Thunderwatch 2009: Murton Released into the Wild

STATUS: NOT SO MUCH WITH A TEAM AT THE MOMENT

Jesus, that didn't last long. After getting a call up from AAA just the other day, the Rockies have designated Thunder Matt Murton for assignment.

Actually this is probably a good thing for Murton as the Colorado outfield just didn't have any room for him and he's certainly good enough to be on a major league club right now. I would imagine a team will pick him up relatively quick.

Good luck to Thunder Matt wherever he lands.

Thunderwatch 2009: Murton Back in Bigs

STATUS: JUMPING INTO COLORADO'S CROWDED OUTFIELD

Good old Thunder Matt was called back up from AAA yesterday. This announcement was more of an afterthought to the bigger news of the promotion of Eric Young Jr. With Carlos Gonzalez still ailing from a knife wound and Dexter Fowler hitting the DL, the Rockies actually needed some outfielders. Young who traditionally has played 2B will fill in at CF for Fowler. Murton's role I would assume is more to add depth to the bench as Colorado has Brad Hawpe, Ryan Spilborghs, and Seth Smith to cover the corner outfield spots.

I would hope Murton will be a part of the expanded roster in September and possibly make a case to be included on the playoff roster. In 86 games with AAA Colorado Springs, Thunder Matt has batted .321 with 10 home runs, 71 RBI and 10 stolen bases. He's also sporting a .388 OBP.

Thunderwatch 2009: Murton Sent Down Again

Once again, the Ginger Jesus returns to the minor leagues as the Rockies called up future phenom Carlos Gonzalez. Thunder Matt hit .267 with 6 RBIs in the 22 games he was allowed to play at the big league level. He also smoked a home run off of the Big Unit, who just won game number 300 last night.

Unfortunately for Matt, he keeps getting traded to clubs with a glut of outfielders. I fully expect his next stop to be the Texas Rangers. Hopefully, we'll see Murton in the majors again, but for now we'll have to be satisfied with watching Southern Thunder Matt do his thing with the Rays. Could the Rays use another outfielder? How awesome would it be to see a Thunder-Thunder tandem in the Tampa Bay outfield? Ah, dreams.

Thunderwatch 2009: Murton Goes Yard!

STATUS: BRINGING THE THUNDER

Finally! Last night Thunder Matt hit his first MLB home run since 'Nam. The single run shot came in the 5th inning off Randy Johnson.

Of course this means we get to add the Big Unit's mug to the Thunder Matt Trophy Room. Since it's been nearly two years since I've had to add a new plaque I wasn't able to locate the old template I used. So instead I've created a new plaque that will be used from now on.

I know, classy huh?

Thunderwatch 2009: Murton Promoted!

STATUS: PROMOTED

Did you think we forgot about our fair-skinned, ginger-haired namesake? Of course not. Thunder Matt has been tearing it up in AAA Colorado Springs and with Rockies 2B Jeff Baker hitting the DL he's finally made the trip up I-25 to the big club in Denver. Murton made his first at bat of the season last night when he pinch hit in the 7th inning. Unfortunately he struck out, but we'll just attest that to butterflies on his first MLB at bat since last July.

In 18 games this season in AAA, Murton has hit .411 with 4 home runs and 19 RBI. He has an on base percentage of .476 and even stole 5 bases (Who knew Thunder had wheels?).

We wish Murton best of luck with his current promotion and hope it certainly sticks longer than just the duration of Baker's DL stint. We'll have the Trophy Room ready.