Los Angeles – More than an opponent, the Rockies were philanthropists.
Far from the raw winter winds back home, the Rockies wandered into the sunlight Friday and were promptly burned by a glaring problem: walks.
‘ charitable acts – eight in all – undermined an otherwise oddly effective performance in the Rockies’ 6-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
For Jennings, reconfigured Dodger Stadium appeared a prime place to exorcise demons, to win his first road game since July. If nothing else, the team could begin dismantling bone-by-bone the skeletons of the seventh inning. Jose Acevedo failed in that capacity, explaining the team’s interest in free agent Dan Miceli.
However, this defeat – the Rockies’ eighth in nine road games that sealed the worst April in team history – was determined long before the bullpen door opened. Jennings escaped a base-loaded jam in the fourth, but was punished for his errant pitches in the fifth. Hee-Seop Choi, the Dodgers’ oft-criticized first baseman, crushed a grand slam into the center-field seats.
With one swing he set a career high for RBIs and swung 40,150 fans to his side, chants of Hee! Seop! Choi! ringing in his ears.
Jennings, whose eight walks were two shy of his career high, worked six innings, allowed four runs, but threw 53 balls in his 108 pitches.
Miceli in focus
Even after remodeling their bullpen, the Rockies continue seeking reinforcements and have discussed adding Miceli. With talks planned, a minor-league deal could be struck as soon as this weekend.
The Tokyo Yomuiri Giants released Miceli, a key figure in the Houston Astros’ bullpen last season. Miceli has had success with the Rockies, compiling a 3.95 ERA in 41 innings during separate stints in 2001 and 2003.
Footnote
By calling up Jay Witasick, the Rockies guaranteed his $400,000 contract. He’s eager to help. “I want to do whatever I can. I don’t mind pitching in Coors Field. I have never allowed a home run to a stadium,” he said.
Troy Renck can be reached at 303-820-5457 or trenck@denverpost.com.
