At a recent banquet in California, San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers ran into Garrett Atkins. Rather than make small talk, Towers got straight to the point.
“I told him, ‘Man, you are a tough out,”‘ Towers said.
Towers’ compliment explains why Atkins was voted player of the year by the Colorado chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The Rockies’ third baseman hit .329 with 29 home runs and 120 RBIs, tying for first in hits in the big leagues after the all-star break.
“It’s nice to get recognition,” Atkins said. “Looking back at the season, I am proud of the way I finished.”
Jason Jennings made his last season with the Rockies his best, earning pitcher of the year honors from the chapter. Despite a 9-13 record, Jennings posted his lowest ERA (3.78) while reaching career bests in innings and strikeouts.
“Obviously I didn’t think I was going to leave, but it’s nice to go out this way,” said Jennings, traded to the Astros last month for center fielder Willy Taveras and pitchers Jason Hirsh and Taylor Buchholz. “It’s a different vibe being here. We always expected to win with the Rockies, but here they have a history of winning recently.”
Reliever Ramon Ramirez, acquired in the Shawn Chacon trade, received the rookie of the year award after recording a 3.46 ERA in 61 appearances. Jamey Carroll was named local Good Guy for his cooperation with the media. Los Angeles Dodger Luis Gonzalez was named national Good Guy.
Footnotes
With the Padres offering only a minor-league deal to Brian Lawrence, Colorado still has a chance to sign the right-hander. … The Rockies will finish their exhibition season against the Sky Sox in Colorado Springs at 2 p.m., March 30. Colorado opens the season April 2 at home against the Diamondbacks.
Staff writer Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
