A doubleheader of notes …
The Rockies’ tragic number to reach 100 losses stands at 39, but let the record show Clint Hurdle and his coaches are having fun working with the team’s prospects and suspects. Said Hurdle: “We don’t have to worry about coming to work and having nothing to do. … We’re so green, it’s almost like an instructional league.” …
Just the fax: The Rockies’ lineup for the first game of Monday’s double dip had combined for 37 homers, two more than Andruw Jones. …
Um, not that it’s any of my business, but what’s wrong with this picture? JD Closser, .259 on the road, Todd Helton .257 away from Coors Canaveral. …
By now, you’ve heard the “Caribbean hitters hacking at slop nightly” rant by Bay Area radio voice Larry Krueger. Turns out he went on to rip Giants GM Brian Sabean for “calling up guys who’ll be moving pianos in two years.” From the sound of things, Krueger could be working with them. …
I’ve been known to be wrong about these kinds of things. Then again, I’ve been known to be right about them, too. Anyway, here goes: Former Rockie Joe Girardi, now the Yankees’ bench coach, will be managing the Cubs or Marlins next season. …
So it’s official then. Roger Clemens is, like, pretty good. How good? According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Rocket has allowed three earned runs on the road in 2005. Pedro Martinez allowed three earnies in his first inning of the season. …
Not that the A’s are hotter than asphalt in Alabama, but Barry Zito and Danny Haren have reeled off eight straight decisions apiece. …
Amazing, isn’t it? Six months ago, we all assumed Jose Canseco was a nut case. Now his book is considered the Newest Testament of baseball’s steroids era. …
The number is 23 and counting. That’s how many former NHL all-stars have moved teams since the league’s free-agent rummage sale opened last week. …
Say, didn’t you used to be Jeff Gordon? …
How outmanned and understaffed is the NL West? The Padres, who lead the division, had former Rockies folk hero Eric Young in the three hole Sunday. …
Ran into former Broncos nose tackle Greg Kragen at practice Monday. Just so you know, he’s one of us now. He weighs 225 pounds and is selling mortgages in the Bay Area. Said Kragen, when asked his impression of training camp: “Where are the pads? That’s what I want to know.” …
By the numbers: Mike Anderson, running No. 1 on the Broncos’ depth chart at tailback, accounted for 1,487 yards in his rookie season. In four seasons since, three of which he has played, he has run for 1,321. …
For all the attention the Broncos’ defensive line is getting, the real issue in training camp is on the offensive side, where the Bronx are painfully thin at center and guard. If Tom Nalen or Ben Hamilton gets hurt, this team is in trouble. …
And finally, Nalen on the good old days, when the local 11 were winning Super Bowls: “The defensive linemen weren’t nearly as good as they are now. They’re much better now. They’re all pass rushers, they’re all smart and they all play the run. And the linebackers are much more athletic. It’s a completely different league now. We have to adjust.”
Cover story
What, you think being on the cover of Sports Illustrated can be risky business? Check out the cover of the Rockies’ media guide.
The Rox, as part of their Gen-R promotion, decided to put a montage on the cover featuring 13 players. Of the 13, seven have landed on the disabled list, two have been traded and one was demoted to Colorado Springs. A look at the 13:
Clint Barmes, out since early June with a fractured clavicle.
Preston Wilson, traded to Washington.
Chin-Hui Tsao, out for the season after shoulder surgery.
Joe Kennedy, traded to Oakland.
Luis Gonzalez, healthy and in the starting lineup.
Garrett Atkins, on DL for season’s first three weeks.
Jason Jennings, out for the season with a broken finger.
Jeff Francis, a factor in the National League rookie of the year race.
Matt Holliday, missed five weeks with a fractured pinkie finger.
Aaron Miles, missed more than a month with back problems.
Todd Helton, now rehabbing in Colorado Springs.
Scott Dohmann, demoted to Triple-A after 18.90 ERA in April.
JD Closser, has thrown out two of 44 base-stealers.
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM, and on Fox Sports Net’s “Insider Edition.” He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
