Philadelphia – Worst vs. first.
It’s not exactly an enticing marketing ploy as the Los Angeles Dodgers stomp into Coors Field tonight to face the Rockies.
“I am sure it will get played up that way,’ Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. “We love playing the Dodgers. The fact they are rolling gives us even more incentive.’
What separates the Rockies from the Dodgers – or even mediocrity – lies in their setup men. The best bullpens have a little Simon and Garfunkel in them, acting as a bridge over troubled water.
and Jose Acevedo have been charged with taking over the seventh, an inning in which the Rockies have been outscored 25-14, 17-0 at home. If they find their footing, it frees up left-hander to exploit mismatches in advance of Chin-Hui Tsao’s ninth-inning appearance.
“That’s the key, the seventh,’ said general manager Dan O’Dowd, whose relievers have created trouble by retiring only 29 of 49 first batters faced.
Eight of the Rockies’ losses have been by three runs or fewer, magnifying the importance of shutdown innings late. Dohmann struggled in the seventh inning of Thursday’s 6-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies one night after Acevedo’s first hiccup as a Rockie.
“Those situations late in games motivate me,’ Acevedo said. “It makes me feel mean and angry.’
Friends in all places
Based on cellphone records, is almost famous. Long-lost friends haven’t stopped calling him since his opening-day home run.
“Everything is different. It’s been great, though,’ Barmes said.
Barmes’ competitiveness masks a refreshing sense of humor. Asked about his bald head, he suggested he could have been voted most likely to recede in high school.
“I was already running out of options then,’ he said. “In 2002, I had a bad haircut and shaved it off.’
Mohr’s return delayed
Dustan Mohr, out with a strained left calf, didn’t begin his Triple-A rehab assignment Wednesday, leaving for personal reasons. Hurdle gave him permission to take as much time as he needs.
Footnotes
(right hamstring) made a strong defensive play in his five innings of work in Triple-A Colorado Springs. He is expected to be activated Sunday, replacing rookie Jeff Baker. …
Former Avs winger Keith Jones attended Thursday’s game. He hosts a morning radio talk show and does TV work for the Philadelphia Flyers.
