Rain drops keep falling on my notes. …
So now we know.
During all those years they wouldn’t let him talk to the media, Mark Schlereth was saving his best quotes for his TV career. Who would have thought a former Silent Knight, a.k.a. a Broncos offensive lineman, would hit it big as an ESPN studio analyst?
“It’s the ultimate in irony, huh?” Schlereth said.
Just so you know, he won’t be leaving your TV screen anytime soon. The man they affectionately call Stink – don’t ask, I’ve told the story too many times already – just re-upped with the World Wide Leader for four more years. I could tell you how much he’s making, but I’d have to kill you. That, plus I don’t know. …
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, on life in the competitive lane: “I used to have to go grocery shopping at midnight just because I didn’t want to run into anybody. Now I can actually go out at 9 or 10 in the morning and grocery shop and say, ‘Hey, how ya doin’?’ It’s been enjoyable to function in your neighborhood a little bit and not have to be more of a night owl.” …
Numbers to ponder if you think Juan Pierre is the answer to the Rockies’ centerfield problem: Pierre, .267, one home run, 12 RBIs; Cory Sullivan, .273, one homer, 12 ribbies. …
Not that there isn’t an ex-Rockie who could help this team. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Todd Hollandsworth, who’s been tearing it up for the Indians lately. He’s left-handed, he can play all three outfield spots and he’s a great influence in the clubhouse. And most important, he wouldn’t cost a premium prospect. …
Now I’m darn sure we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto: Da Rox, 34 homers at home, 45 on the road. …
Rockies lefty Jeff Francis, on the humidor: “People want Coors Field to be Coors Field again. They’re always going to look the other way when a pitcher has success here.” …
Be careful what you wish for. If Coors Field ever turns into Coors Field again, the Rockies won’t be in first place on the Fourth of July again anytime soon. …
The World Cup final is Sunday. Great. Only three more days of listening to American media types try to sound like they know something about soccer. …
Giants manager Felipe Alou, who collected his 1,000th major-league W on Monday, came thisclose to being the Rockies’ first manager. Ex-Rox GM Bob Gebhard, a close friend of Alou’s, had him on his radar before the franchise’s inaugural season, only to have the Expos give Alou his first big-league managerial gig in 1992. …
Our Town’s own Roy Halladay in 36 starts during his Cy Young season of 2003: 22-7, 3.25. Halladay in his past 36 starts: 23-6, 2.69. …
For the record, it’s been more than a week and I still haven’t found anyone who made one of those predraft comparisons between Andrea Bargnani and Dirk Nowitzki. …
Dodgers manager Grady Little, on the NL West, as told to the L.A. Times: “As bad as we’ve played, when we pick up the paper and look at the standings, we’re glad to see where we are. Every team in the West is happy where they are at this point in their lives. We’ve got a division full of happy people.” …
Where have you gone, Jim Bouton, Yankee Nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Bombers starters have allowed 37 hits in a span of 20 1/3 innings. …
Bonzi Wells. Sam Cassell. Jalen Rose. The big names aren’t going to stop hitting the rumor mill until the Nuggets have made a move or two. As Nuggets player personnel director Mark Warkentien told the assembled media mongrels on draft night, “You all know it’s going to be a big summer.”
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM. He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
