Bullpen collapse and hot prospects report

The Rockies' bullpen failed at its' job, allowing three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, and the team fell because of it, losing at Chicago.

The Rockies struck out eight times and stranded 11 base runners. 

Carlos Gonzalez and Chris Nelson homered and former Cub D.J. LeMahieu had a very memorable game, knocking out three hits, getting caught stealing and making an error.

The home run was the first for Gonzalez in over a month (July 23rd). For a premium player, payed like one too, he has to do more, regardless of who protects him in the lineup or not.

Rockies' starter Drew Pomeranz allowed two homers, solo shots, but those were the only hits he allowed in five innings.

Rockies' Prospects Spotlight

Nolan Arenado

Double-A third baseman Nolan Arenado singled three times. His season batting average is but .277 but in August, he's sizzling at .361. If you read yesterday's interview with Barry Lewis of the Tulsa Journal World you know that he sees similarities between Matt Holliday and Arenado. Holliday didn't wow at Tulsa but once he got to the majors he certainly did. Lewis believes the same could very well happen for Arenado.

High-A outfielder Kyle Parker, playing DH on Saturday, belted his 21st homer of the season. His power has not been top shelf but it has played well since being drafted. Double-A will be a challenge next season but Parker is profiling as a big-league starter with solid HR punch, say 20-24 homers a season.

Christian Bergman threw eight shutout innings, fanning eight, walking none and allowing only two hits. While Bergman has won 15 games this season he had been beat up lately, surrendering 17 runs combined in his last two starts, prompting me to think out loud and wonder if Bergman had a dead arm or was hurt. I guess he's not hurt. He's struggled in August (6.35 ERA) but looked sterling Saturday.

Low-A third baseman Sam Mende homered for the third time in five games and now has 12 round-trippers on the season. I was high on him coming into the season but injury and adjustment have been issues. I'd keep following him though. I like his power, talent and grit.

Grand Junction pitcher Jayson Aquino allowed two runs, one earned in six innings to lower his ERA to 2.05 in five starts. The smallish (5-11, 170) Dominican lefty has been very competitive in his debut season in the United States.

Grand Junction second baseman Matt Wessinger is an interesting talent. He's hitting .295 with 21 steals but also has committed 21 errors. He doesn't flash much power but he's a bear at the plate and plays hard. Looks the part of over-achiever.