Cook
Jimenez
De La Rosa
Hammel
Francis
I hope Francis stays healthy
Yes, but if Adam Dunn improved his contact rate and defense he could be a Hall of Famer. There is no good reason to think Olivo can improve his walk rate, in 2631 ABs over 8 major league seasons Olivo has 98 base on balls. Ninety eight! That total barely makes the top ten for last season, and for a career it speaks of someone who’s approach is entirely antithetical to taking.
Olivo’s power and the position he plays give him value, and the contract is actually very good in my opinion, but don’t expect him to become something he’s not now and never will to be: patient.
I wouldn’t bank on that happening anytime soon, Dave:
link to fangraphs.com
Still, either way I think Olivo is a useful player, and for what it’s worth, his walk rate did actually go up quite a bit last year. However, that doesn’t say much when it started off in the mid-2% range.
Strange too, because in his first three seasons he actually had a pretty decent eye at the plate.
Let Iannetta play! He has tons of potential – yes, he’ll strike out a lot but with full playing time he could hit 25+ HRs with a .360+ OBP. Those are amazing numbers from a catcher. Stop giving at bats to below average bums like Torrealba and Olivo and there ~.300 OBPs.
but but he was clutch but but he’s firey and latin therefore latin pitchers and and and and
Iannetta’s the better catcher. In every way. Bam.