Based on blogs and e-mails, Rockies fans are angry about the team’s record. They are angry the club isn’t as visibly upset as they are. Where are the thrown helmets, the broken bats, the heated team meetings?
“Do you want us to act like 5-year-olds and have a tantrum or handle it professionally?” Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday said. “Guys stomping feet and tossing helmets, that’s not how baseball is played. It’s not one of those things where you call a meeting and suddenly become better. We have to deal with this situation by playing better.”
As maddening as the Rockies’ uneven play has been – last Saturday was their best game, Sunday their worst – it has tempered emotions. There’s been no long losing streak to create boiling tensions. Practically every other day, there’s been a sense among players that they were going to execute a U-turn.
“Guys are definitely frustrated and taking it personal that we are losing,” said Garrett Atkins, given a break Wednesday as John Mabry started at third base. “We really don’t have a lot of hotheads in here. You have to handle it in your own way.”
Atkins talked about the importance of putting together a long winning streak. The team hasn’t won more than four consecutive games since 2004, the only club in baseball to suffer that indignity.
“Every team that does well runs one of those off,” Atkins said.
While the Rockies wait, they continue to sink in the standings. They have occupied last place in the National League West every day since April 20 and are a great week away from even reaching .500.
“We have been inconsistent. One game we are good and the next game we are down,” catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. “That’s been the frustrating part.”
Hawkins’ arrival delayed
Reliever LaTroy Hawkins will return to the Rockies, but not as soon as expected. He will pitch consecutive days for the Sky Sox in Sacramento on Friday and Saturday, and barring a setback, will rejoin the Rockies on Monday in Phoenix.
“There were no problems with pain, just getting used to being out there again,” said Hawkins, out for the past three weeks with a strained forearm.
Footnotes
The Diamondbacks claimed infielder Jason Smith off waivers from Toronto. The one-time Rockie will be in uniform today. … Arizona is still resolving issues with infielder Alberto Callaspo, who was placed on the restricted list without pay after being arrested last week. … Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he’s in no hurry to trade Jose Capellan, a Triple-A reliever in whom the Rockies have had interest.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
