Before Gen R was even scribbled on scratch paper as a potential slogan, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle told top prospects at the winter development camp a few years ago the organization’s future depended on them.
He wasn’t kidding. Last week, Rockies owner Dick Monfort put the onus on the players to return the Rockies to glory in explaining the jobs of Hurdle and general manager Dan O’Dowd were secure.
The players universally welcome the challenge disguised as opportunity. Some, however, would embrace help from upstairs, while others believe a crippling response to pressure, not a lack of talent, produced the second-half plunge out of playoff contention.
“I don’t feel like there needs to be significant additions, but a couple of more respected bats would be good,” Rockies pitcher Jason Jennings said. “You can always use pitching, everyone can. I feel like we played good defense. I think we are close if we could get a respected bat.”
Even after a monstrous four- game offensive series against the Nationals this past weekend, the Rockies rank 17th in baseball in runs, 17th in average with runners in scoring position and 26th in home runs. Based on those numbers alone, it’s not hard to argue that the lineup could use another slugger.
“That seems to be the consensus,” outfielder Matt Holliday said. “We could obviously use a little help. But we don’t make those decisions, it’s (management’s) job. Plus, plenty of guys in here have shown they can get it done and will only improve with time.”
A team picked to win 67 games by Las Vegas oddsmakers – which Colorado can exceed tonight with a victory in San Francisco – sat three games back in the National League West race on Aug. 9.
The Rockies have gone 11-18 since, including a crushing winless road trip through New York and Milwaukee, part of a 6-23 mark in visiting ballparks in the second half.
Several players’ explanation of the slide reveals why they think the postseason is a realistic goal next season.
“I definitely believe we have playoff-caliber players in here. It’s been a learning experience, a lot of guys being in a race for the first time,” outfielder Brad Hawpe said. “I don’t know if it was dealing with expectations, but I do know that next year we can’t get caught up again in what’s being said about us, good or bad.”
Added pitcher Aaron Cook, “The biggest thing is consistency.”
The problem with young players is that their performance is unpredictable. For everyone such as Jennings, Holliday, Jeff Francis and Garrett Atkins, who took steps forward, there were those who regressed, such as shortstop Clint Barmes and center fielder Cory Sullivan.
Center field is one spot where the team could add offense through a trade or the open market, Monfort admitted. But he indicated the Rockies would not offer more than a three-year deal in free agency, where the top names likely will be Torii Hunter, Jim Edmonds, Juan Pierre, Dave Roberts and possibly Eric Byrnes.
Barring the arrival of a big bat, the changes will be more cosmetic than dramatic. That leaves this cast of players responsible for making the team better in 2007.
“We are definitely close. I know we were in it a lot longer than people expected before we fell apart,” Atkins said. “It was probably all those things, pressure, expectations. We should be able to deal with it better the next time around.”
Staff writer Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
