Colorado Rockies news and links for Thursday, February 27, 2025
“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”
This sport, amongst the oldest and most storied of our country’s traditions, has graced us as fans with moments of absolute elation and unparalleled joy. José Bautista’s home run against the Rangers, David Freese’s triple in 2011, even Scott Oberg striking out the side in the National League Wild Card game – each of these iconic events brought fire to the hearts of baseball enthusiasts, and to the players in the middle of them.
That last part is especially important, in my estimation, because baseball has historically been a game in which the expression of intense emotion is often frowned upon, or at least unencouraged. The flipping of bats or reacting too strongly to a strikeout is considered a cardinal sin by some, and players have had to face the consequences of these actions in ways that are equally as polarizing.
But forget that, man. This sport is meant to be played with passion, and for my money, is at its most fun when players are having as much fun as we are. It’s for that reason that I’m happy to see some of the Colorado Rockies that aren’t afraid to let their emotions run high a bit.
Take Zac Veen, who, upon launching his first home run of spring training, followed up with an emphatic flip of his bat.
Did he perhaps send his bat a bit too close to the opposing pitcher? Eh, maybe. But let me tell you, that’s a small price to pay for such an excellent show of swagger. Veen’s in the middle of a spring training showcase that could very well end with him earning a starting role in Colorado’s outfield (especially if Nolan Jones and Jordan Beck continue to struggle as they have), and it’s therefore understandable that his emotions are running high throughout February and March.
I’m sure some will take issue with this performative act, especially those in the “none of this matters because it’s spring” camp, but I love seeing this kind of confidence from a player that many consider to be a standard-bearer for the future of the Rockies.
Speaking of acts sure to garner heat, let’s look to newly-signed reliever Jefry Yan. When he was brought on to the Rockies, the discussion immediately turned to the flamboyant strikeout celebrations that he had employed in his time in the Minor Leagues and Nippon Professional Baseball. As you’d expect, some found them to be athletic displays of jubilation, while others judged them as overly-celebratory and borderline disrespectful.
The question, then, was whether Yan would continue to utilize this move once in the presence of big league players, coaches, and managers in this year’s spring festivities. This week, we got our answer.
Sorry to anyone offended, but yeah, I love this. It’s no doubt a bit over the top when compared even to celebrations such as Fernando Rodney’s or Brian Wilson’s, but it’s just plain fun to see. With the trials and tribulations involved with even being invited to play with an MLB team in spring, let alone genuinely compete for a roster spot, it makes sense that a 28-year-old would be excited about being in such as a situation. Of course, Yan will need to focus more on his actual work on the mound than his post-strikeout move, but he’s off to a decent start thus far and will hopefully continue to make a case for a roster spot in the Rockies bullpen. If he does, we may see him hop into the thin air of Coors Field sooner than later.
It’s not just celebratory poses, though. Baseball can also bring out the more negative side of the emotional spectrum, and that’s okay too. For example, Rockies fans will remember when Kyle Freeland, after a tough start against the Padres in 2022, decided to take his frustrations out on a light in the dugout.
Again, this is certainly an extreme example of emotions getting the better of a player, but we all know Freeland to be a fierce competitor with a strong drive to win. I certainly don’t want him to hurt himself, but I appreciate a pitcher showing the frustration that so many likely feel after a lackluster outing. The Denver native is viewed as a leader by some, and seeing your leader react in that way will likely result in one of two possible mindsets – either “Wow, I really want to win for him to save him that frustration,” or “Wow, I really don’t want to get in his way.” Or hey, maybe a bit of both!
Freeland is a crucial part of Colorado’s future plans, and wears his emotions on his sleeves. I have no issue with this, because like some other greats in the league, sometimes striving to be great means losing your cool every so often.
It’s hard to quantify exactly what kind of effect that emotional reactions can have on players. Can they be a distraction at times? Probably. But they also show the energy and enthusiasm with which these athletes play the sport, and in an era of increasing visibility into the ins and outs of the game, I’m fine with – and even excited by – more Rockies players losing themselves in the moment and just…reacting, be it by a bat flip, broken light, or whatever cool celebration we’ll see next.
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Feltner’s strong finish, and this key pitch, spark confidence for ‘25 | MLB.com
Ryan Feltner will once again be a pivotal piece of the Rockies rotation this season, and he’s confident he can make a difference. It’s not just talk, either – Feltner has done the work to take the leap in 2025, including adding a new weapon to his repertoire.
Rockies Mailbag: Which young player will break through in 2025? | Denver Post ($$)
All eyes are on the youngsters trying to break camp with Colorado’s big league squad. Will we see a new fifth starter? Maybe a fresh-faced outfielder? Our guy Patrick Saunders breaks down who’s got the inside track.
Dark horses to make the Rockies’ opening day roster | Rox Pile
Speaking of trying to make the team, Rox Pile has their own ideas as to who will make the cut. Compare and contrast their list to Saunders’, and let me know who you think will be on the main squad in the comments below!
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