There was polite applause, equal parts delight and surprise. Rockies owner Dick Monfort always has drawn attention at public events, but too often for the wrong reasons.
On this day at a formal luncheon, when Gov. Bill Owens mentioned the Rockies’ start, the crowd started clapping.
“Everybody I have talked to is happy with how things are going. Some of the walk-up crowds have been great,” Monfort said Wednesday. “The longer we keep playing like this, eventually the support is going to come back.”
The Rockies rank as one of baseball’s early-season eye-openers, beginning a five-game homestand perched atop the National League West. Not a bad nesting place for a team universally picked to finish last in its division. While the coaches and players have exhibited restrained optimism, ownership has remained relatively quiet about the strong launch.
Before the season, Monfort spoke of the importance of reaching .500 and playing well in April, both of which were accomplished. It’s a difficult team to decipher, since the Rockies have struggled at home and demonstrated unprecedented road rage. The difference from this time a year ago, said Monfort, is simple.
“It’s the bullpen. Those guys have been fabulous,” Monfort said. “There are some veterans who have stepped up. It’s been a real group effort. It’s early, but they have been better than even I thought they would be.”
A year ago, the Rockies’ inexperienced relievers were immediately exposed, going 1-9 with seven blown saves in the first 31 games. In contrast, they entered Tuesday 8-2 with a 3.17 ERA.
“You have guys picking each other up,” veteran Jose Mesa said recently. “We have a lot of confidence.”
Helton on track for Friday
First baseman Todd Helton will work out with the Rockies today before returning to the starting lineup Friday. He seamlessly completed his Triple-A rehab assignment, finishing 2-for-6 with a pair of singles. Helton, who lost 10 pounds, said the challenge is regaining and maintaining his strength.
Footnotes
Closer Brian Fuentes is expected to leave the team for two days for a family matter, returning Saturday. Mesa would take over in his absence. … Jamey Carroll started at shortstop for Clint Barmes, who should return sometime tonight after attending his cousin’s funeral. … Eli Marrero played for the first time in a week because of a rib-cage injury.
