Mile High Sports Rockies Podcast

The Rockies sit at 6-7 through their first 13 games, a disappointing start by some standards. The 2-4 opening homestand didn't help, but the fact that only one team in the N.L. West has a winning record provides some relief. Casey Light and Jake Meier look at the high and lows of the first 13 games, including surprising performances and who needs to step up moving forward. Plus, a preview of the pitching matchups as the Rockies head to Washington for a big four-game series with the Nationals. It's all in this edition of the Blake Street Irregulars presented by [Tap XIV](http://www.tapfourteen.com/).

The Rockies kicked off the 2018 home slate with the second-coldest game in Coors Field history. The bats were almost as cold this weekend, scoring just 6 runs against the Braves. Casey Light and Ronnie K look back at the Atlanta series, then preview the upcoming three-game set with San Diego. That, plus a close look at new closer Wade Davis through his first five appearances, in this edition of Blake Street Irregulars presented by [Tap XIV](http://www.tapfourteen.com/).

The Rockies announced on Wednesday that they have signed Charlie Blackmon to a six-year contract (with two player options) that could keep him in Colorado through 2023. Reports put the contract value at up to $116 million dollars. Casey Light and Aniello Piro offer their instant reaction to the news, including a look into the future of the Rockies' payroll and how this signing could impact Nolan Arenado's impending free agency. That and more in this edition of the Blake Street Irregulars podcast presented by [Tap XIV](http://www.tapfourteen.com/).

The Colorado Rockies went 1-2 in their season-opening series in Arizona. The starting pitchers gave out too many free passes. Trevor Story remains a strikeout machine (while Adam Ottavino appears back to being one). And the Rockies scored all but one of their runs in the series via the home run. Casey Light examines how the three true outcomes (walks, strikeouts and home runs) dictated the series and what needs to change against San Diego. That and more are inside this edition of Blake Street Irregulars presented by [Tap XIV](http://www.tapfourteen.com/).

After months of waiting for baseball's return, it's no surprise that the internet was rife with overreaction on Opening Day. That certainly held true for Rockies fans, who saw their team fall 8-2 to the D-Backs. Among the overreactions: Get DJ LeMahieu out of the No. 2 spot... Chris Rusin will win the Cy Young... Chris Rusin is a bum... Nolan Arenado will hit 162 home runs... Jon Gray can't pitch... The Rockies are toast... and so many more.Casey Light and Aniello Piro try to separate the real concerns from the overreactions in this edition of the Blake Street Irregulars presented by [Tap XIV](http://www.tapfourteen.com/).

Through no fault of his own over the past year, Ian Desmond has been on a bit of a yo-yo in terms of what his role is with the Rockies. He'll start at first base on Opening Day, but this season could see him play all over the field and bat all over the lineup. Aniello Piro joins Casey Light to to talk about his conversations with Desmond this spring and how consistency is the key to a bounce-back year for the two-time All-Star.

The Rockies are celebrating their 25th anniversary this season, and fans would be ecstatic if that celebration culminated with the first division title in franchise history. To honor the #Rockies25th, Casey Light explores the 25 key stats that would help deliver NL West crown No. 1. It's a special extended edition of the Blake Street Irregulars presented by [Tap XIV.](http://www.tapfourteen.com/)

The cover story in [Mile High Sports Magazine](https://milehighsports.com/subscribe)'s April edition explores how the Rockies have become a team built "From the Mound Up." Editor-in-Chief Doug Ottewill, who penned the cover story, joins Casey Light to preview the issue and offer a behind-the-scenes look at his conversations with Rockies GM Jeff Bridich, Pitching Coach Steve Foster, Bullpen Coach Darren Holmes and Manager Bud Black. That, plus in-depth talk about the makeup of Colorado's pitching staff, can be found in this edition of Blake Street Irregulars presented by [Tap XIV.](http://www.tapfourteen.com/)

We're always told not to read too much into Spring Training stats, but some players who are expected to be major contributors in 2018 are having a rocky go of it so far. Ronnie K was down in Arizona last week. He joins Casey Light to break down which Rockies with ugly spring numbers are cause for concern, and which ones will be just fine come Opening Day. That, plus Bud Black's roster continues to become more clear. It's all in this edition of the Blake Street Irregulars podcast presented by [Tap XIV](http://www.tapfourteen.com/).

The Rockies open regular season play in two weeks. Jon Gray is pegged as the No. 1 starter in the rotation. How will spots 2 through 5 shake out? And how much will performances in Spring Training influence Bud Black's decision? Casey Light and Aniello Piro set their rotations, plus look at key injuries that could impact the Opening Day roster. And what the heck is wrong with Ian Desmond's swing? All that and more in the latest Blake Street Irregulars presented by [Tap XIV.](http://www.tapfourteen.com/)

Carlos Gonzalez has officially re-signed with the Colorado Rockies on a one-year contract that both sides hope will pay big dividends. (Gonzalez with equity towards a long-term deal next offseason, the Rockies with a reliable right fielder and clubhouse leader who can help deliver another postseason run).Casey Light and Renaud Notaro explore why the signing took so long, what to expect from Gonzalez in 2018 and what effect his return will have on the starting lineup and the 25-man roster. It's all about CarGo in this edition of the Blake Street Irregulars presented by [Tap XIV](http://www.tapfourteen.com/).

Bud Black seems set on moving Charlie Blackmon out of the leadoff spot. Should we be concerned with his potential replacement's slow start to Cactus League play? Is it a case of "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" Speaking of broke, Nolan Arenado recently said he doesn't want to negotiate a contract extension in 2018. Is that a sign he's going to eventually break the bank in Denver? Casey Light and Coach Les discuss all of that, plus why the Rockies aren't getting respect locally or nationally.

Mile High Sports Magazine Editor-in-Chief Doug Ottewill was in Scottsdale last week in preparation for the 2018 Rockies Preview edition. Colorado has suddenly become a pitching-minded organization. Doug and Casey Light dive into how that transformation occurred and how it will shape the 2018 season. Plus, Doug explains why you don't want to interrupt Wade Davis' sudoku.

It's Dr. Seuss' birthday! In this edition of the Blake Street Irregulars podcast presented by Tap XIV, Casey Light and David Johnson look at "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" the Rockies can do right now to help meet expectations for 2018 that seem to be getting bigger every day. The starting 8 and the bullpen seem set, indeed. So, let's add a starter and address a bench need!

Charlie Blackmon makes his 2018 Spring Training debut, and he'll be hitting third in the lineup. Is Rockies manager Bud Black serious about moving Blackmon out of the leadoff spot? If so, what ramifications does that have for the rest of the lineup? Casey Light and Benny Bash explore the possibilities in this edition of the Blake Street Irregulars podcast presented by Tap XIV.

The Rockies open Cactus League play on Friday and expectations are as high as they have ever been for the club. Casey Light and Aniello Piro take a look at every position on the diamond and gauge whether or not the different bodies at that position can meet the expectations set in 2017 with a run to the playoffs. It's an extra-large, extended edition of the podcast, so settle in and get ready for some baseball!

Position players report to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Monday, but much of the chatter is about who is not there. Carlos Gonzalez and Mark Reynolds remain free agents, while the Rockies have put a top prospect atop the depth chart at first base. Casey Light and Benny Bash examine what message that sends to CarGo and Reynolds, not to mention stars like Nolan Arenado. That, plus what to expect from top prospect Brendan Rodgers, is all in this edition of the Blake Street Irregulars podcast presented by Tap XIV.

Pitchers and catchers are in Arizona, officially in uniform with coaches on hand! For the first time in what feels like Rockies history, the club has a plethora of plus-side arms to choose from in the bullpen. Casey Light and Doug Ottewill break down the eight bullpen spots Bud Black is likely to deploy to start the season, plus they examine how the abundance of available starters might impact bullpen roles.

Love is in the air this Feb. 14, and not just because it's Valentine's Day. Rockies pitchers and catchers have their first workout of the year, and expectations are sky-high this season. Casey Light and Benny Bash take a look at the seven starters who contributed significantly to last year's 87-win season and size up which of those will comprise Bud Black's Opening Day rotation.

Rockies pitchers and catchers report today, with their first workout scheduled for Wednesday. Casey Light and Shawn Drotar examine the four catchers on the 40-man roster and look at moves Colorado could still make to shore up the position.