Purple Row
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2026 World Series discussion thread: Game 5
The Milwaukee Brewers lead the 2026 World Series 3-1 over the Tampa Bay Rays after nearly sweeping Game 4, but the Rays rallied in the bottom of the 12th to force a decisive Game 5 in St. Petersburg on October 28. Starting pitchers Jacob Misiorowski (1-0, 2.70 ERA) face Drew Rasmussen (2-0, 2.19 ERA) as both teams eye a historic comeback—Rays aim to become the first team to force a Game 6 after trailing 3-0. The matchup airs on FOX at 6 p.m. MDT, with radio on ESPN Radio.
Sammy Peralta had a short layover in Colorado in 2026
The 2026 "Ranking the Rockies" feature highlights reliever Sammy Peralta's brief stint with Colorado. Drafted by the White Sox in 2019, the 28‑year‑old made two rocky appearances for the Rockies, posting a 10.13 ERA in 2.2 innings, including a rough debut opener on May 19 against the Texas Rangers and a June 11 outing where he surrendered a solo homer to Carson Kelly but struck out Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ. After being optioned and designated for assignment on June 21, Peralta cleared waivers, signed a minor‑league deal with the Angels, and finished the season with a 6.20 ERA over 14 games. He now pitches for the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican League.
A primer on the Rockies’ 40-man roster
As the 2026 season ends, the Colorado Rockies begin reshaping their 40‑man roster. Four pitchers—Kyle Freeland, José Quintana, Jordan Romano and Tomoyuki Sugano—are set to hit free agency, though Quintana and Romano could return. Six players are slated to leave the 60‑day injured list, including Kris Bryant, whose $54 million contract makes his roster spot doubtful, and pitchers Chase Dollander and Welinton Herrera, both facing long recoveries. Core position players likely to stay are Hunter Goodman, Willi Castro, Kyle Karros, TJ Rumfield, Mickey Moniak, Cole Carrigg, Jake McCarthy, Ezequiel Tovar, Connor Norby, Brett Sullivan and Sterlin Thompson. The bullpen remains youth‑heavy with names such as Brennan Bernardino, Mark Manfredi, Mason Adams and Ryan Feltner anchoring the next phase of the offseason.
Scaling the Rocks: Looking ahead to the MLB offseason calendar
The post outlines the 2026-27 MLB offseason calendar, highlighting key dates from the day after the World Series—free‑agent filings (Nov 1) and the start of free agency (Nov 6)—through award ceremonies, the Hall of Fame ballot, and the looming December lockout that could postpone the Draft Lottery, Rule 5 Draft and Winter Meetings. It also notes roster‑related deadlines like qualifying offers, Rule 5 protection, and the non‑tender deadline. In addition, the article links to Rockies news, including Owen Cuffe’s promotion to assistant director of pitching and potential free‑agent targets such as Taylor Ward, plus prospects and bullpen analysis.
Owen Cuffe promoted to assistant director of pitching for the Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies promote Owen Cuffe to Assistant Director of Pitching, elevating him from his role as the Arizona Complex League pitching and rehab coach, a position he’s held since January 2026. Reporting to Director of Pitching Matt Daniels, Cuffe will oversee throwing programs, injury recovery, and pitch design, having already helped players like Jack Mahoney and Sean Sullivan refine their pitches. His promotion follows Alon Leichman's departure and signals the Rockies’ new coaching direction.
2026 World Series discussion thread: Game 4
The Brewers steamroll the Rays 10-2 in Game 3 of the 2026 World Series and now eye a historic sweep. Milwaukee sends right‑hander Dustin May (0-0, 5.63 ERA) to the mound against Tampa Bay’s Griffin Jax (0-1, 6.00 ERA) for Game 4 on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. MDT. With the Brewers up 3‑0 in the series, the underdog Rays must avoid a shutout as the matchup pits Freddy Peralta (2‑0, 1.08 ERA) against rookie left‑hander Robert Gasser (0‑0, 1.00 ERA). The game streams on FOX and airs on ESPN Radio.
Vimael Machín played the role of good Isotope, short-stint Rockie
Vimael Machín’s 2026 stint with Colorado offers a brief flash of success amidst a career of minor‑league dominance. After signing a one‑year, $780,000 deal, he posted a .500 average in six major‑league at‑bats across three games, but was sent back down when starter José Quintana returned. In Triple‑A Albuquerque he hit .288/.367/.438 with 12 homers in 113 games, earning a September call‑up that resulted in two starts at third base and a pinch‑hit appearance. Designated for assignment on Sept. 19 and outrighted to the ACL Rockies, Machín now faces an uncertain offseason as the Rockies’ infield depth deepens.
Tyler Bell discusses recovering from shoulder surgery and preparing for 2027
Colorado Rockies first‑round pick Tyler Bell (10th overall, 21) updates Purple Row on his shoulder surgery recovery and 2027 prep. The Kentucky Wildcats shortstop, a switch‑hitter who posted a .314/.438/.556 slash line and hit .343/.510/.608 despite a dislocated non‑throwing shoulder and torn labrum in February, chose to play through the injury. After undergoing surgery, Bell stays busy with workouts and swing sessions with his dad while his family and Kentucky coaches rally around him. He remains focused on earning a roster spot with the Rockies and building on his college success.
Scaling the Rocks: Fishin’ (for Rays) in the dark
In Game 4 of the 2026 World Series, the Milwaukee Brewers dominate the Tampa Bay Rays with a 10-1 victory, highlighted by two scoreless innings from former Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela. The win gives the Brewers a 3-0 series edge as the championship heads toward a possible final game in Tampa. The post also rounds up Rockies free‑agency targets, a Clemente Award for Francisco Lindor, and off‑field news like the Penner Sports Group’s investment in Valencia CF.
2026 World Series discussion thread: Game 3
The 2026 World Series heads to Tampa Bay for Game 3 as the Brewers seek a third straight win after 1‑0 triumphs in Games 1 and 2. The spotlight is on former Brewer Freddy Peralta (2‑0, 1.08 postseason ERA) versus Milwaukee left‑hander Robert Gasser (0‑0, 1.00 ERA). Peralta, traded to the Mets then to the Rays, posted a 3.25 ERA in 10 regular‑season starts for Tampa Bay and boasts a 1.14 WHIP in the postseason. Gasser, in his first full rotation role, holds a 3.87 ERA in the regular season and a 0.89 ERA in two playoff outings. The series is tied 2‑0 in favor of Milwaukee, with Game 3 kicking off at 6 p.m. MDT on FOX.
Jared Thomas is making up for lost time in the Arizona Fall League
After missing most of the 2026 season due to a hamate injury and a delayed recovery, Rockies outfielder Jared Thomas returns to the Arizona Fall League with a clear mission: regain his swing and confidence. He posted .239/.327/.457 over 14 games, including a 5-for-13 stretch that earned him AFL Week 3 honors, and added a home run, two triples, three doubles, nine RBI and five steals. Thomas emphasizes patience, a positive mindset, and the support of teammates like Blake Wright while adapting to experimental outfield positioning rules at Salt River Fields.
Ryan Ritter’s MLB struggles leave his future with the Rockies in question
Ryan Ritter’s 2026 stint with the Colorado Rockies ends in doubt after a 13‑game, .158‑average showing that left him with just three singles and one RBI. Despite a strong Triple‑A track record – .323/.430/.460 with five homers and 12 triples in 60 games – his major‑league power and consistency have stalled, resulting in an -0.1 rWAR and a return to Albuquerque. The article questions whether the 25‑year‑old infielder can break his apparent minor‑league ceiling and earn another roster spot under GM Paul DePodesta.
Scaling the Rocks: Down by the (Tampa) Bay
The Milwaukee Brewers seize a 2-0 edge over the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series, closing Game 6 with a dramatic check‑swing call to win 5-4 after erasing a 4-0 deficit. The series shifts to Tropicana Field as the Rays aim to level the matchup. Meanwhile, the Arizona Fall League spotlights Rockies prospect Jack O’Dowd’s surge, and Colorado’s offseason debates swirl around pitching changes and the decision to keep 40‑home‑run slugger Hunter Goodman. Additional coverage includes the Jennie Finch Empowerment Award at the World Series and MLB’s lingering labor‑lockout concerns.
This Week in Purple: Around The World (Series)
While the Colorado Rockies remain idle after firing Alon Leichman and facing a possible lockout, the franchise’s prospects are active worldwide. In the Arizona Fall League, undrafted catcher/infielder Jack O'Dowd shines for the Salt River Rafters. Meanwhile, three Rockies prospects – Roynier Hernanzes, Bryant Betancourt, and top prospect Roldy Brito – are honing their skills in the Venezuelan and Dominican winter leagues, joined by outfielder Drew Avans (Mexico) and reliever Patrick Weigel (Dominican Republic). Veteran left‑hander José Quintana also works his comeback in the Dominican League as the World Series features the Brewers and Rays, both low‑payroll contenders. The post rounds up weekly editorial pieces and a ranking of the club’s 2026 talent.
2026 World Series discussion thread: Game 2
Game 2 of the 2026 World Series pits the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) against the Milwaukee Brewers (1-0) in a low‑scoring duel at American Family Field. After a tight Game 1 won by Milwaukee, the Rays look to even the series with ace Drew Rasmussen (2-0, 1.29 ERA) while the Brewers counter with Logan Henderson (0-0, 3.00 ERA), who posted a 2.47 regular‑season ERA. Both teams stick with proven lineups—Milwaukee keeps its Game 1 order that highlighted Jackson Chourio, William Contreras and Christian Yelich, while Tampa Bay swaps Ben Williamson for Richie Palacios at second. The matchup promises another classic showdown, broadcast on FOX and ESPN Radio at 6 PM MDT.
A Rockies guide to a potentially truncated offseason
With a potential MLB lockout looming after the December 1 CBA expiration, the Colorado Rockies may face a severely compressed offseason. Currently ranked 21st in cash payroll at $120 M (CBT $138 M), the team could sit about $60 M below the league’s proposed 2027 salary floor of $171.2 M. While the floor isn’t guaranteed, executives Paul DePodesta and Josh Byrnes are expected to act fast, targeting middle‑tier free agents before a work stoppage hits. The article weighs the franchise’s financial gap, past payroll missteps, and the likely focus on bolstering pitching in a rushed market.
Scaling the Rocks: Colorado’s catching depth (might be) sneaky good
Colorado’s catching pipeline looks surprisingly deep despite a thin major‑league roster. While starter Hunter Goodman dazzles with 41 homers in 2026, the real intrigue lies in the prospects: Bryant Betancourt (.271, 17 HR, .815 OPS, Triple‑A at 22), Cole Messina (.226, 8 HR, 21 SB in Double‑A), and 2026 draftees Daniel Jackson and Jack Natili (10 HR in 37 games at Fresno). Independent‑league standout Jack O'Dowd posted .307 with 23 HR across three levels and now leads the Arizona Fall League with a .350 average and five homers. Though none are guaranteed MLB catchers, the depth could be a bright spot for a club facing offseason roster questions.
2026 World Series discussion thread: Game 1
The Milwaukee Brewers host the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the 2026 World Series, their first Fall Classic at home since 1982. National League Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski (1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts, 100.6 mph fastball) faces veteran AL pitcher Nick Martinez (3.10 ERA, strong cutter). Both starters have struggled to pitch deep, and the duel hinges on their contrasting bullpens. Key hitters include Brewers’ Brice Turang and William Contreras, who have handled Martinez’s cutter well. The game kicks off at 6:00 PM MDT on FOX with ESPN Radio coverage.
John Brebbia was always one bad outing away from being cut
John Brebbia’s 2026 roller‑coaster ends with a brief, disastrous stint for the Colorado Rockies. After a promising spring—five scoreless innings and seven strikeouts—two rough outings (seven runs in three innings, including two Giants homers) cost him a roster spot, prompting a release and a minor‑league deal with Minnesota. He returned to the Rockies’ Triple‑A Albuquerque Isotopes, posted seven shutout outings, and earned a call‑up on June 21. In two scoreless MLB appearances he seemed reborn, but a two‑run homer by Joe Mack and a three‑run blast by Owen Caissie on June 30 inflated his ERA to 10.38, leading to his DFA the next day. He finished the year with a total of 4.1 MLB innings, a 10.38 ERA and 1.62 WHIP.
Rockies must play catch-up, get depth, be creative to follow Rays
The Colorado Rockies are still chasing the analytical edge of the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, according to Eno Sarris' framework. While the Rockies have upgraded their tech stack—adopting KinaTrax in 2023, using Edgertronic cameras, Catapult fatigue monitors, and VR training—these tools lag behind the Rays’ decade‑long usage and the Brewers’ 2019 performance lab. Creative pitching experiments, such as nine opener appearances in 2026, yielded a 1‑7 record, but low run support compounded the losses. With new leadership embracing analytics, the club hopes better data integration and communication will finally translate into competitive pitching depth.
Scaling the Rocks: It’s Senza time
Veteran right‑hander Antonio Senzatela reaches his first World Series, this time with the Milwaukee Brewers against the Rays. The 31‑year‑old spent 15½ years in the Colorado Rockies system, debuting in 2017 and enjoying a bullpen resurgence in early 2026 before being dealt to Milwaukee at the trade deadline. While his season ERA rose to 5.14 with the Brewers, he posts a clean 0.00 ERA in 1.2 postseason innings, striking out one. Senzatela praised the Brewers’ clubhouse and fans at media day. The piece also notes the Rockies bolstering their scouting staff by hiring former Mets/Braves scout Steve Barningham.
Purple Row After Dark: What are you hoping for in the World Series?
The World Series kicks off tomorrow, pitting the Milwaukee Brewers against the Tampa Bay Rays in a showdown for each franchise’s first championship. The post invites fans to share what they’re hoping for—whether it’s a favorite player’s breakout, a seven‑game thriller, or simply cheering on their team. It also encourages community engagement, offering benefits like fewer ads and new notification features for members.
TJ Shook made five appearances out of the bullpen for the Rockies in 2026
TJ Shook logged five MLB relief appearances for Colorado in 2026 after being claimed in the 2025 Triple-A Rule 5 Draft. The right‑hander posted a 0.73 ERA in April and a 3.60 ERA in May while in Albuquerque, prompting the Rockies to call him up on June 1. He debuted with a scoreless eighth inning versus the Angels, then made three more outings before a brief option back to Triple‑A. Recalled in July, he surrendered four runs in two innings against the Giants, but rebounded with a solid two‑inning, one‑run effort against the Dodgers on August 17. Shook finished the season with a 3.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in the minors, leaving his future as a Coors Field bullpen arm uncertain.
Do the Rockies need an MVP candidate to compete?
The Purple Row piece asks whether the Colorado Rockies can contend without an MVP‑caliber player. It notes that every past Rockies playoff run (1995, 2007, 2009, 2017‑18) featured an MVP candidate and calculates that a 2026 playoff team needs about 85 wins, or roughly 37 WAR. With pitching likely limited to the 12‑13 fWAR range seen in recent wild‑card teams, the Rockies’ offense must supply 24‑25 fWAR. That translates to at least three All‑Star‑level hitters (≈6 WAR each) plus several quality starters. In 2026 only five players reached the quality starter benchmark, though prospects like Hunter Goodman, Cole Carrigg, and Charlie Condon hint at upside. The article concludes the Rockies need a breakout MVP‑type star or a significant upgrade to reach the postseason.
Scaling the Rocks: Spending less for more
The 2026 World Series pits the low‑payroll Milwaukee Brewers against the Tampa Bay Rays, prompting analysts to dissect how these clubs stay competitive without big salaries. The piece highlights the Colorado Rockies' efforts to emulate their front‑office strategies, emphasizing smarter allocation of non‑player payroll funds, savvy trades and scouting. It also references Rockies‑specific news, like Sean Sullivan's developmental setbacks and a debate over re‑signing veteran Tomoyuki Sugano. Overall, the article offers a roadmap for smaller‑market teams seeking relevance.
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