Cincinnati – The Rockies consider it more of a coincidence than damning evidence.
Just as the team was being viewed as a contender, Colorado stepped into quicksand, losing six consecutive games. It suggests the Rockies can’t handle prosperity, that they are pressing to meet new expectations.
“I don’t get that vibe. I just don’t think we haven’t played well,” second baseman Jamey Carroll said. “Of course, you want to come out of the break and make a statement, but I don’t think we are approaching things any differently.”
Manager Clint Hurdle admitted his team was tight during the season’s first two weeks, which adversely affected performance. But those traits he observed – short answers to questions, wandering minds – are no longer present, he insisted.
“This is just the next step for us, something you have to go through,” Hurdle said. “Our feet are being held under the fire. I firmly believe that the longer we stay in the race, and we want to be there at the end, it will make us that much better next year.”
The losing skid is ill-timed for two reasons: The Reds lead the Rockies in the wild-card chase and a disastrous trip will provide ample reason for Colorado ownership to close its wallet and not acquire reinforcements. The players have talked openly about the importance of this 10-game stretch, though none has attached a win-or-else significance.
“We just haven’t played well, it’s that simple. I don’t sense added (urgency) as a reason,” all-star outfielder Matt Holliday said. “In September if you ask, I might have a different answer. We have (72) games left.”
For 80 percent of the roster, this is unnavigated water. Only five players have postseason experience – pitchers Jose Mesa, Ray King, Tom Martin, Byung-Hyun Kim and catcher Yorvit Torrealba.
“When you are in a race, you can’t let this kind of streak go on long,” Mesa said. “You can end up out of it before you know it. That’s why we have to get it turned around soon.”
Help on the way?
The Rockies are seeking a seventh-inning reliever to pair with Martin, though a collapse on this road trip would prevent any trade upgrade.
Hurdle recognizes that fans, starved for wins the past five seasons, would like to see a deal.
“I understand it. We are out there looking at a lot of guys,” Hurdle said. “But you also don’t know the kind of guys those teams ask (general manager Dan O’Dowd) for back. It has to make sense.”
More likely, new cards will be shuffled into the deck from within, with Nate Field, Manny Corpas and Miguel Asencio candidates at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Footnotes
The Orioles and Blue Jays remain interested in Triple-A first baseman Ryan Shealy, though talks haven’t advanced. … The Rockies don’t have interest in Dodgers catcher Toby Hall, who has asked to be traded. Los Angeles told Hall it doesn’t plan to move him, knowing that rookie Russell Martin will need more rest in the second half. … Hurdle believes rookie Ramon Ramirez’s slump began with a mechanical glitch. The key now is restoring his confidence. …King continues to battle problems with his delivery, studying videotape for answers. … The Yankees are attempting to trade Shawn Chacon, but the Rockies aren’t involved because a starter is not among their needs.
Rockies recap
Matt Holliday returned from the All-Star Game with great memories and an annoying slump. He has gone 2-for-12 on the road trip, failures magnified because of where he hits in the lineup.
“I have to do more,” Holliday said. “I need it to get it going.”
QUINTANILLA INJURED: Six innings into only his fourth start of the season, Omar Quintanilla left after fouling a ball off his right shin. The shortstop might require a stint on the DL. “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Quintanilla, who was on crutches after the game. Potential Triple-A replacements include Jason Smith and Josh Wilson.
THE FREEL IS GONE: The trade of Austin Kearns surprisingly did not free up a starting spot for the Reds’ Ryan Freel. That’s because the super utilityman is nursing a shoulder injury and available only as a pinch hitter this week.
