Chris Iannetta Reportedly Signs 2-Year Contract with Colorado Rockies
Dec 8, 2017
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 7: Chris Iannetta #8 of the Arizona Diamondbacks looks to the dugout in between pitches during Game Two of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks/Getty Images)
Veteran catcher Chris Iannetta reportedly agreed to a deal with the Colorado Rockies on Friday.
Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Iannetta's contract is for two years.
Iannetta, 34, will be playing for his fourth team in as many years. He had a solid 2017 campaign for the Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting .254 with 17 home runs, 43 RBI and 38 runs in 89 contests, as he spent much of the first half playing behind Jeff Mathis.
It was a solid power resurgence for Iannetta, whose 17 dingers were as many as he had the previous two seasons combined for the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners.
That total was also the most homers he managed since he hit 18 with the Colorado Rockies in 2008, while his RBI total was the most he knocked in since 2014. He also set a career high in slugging percentage (.511), and his OPS (.865) was the second-highest mark of his career.
The Rockies will certainly be hoping for an encore of that performance. Iannetta isn't an elite defensive catcher, so if he doesn't deliver solid power numbers, his value takes a pretty big hit. If he can provide consistent pop, however, he'll be a bargain addition.
The Rockies needed to address the catcher position this offseason.
Colorado's catchers collectively posted a .249/.342/.332 slash line in 2017, so even if Iannetta regresses to his career OPS of .754 next season, he will be a huge upgrade for a team that has high expectations coming off its first playoff appearance since 2009.
Rockies Clinch 2017 MLB Playoff Berth with Brewers Loss
Sep 30, 2017
Colorado Rockies left fielder Ian Desmond, center fielder Charlie Blackmon and right fielder Carlos Gonzalez, from left, jump after the Rockies defeated theLos Angeles Dodgers 9-1 in a baseball game Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado enters play against the Dodgers on Saturday with a record of 87-73, while the Diamondbacks are 92-68.
This marks the Rockies' first trip to the postseason since 2009 when they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.
Two years earlier, the Boston Red Sox swept Colorado in the World Series. The Rockies have now reached the playoffs four times in their 25-year existence.
Colorado has been bolstered by a deep and powerful lineup this season, led by a pair of NL MVP candidates in third baseman Nolan Arenado and outfielder Charlie Blackmon.
Arenado is hitting .307 with 37 home runs and 130 RBI, while Blackmon is hitting .329 with 37 homers and 103 RBI primarily out of the leadoff spot.
The Rockies have also received better-than-expected production from a young and experienced pitching staff with four starters winning at least 10 games.
Colorado will have a major challenge on its hands in the NL Wild Card Game, as it went 8-11 against the Diamondbacks this season.
Nolan Arenado Exits Game vs. Braves with Hand Injury
Aug 17, 2017
Colorado Rockies' Nolan Arenado looks at the flight of a solo home run ball hit against Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Per Nick Groke of the Denver Post, Arenado was removed after Braves outfielder Lane Adams hit a grounder that nailed Colorado's All-Star on his left hand.
Arenado was already dealing with a contusion on the same hand after being hit by a pitch from Miami Marlins pitcher Vance Worley during a game on Sunday.
Should Arenado miss extended time, it would leave a huge void in the middle of Colorado's lineup and at third base. The 26-year-old has been an All-Star in each of the last three seasons and led the National Leaguein RBI each of the past two. He's currently leading the Senior Circuit in RBI again in 2017, with 103 coming into Thursday.
In addition to his RBI prowess, Arenado's 27 homers leads the Rockies, and his .590 slugging percentageranks second. He's also one of the best defensive third basemen in Major League Baseball. His 17 defensive runs saved led all NL players, per FanGraphs.
The Rockies have been a surprise team in the NL this season, though their accomplishments have been overshadowed by virtue of playing in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers. Their 67-53 recordis third-best in the NL, making Arenado's potential absence even more significant as they continue a push to the playoffs.
MLB Players and Teams Welcome Back Chad Bettis After Returning from Cancer
Chad Bettis made his triumphant return to the mound Monday night. In his first start since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in November 2016, the Colorado Rockies pitcher tossed seven scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
The baseball community showed an outpouring of support for Bettis, who finished chemotherapy in May after doctors found his cancer had spread to his lymph nodes in March. His club captured his Coors Field comeback and candid dugout moments.
Jon Lester can relate to Bettis' journey back to baseball. In 2006, the then-rookie pitcher was diagnosed with lymphoma. He pitched in the World Series the following year to capture his first of three championships as one of MLB's premier aces.
The Chicago Cubs veteran sent a touching message to Bettis, who responded with more kind words.
@cbettis35 We haven't met, but I don't have to know you to call you brother. From my family to yours, congratulations on your return. #NVRQT
On Monday night, the Rockies tweeted, "The only score that matters tonight" with a "0" next to cancer. Multiple MLB teams responded with congratulatory messages.
Bettis thanked everyone for their support on Instagram.
[Twitter, Instagram]
Rockies' Chad Bettis Throws 7 Shutout Innings in 1st Start Since Beating Cancer
Aug 14, 2017
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 14: Starting pitcher Chad Bettis #35 of the Colorado Rockies delivers to home plate during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field on August 14, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. Bettis is making his first start of the season following treatment for testicular cancer. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Bettis went seven shutout innings, allowing six hits and striking out two batters. It was his first start since he underwent treatment for testicular cancer. The Rockies tweeted out his introduction before the game:
Bettisreceived a congratulatory tweet from Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher JamesonTaillon, who underwent treatment earlier this year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer:
Ready to watch @cbettis35 return to a big league mound, right back where you belong brother! Never a doubt you would be back this year!
Bettisfirst revealed to ESPN.com'sJerryCrasnickin December that he had surgery after being diagnosed with cancer. The 28-year-oldbeganchemotherapy in March after the cancer returned. Two months later, he posted a photo onInstagramannouncing his chemotherapy was over:
Prior to Monday's start,Bettismade six minor league appearances across the Double-A and Triple-A circuits. He went 0-3 with a 4.24 ERA in 23.1 innings.
His return to the Rockies will provide a big emotional boost to his teammates, and more tangibly, he gives Colorado another veteran starter during a key point of the season.
The Rockies entered Monday night 18 games back of the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers but were tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks atop the NL wild-card race.Bettiscould be a key piece of the rotation as the franchise looks to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
Nolan Arenado Suffers Hand Injury During Rockies vs. Marlins; X-Rays Negative
Aug 13, 2017
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 04: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies circle the bases after hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on August 4, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Colorado Rockiesannounced third baseman Nolan Arenado exited Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Miami Marlins with a left hand contusion after he was hit by a pitch.
X-rays were negative.
Losing Arenado down the stretch would be a difficult injury for the Rockies. The three-time All-Star is slashing .313/.361/.588 with 26 home runs and 100 RBI and is a primary reason his team is in the middle of the playoff race.
Arenado also drilled 42 homers and knocked in 130 RBI and earned his third straight Gold Glove Award on the hot corner in 2015. He was a Gold Glover and All-Star again in 2016 with 41 home runs and 133 RBI.
Arenado is one part of the heart of Colorado's lineup alongside Charlie Blackmon, and losing him for significant time would make competing in the National League all the more difficult.
The Rockies will likely turn toward Pat Valaika or Alexi Amarista to fill in at third base until Arenado returns. Each of them is versatile enough to play all over the infield, and they at least give manager Bud Black some options with his daily lineup card.
Valaika or Amarista are fine options in the short term, but Colorado needs a healthy Arenado anchoring the lineup to reach its full potential.
Chad Bettis to Start vs. Braves in 1st Game Since Testicular Cancer Treatment
Aug 13, 2017
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 30: Chad Bettis #35 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field on September 30, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
It's the first time Bettis will take the mound in an MLB game since he began undergoing treatment for testicular cancer.
Bettis told ESPN.com'sJerry Crasnickthat doctors had diagnosed him with cancer last November, at which point he had surgery to remove one of his testicles.
"The surgeon is very confident that the cancer was isolated and has not spread and that my ability to have children should not be affected," Bettis said. "The Rockies and the MLBPA have been great, and I truly appreciate the care and support shown by [general manager] Jeff Bridich to both me and my family."
The cancerreturnedin March, and the 28-year-old right-hander began chemotherapy. He confirmed on Instagram in May he had completed the treatment:
Bettis went 14-8 with a 4.79 ERA and a 4.26 FIP in 2016, according toBaseball-Reference.com.
He rejoins the Rockies' active roster as the team is in position to reach the postseason for the first time since 2009. With a 65-51 record, Colorado is tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks atop the National League wild-card race. The two teams have a 4.5-game lead on the Chicago Cubs.
Beyond the emotional lift Bettis' return will provide, he'll add depth to a starting rotation that sits 19th in combined FIP (4.63), according toFanGraphs.
Ryan Howard Agrees to Minor League Contract with Colorado Rockies
Aug 12, 2017
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 29: Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on July 29, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Howard, 37, most recently spent time in the Atlanta Braves organization before he was released from his minor league contract on May 8.
A three-time All-Star and former National League MVP, Howard once ranked among the game's premier power hitters during a prime that stretched from 2006-2011.
Over the course of that six-year window, Howard clobbered 262 home runs and drove in a whopping 796 runs.
However, Howard's run as a franchise centerpiece came to an end in October 2011 when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the postseason against the St. Louis Cardinals.
After that debilitating injury, Howard was never able to return to form and batted better than .230 just once (2013) during his final five years in the City of Brotherly Love. Howard was also plagued by a lack of discipline at the plate and struck out 636 times between 2012-2016.
The Rockies can't expect much out of Howard since he's pushing 40, but he is a worthwhile flier who could pay dividends come playoff time as a pinch hitter if he proves capable of harnessing bits and pieces of his prime form.
Nolan Arenado Is First MLB Player to Reach 100 RBI in 2017
Aug 12, 2017
Fact: Nolan Arenado had two RBI against the Marlins on Friday, becoming the first player in the MLB this season to reach 100 RBI.
Bleacher Report will be bringing sports fans the most interesting and engaging Cold Hard Facts of the day, presented by Coors Light.
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Chad Bettis Completes Road Back to MLB Mound After Battling Cancer with a Smile
Aug 11, 2017
Chad Bettis had to be hiding the hurt. No one confronts cancer with a smile.
Not all the time, not for every minute of every day. Not when he hears a diagnosis in November and has doctors tell him a month later he has it beat, only to find out in March the cancer has returned.
Not when he was 27 years old, with his first child due weeks later.
Stand up to cancer, sure, as Major League Baseball's favored charity says. But as his Colorado Rockies teammates watched with admiration, Bettis did more than simply not let cancer get him down.
"On the inside, I'm sure he was pissed off," Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland said. "But he kept projecting positivity."
He projected it at the ballpark. He projected it at home. He even projected it the night he got the call telling him he had testicular cancer, right in the middle of an anniversary dinner in November with his wife, Kristina.
"We didn't even leave the restaurant," Kristina Bettis remembered. "It's how Chad is. He's so positive. He just said, 'We're going to finish dinner. We're going to have a great night.'
"He's a rare breed."
He finished dinner and he finished cancer treatments, the first time and then the second time, when a CT scan in spring training showed the cancer had returned to his lymph nodes. He made it to the hospital to be there when Kristina gave birth to Everleigh on March 29, in between Chad's chemotherapy sessions.
Now, not even three months after the last of those sessions, Bettis made it back to the major leagues. And oh what a comeback it was.
Bettis' inspirational comeback on Monday night looked like this: 7 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB. Seven shutout innings in undoubtedly the most emotional start of his career. What a story.
A whole bunch of people couldn't be happier for him.
"A piece of our family is coming back," Freeland said.
Now there really is a reason to smile.
The road back from cancer has been a long one, but to hear Bettis tell it, it's been filled with blessings. Becoming a father was the biggest, and Bettis still marvels at the timing.
It was a doctor visit early in Kristina's pregnancy that encouraged him to do the self-exam that led to catching the tumor early. Everleigh's arrival gave the family a focus other than Chad's cancer, providing everyone with a reason to feel good and allowing Chad to avoid constant questions about how he was doing.
"It completely took the attention off of me," he said. "That was really nice."
"He was telling me, 'You'll get through this,'" Kristina said. "And he was going through chemo."
Chemotherapy cost Chad his hair, but not the opportunity to be there when Kristina gave birth to Everleigh.
The chemotherapy came with some of the usual side effects. Bettis' hair fell out. But there was another blessing. Unlike many patients, he didn't lose significant weight. He didn't lose his appetite.
He was strong enough to hold his newborn daughter, even after two nights sleeping on the couch in Kristina's hospital room.
He was also strong enough to keep throwing a baseball in between treatments, whenever he felt up to it. The Rockies' Salt River Fields spring training complex is near the couple's Arizona home, so Chad would head over and play catch to keep his arm in shape.
Beating cancer was the first goal, the most important goal. But Bettis was determined to resume a baseball career that saw him get to the major leagues in 2013. He was a 14-game winner with the Rockies in 2016, and before the cancer diagnosis he was supposed to be a big part of their rotation this year.
"Our pitching coaches, they love this guy," said Bud Black, who took over as Rockies manager this season.
The Rockies players love him, too, and they were thrilled when he walked back into the clubhouse June 6, just three weeks after his final round of chemotherapy.
"He's one of our energy guys," pitcher Jon Gray said. "A lot of people look up to him."
He joined a team that had been one of baseball's first-half surprises, a team that was in first place in the National League West, one game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bettis would have been happy to be back no matter what their record was, but the way the team had played made his return that much more exciting.
"It was a lot of fun to have him around," second baseman DJ LeMahieu said.
He was around, at home and on the road. But Bettis' only game experience since last season had been two innings in spring training, so he wasn't close to being ready to pitch. That first day back, he threw from 75 and 90 feet in the outfield and told reporters he felt winded, according to Nick Groke's report in the Denver Post.
It was basically a spring training routine, leading up to his return to the mound July 13, in a rehabilitation start for Double-A Hartford. Bettis pitched again for the Yard Goats five days later, and he then made four starts for Triple-A Albuquerque to set up his return to the Rockies.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 30: Chad Bettis #35 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning of a game at Coors Field on September 30, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
On the mound, it seemed little had changed from before the cancer. Bettis was still able to throw his fastball 91-93 mph, and his changeup, curveball and slider were there.
But there was a difference Bettis noticed, even if no one else saw it.
He was having fun.
He thought he always had, but as he looks back now, he sees there was a time baseball had taken over his life.
"It was not fun," he said.
Now, taking the mound as a father and a cancer survivor, Bettis felt better.
"It's more fun," he said after his second start in Hartford. "I feel like I'm enjoying baseball much more than I have before. Baseball still matters to me. I love it, and I want to play it for as long as I possibly can. But when you have to go through a situation where your livelihood's at stake, there's not a lot of things that matter before your life."
Thanks to early detection and good care, Bettis has his life again. He wants to make sure others have the same chance, which is why he has used any opportunity to talk about his own experience with cancer. He reached out to Stand Up to Cancer and the Testicular Cancer Society.
"As a major league player, he has almost unlimited access to reach people," said Mike Craycraft, the Society's founder. "It's just an incredible platform, and he's doing such a good job."
As Bettis said, women are told all the time to perform self-exams to detect breast cancer. Men are rarely told the same about testicular cancer, even though it's the most common form of cancer for men aged 15 to 35.
"It shouldn't be, but testicular cancer is hard for some guys to talk about," Craycraft said.
Bettis is talking about it now, telling the story about a little bump the size of a grain of rice was the only sign of a problem. He didn't feel sick, and at first he wondered if it really was anything to worry about.
"I'm so glad we didn't wait," Kristina said.
Tests showed it was cancerous, and doctors quickly scheduled surgery. And when that surgery was done and the blood work was clean, Bettis thought that was it. He worked to get ready for spring training and began the spring with a normal program. He kept up with the blood tests, but they showed no changes.
Then came the CT scan that showed the cancer was back.
Amazingly, Bettis still pitched in a spring game for the Rockies, even after finding out. But doctors told him this time he would need chemo.
"He handled it with such poise," Kristina said.
He handles most everything that way. When Bettis was in Hartford, he did the traditional rehabbing big leaguer thing of buying a nice postgame meal for his minor league teammates. But Bettis didn't "big league it" in other ways. When the Yard Goats played a 13-inning game, he stayed in the dugout to support his teammates for every inning.
"He was here from noon to midnight," Hartford manager Jerry Weinstein said. "That's all you need to know about him. He just makes good choices. I had him in [Class A] Modesto [in 2011]. He hasn't changed.
Sep 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chad Bettis (35) is dunked with ice water by catcher Tom Murphy (23) following a win over the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
"He's the kind of guy you'd like your daughter to marry, the kind you'd like your son to be. Be like Chad."
He's the kind of guy who was easy to root for through his battle with cancer. LeMahieu and Charlie Blackmon held up cards with Bettis' name during the Stand Up to Cancer salute at the All-Star Game.
"I don't want to say I know what he's been through, but I've been told what he's been through," Blackmon said. "What an unbelievable attitude. He's just a pleasure to be around."
"I can't wait for him to be back here," LeMahieu said. "He's a great person."
On top of it all, the Rockies need Chad Bettis the pitcher as much as Chad Bettis the person. They're one of the NL's best teams and in the thick of the playoff race despite a struggling rotation, and he can provide a very tangible impact.
And now Bettis is back, as he always believed he would be.
"I think God's grace got me through," he said. "At no point in time was I ever worried. It was like, 'This sucks. It really sucks.' I just knew. There was some real grace there, knowing I was going to get through it."
Now he has. Now there really is a reason to smile.
Danny Knobler covers Major League Baseball as a national columnist for Bleacher Report.
