A Sunday smorgasbord of notes. …
It’s in the fine print, but it’s there all right. The list of reasons for the Rockies’ recent turnaround has to include clubhouse karma. Said Todd Helton, “There’s a good feeling in here. Even when we were losing, it wasn’t doom and gloom in here.
“That’s what the outside was feeling, but I thought we were fine. We just weren’t playing well. We’ve always had a good clubhouse, even when things weren’t going well.” …
Helton on life in LoDo in recent weeks: “It’s more exciting to come to the ballpark. It’s more exciting to play the game. Heck, it’s more exciting to stretch.” …
The most amazing aspect of the Rockies’ 20-7 run? They did it without Helton getting hot. It has to happen at some point. He’s on pace for 13 homers and 83 ribbies. …
Clint Hurdle, when asked how much the streak would help his team’s confidence when tough times come: “We weathered a heavy storm early. There will be more storms ahead, you know that. It’s the game of baseball. This is something to hold onto and say, ‘Hey, look. Look at what we were able to do. Look at who we played and look how we showed up. … We can do this.”‘ …
Apparently, I’m expanding my horizons. According to the e-mail I just received, I’ve won the Irish Lottery to go along with the British Lottery, which I won last week. All I’ve got to do to retire tomorrow is provide my bank account number to a perfect stranger. That and a used George McFly “kick me” sign. …
The Cubs’ front office says Michael Barrett’s two run-ins with teammates had nothing to do with the trade that sent him to the Padres. Right. And late June has nothing to do with these 90-degree temperatures. …
Just so you know, if there was anyone out there who cared about Sammy Sosa’s 600th home run, this is where I’d ask for an amen from the congregation. …
He’s a nervous flier. His mother joined him on the trip to Portland, Ore. He says he was trying to sell himself to the Blazers, not vice versa. I don’t care if Greg Oden looks like he helped Dr. Naismith hang the peach basket. I love this kid. …
Broncos Ring of Famer Randy Gradishar on life after football for today’s NFL players: “What happens to all these 300-pound guys when they’re in their 50s and 60s? The biggest guys when we played were 260, 265. These guys are already over 300.” …
Mike Shanahan and Trinidad’s own John Gagliardi, the winningest college football coach that ever was, will headline a Wednesday banquet to launch the four-day Trinidad City of Champions celebration. Spots open for Friday’s dedication of the John Gagliardi Sports Complex and Saturday’s John Gagliardi Historical Day golf tournament at the Trinidad Golf Course. Not that, you know, the guy is big in Trinidad. Info: or 1-800-656-5451. …
This isn’t supposed to be happening, but it is. According to Fox Sports, American League pitchers went into the weekend hitting .171 in interleague games, 25 points higher than the National Leaguers’ .146. …
Rox fans hoisting brooms at Coors Field after sweeping the Yankees? So it’s official then, Toto. That’s Kansas in the rearview mirror. …
From the that’s-life-in-the- big-leagues dept.: The way he’s been struggling, Aaron Cook didn’t need to get squeezed like a gas-pump patron by Saturday’s home plate ump. …
Amazing. Even in his golden years, Frank Thomas is a five-tool player. Unfortunately, he’s carrying four of them on his back when he lumbers around the bases. I’ve seen icebergs with more speed. …
And finally, the Yankees’ five runs at Coors Canaveral were three fewer than they had scored in a three-game series this season.
Staff writer Jim Armstrong can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
Selected slogans
The most common question asked in Our Town last week? How could Coors Field seem more like Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park? T-shirts, for one thing. They’re all over the place in the Bronx and Boston, but you seldom see them in LoDo. Here are 10 suggested T-shirt slogans for Rox fans:
“Our Humidor Can Beat Up Your Power Hitter”
“Coors Field: Next To BALCO, Barry Bonds’ Favorite Hangout”
“Tulo Is The Yankees’ Daddy”
“‘Real Men Play Altitudeball”
“O.J.: The Monforts Did It”
“B.A.R.F.: Born Again Rockies Fan”
“Hurdle’s Heroes”
“Coors Field: Where Every Day Is A Holliday”
“Only The Lord Saves More Than Fuentes”
“Helton, Hawpe & Holliday: How In The ‘H’ Can We Lose With These Guys?”
