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What have we learned about the Colorado Rockies?
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(AP Photo of Rockies Manager Jim Tracy)
In the fall of 2007, we knew what we were seeing from the Colorado Rockies and what it really meant. The amazing run close the regular season meant a trip to the playoffs and eventually the World Series. A similar – if far less noticed – run in June of 2009 does not bring with it a dramatic climax to this season. Rather, it means that a season that most had already given up on suddenly DOES matter again. But what have we learned and what should we expect from this point forward?
First, we’ve learned that those of us who had high expectations for this team in the spring were right to expect the Rockies to be contenders for the postseason. The talent is there to be in contention and be playing those meaningful September games we all long for. They’re starting to hit in the clutch, and the starting pitching has finally stepped up. While most feel that they still lack all the parts to be a pennant winner again, they are playing a lot closer to their potential now. The latest hot streak has been constructed by beating the teams they should beat (Seattle, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee) while going toe-to-toe and holding their own against the better teams (St. Louis, Tampa, Anaheim) on the slate. It’s the same formula that served the Denver Nuggets so well this past season.
Second, we learned that sometimes a change in managers, simply for the sake of change, can have a very positive effect. New skipper Jim Tracy has settled things down by electing to field a set lineup every night and bring a calmer, quieter approach to the clubhouse and the dugout. As is so often the case, when a change is made in managers, the new guy brings with him a contrasting style. It’s worked. When he took over in 2002, Clint Hurdle brought a much needed enthusiasm with him, injecting life into a listless ball club. Over time, however, the louder, “rah rah” approach that was so badly needed seven years ago grew stale. Insiders say that the players had grown weary of Hurdle’s “loud” presence. While they won’t blame Hurdle for the terrible start to the season, several players have mentioned that the change in management styles and the pressure that’s been relieved by the change has been a positive factor.
So where do we go from here? On the plus side, sitting a few games over .500 now, the Rockies are back in playoff contention. You can’t win a pennant in June, but you can lose one. Now the Rockies are firmly in the hunt. On the down side, even with this amazing run, they’ve picked up very little ground on the first-place LA Dodgers, so it’s looking like the wild card race is all they’ll be entered in down the stretch. Still, the approach needs to be the same. A spot in the playoffs is a spot in the playoffs. Many teams, the Rockies included, have made the World Series as a wild card entry.
To stay in the race, Colorado of course needs to continue to get solid starting pitching and hope that the current five guys stay healthy. There does not appear to be a lot of depth in the farm system as far as starting pitching goes. Perhaps lefty Greg Smith, when he returns from a rehab assignment, could help if needed. Other than that, it looks slim. The bullpen depth has already been maxed out, after enduring a couple of key losses already. You’d think that any more health problems there could be a disaster.
The everyday lineup looks fine. You’ve got a set group of starters and role players in place now. They’re back to playing championship-caliber defense. Things are so solid now that the Rockies can include Garrett Atkins in any possible trades with Ian Stewart entrenched as the starter at third base. The Rockies can and should be buyers before the trade deadline, and not sellers as most had expected. Even though he’s currently on the disabled list, the pursuit of Toronto right hander Roy Halladay should not only continue now, but be ramped up. Halladay remains the missing piece to the championship equation. The true “ace” the Rockies badly need, Halladay would also bring with him a bonus at the box office. The local product from Arvada West would fill every seat in Coors Field the nights he pitched.
This latest hot streak does not have the drama that the run to “Rocktober” had, but it could have just as much meaning if the Rockies can sustain a pace that would have them winning two of three games in most of their remaining series.
At the very least, we now have meaningful games during the summer months to sink our teeth into.
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