When the Rockies decided to install training wheels on their major-league team, they cited the Oakland A’s and Texas Rangers as examples of organizations who have won by going young.
The Rockies – and their fans – should get a firsthand look at their desired blueprint next season. According to Katy Feeney, baseball’s vice president of scheduling, 2006 interleague play will matchup corresponding divisions.
Since the Rockies traveled to Texas and Oakland during their last year of facing the American League West in 1999, both teams are expected to play at Coors Field next season. That would leave Rockies trips to Anaheim and Seattle, though the Mariners are not certain because of their classified natural rivalry with the San Diego Padres.
If Seattle is scrapped, Colorado likely would face a team from the AL Central. The Rockies hosted the White Sox, Tigers and Royals in interleague play this season. Next year’s schedule is expected to be released by early October.
The Rangers, who failed with high-priced free agents in 2002, boast a collection of baseball’s finest young talent, leaving them in contention for a second straight season. The A’s rank as baseball’s best team the past two months.
“The (Rockies) are taking some hits for what they are doing,” Athletics general manager Billy Beane said. “But they have some good young players.”
Added Rockies owner Charlie Monfort, “Our team was overloaded in certain areas and not successful. We felt we had to right the ship and start over with our farm system.”
Helping hands
Rockies outfielder Cory Sullivan never knew an arm injury could be so good for his mental health. After blowing out his elbow in 2004 spring training, Sullivan landed on the major- league disabled list, affording money to make kids happy.
The outfielder bought a suite behind home plate and donated it to charities.
“I had never had that kind of opportunity before,” said Sullivan, who went 2-for-5 in Monday afternoon’s victory over the Marlins. “I was there almost every game. I would meet who was there. It was great to see their faces and how much they enjoyed it.”
As part of his two-year, $7 million contract, pitcher Jason Jennings pledged to donate $50,000 per season, all of which will be used this year to build a field bearing his name in Lakewood. It’s the first Rockies field built for The Miracle League – so it is wheelchair accessible for disabled children.
“The (team) approached me with it and I thought it was a great idea,” said Jennings, whose field should be ready this fall. “I want them to have the same chance as everyone else to play the game they love.”
Miceli lands on DL
Dan Miceli’s ache of failing to protect a lead Thursday at San Francisco turned into an annoying pain, his left foot sore after absorbing a line drive. With the injury not getting better, Miceli was placed on the disabled list.
“Is it frustrating? Not really. I have to get better,” said Miceli, scheduled for an MRI. “I can’t help the team right now.”
Sunny Kim, who started the first game and allowed two runs in four innings, filled Miceli’s roster spot.
