Milwaukee – In the end, the Rockies’ playoff hopes will likely RIP because of RISP.
Colorado has hit .244 with runners in scoring position since May 1, second-worst in baseball. No team has a lower average (.227) after the seventh inning. The Rockies have been shut out 10 times and rank 24th in runs scored.
In a game in which players and coaches are evaluated by numbers, the statistics, not the effort, concern hitting instructor Duane Espy, whose status will be evaluated next month along with the rest of the coaching staff.
“They put in the work, watch video, do all things that should be a recipe for success,” Espy said of the players. “It’s a matter of them believing in themselves and trusting their skills. I am trying (not to let it bother him). But I can’t say I don’t take it home sometimes.”
For manager Clint Hurdle, the offense, or lack thereof, is personal. He served as the Rockies’ hitting boss from 1997 until April 2002. He admitted Wednesday that he has spent more time in the batting cage this season working with hitters than ever before as manager.
“I feel (Espy’s) pain more because I was in his position,” Hurdle said. “He has grown in a lot of areas. I provide support. Sometimes I might tell (hitters) the same thing he’s already said; it’s just a different voice. No one is looking for any credit. We are just trying to get better results.”
Since handpicking his staff in October 2002, Hurdle has not replaced a coach, except when Sandy Alomar Sr., left to join the New York Mets. Hurdle stuck with pitching coach Bob Apodaca, despite fans calling for a change after last season. Espy has emerged as their most popular target this year.
Apodaca has responded by overseeing a pitching staff that will break every meaningful statistic in Rockies history. Hurdle was asked if there are parallels with Espy.
“They are similar situations, but they are similar situations that are intrinsically different,” Hurdle said. “We have shown patience throughout this entire process. When we get into September, we will make evaluations.”
Short story
Shortstop Clint Barmes’ continued slump led to a place on the bench Wednesday, giving way to Kaz Matsui. Matsui recorded his first hit as a Rockie in the fifth inning, flaring a double into center field. Barmes is 1-for-14 on the road trip and is hitting .231 this season.
“I think he should hit somewhere between .260 and .270 with 12 to 15 home runs and drive in 65 to 75 runs,” Hurdle said. “His June was improved and he had a solid July, but I don’t know if he got to .240 and felt like ‘Now I am going to make a move.’ It’s a good time to get a (rest).”
Rockies recap
It’s hard to imagine that any other utility player has received this much attention. A battery of nearly 10 reporters is chronicling every move by Kaz Matsui. A former star in Japan, he has his own translator and personal trainer, who travel with him. There was actual news Wednesday, with Matsui starting at shortstop.
“I have looked forward to this opportunity,” said Matsui, who doubled in the fifth inning.
HURDLE’S ROLE: Manager Clint Hurdle went out of his way Wednesday to explain his role as the team endures arguably its toughest stretch. “I can’t control the speed (that players’ develop), but I can control the direction (of the club),” Hurdle said. “And I know that everything eventually falls on my shoulders.”
SECONDS, ANYONE?: Jamey Carroll continues to fight through a slump and could sit today as Matsui moves over to second base. Even during a breakthrough season, Carroll has struggled on the road, hitting just .224. His overall average has dropped more than 25 points over the past 18 games.
