Notes on a silver platter. …
In an era in which the rules are designed to create big plays in the passing game, Rod Smith didn’t make any last season. Of his 52 catches (his lowest total since 1996), none went for more than 20 yards.
You know the rest of the story. The offseason hip surgery. The non-stop rehab. The speculation about whether he’ll be a starter, the No. 3 wideout or a training-camp casualty.
With camp just over the dashboard, Smith looms as the Broncos’ mystery man. The coaches are hoping he is ready for Day One, but then coaches say that kind of stuff all the time. The truth is, Smith doesn’t know when he’ll be healthy enough to compete.
“They can’t set a timetable for me,” Smith said. “My body sets the timetable. They can say what they want. You can have all the medical diagnoses you want, but if it’s not time, I’m not going out there.
“Going out there too early hurts our team, and it hurts me. So my thing is being patient. Honestly, this is the most patient I’ve had to be in my entire life.”
As for the speculation about his job status, Smith wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Am I trying to make the roster? I’ve been doing that for 13 years,” he said. “It ain’t nothing new to me. Everyone should be unsure of their status. I’m a question mark, period. Just call me a question mark.” …
The Broncos’ last minicamp ended Tuesday, one day ahead of schedule. Said John Lynch, when asked if Mike Shanahan’s decision to give the players a day off was a reflection of the team’s hard work, “It’s probably a reflection that he’s playing in the (Lake) Tahoe golf tournament and he’s got a practice round.” …
The Bronx staged their annual bowling tournament after Tuesday’s workout. No word on whether, in these P.C. times, Roger Goodell allowed them to have a beer frame. …
Not that these are different times at the Ballpark Formerly Known as Coors Canaveral, but the Rockies are on pace for 149 home runs. Larry Walker (49), Andres Galarraga (41), Vinny Castilla (40) and Ellis Burks (32) combined for 162 in 1997. …
In case you didn’t know, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle detests on-pace-for notes. So being the nice guy that I am, I’ll switch to the Broncos. Jay Cutler started five games last season and threw nine touchdown passes and five interceptions. That would put him on pace for 29 and 16 over a 16-game season. …
Which is to say Cutler won’t throw 29 TD passes and 16 picks this season. If he does, he’ll surpass John Elway’s career high of 27 TD passes, set in 1997. …
We’re No. 27! We’re No. 27! The Rockies, according to a Harris Interactive poll, are the 27th most popular team among the 30 big-league clubs, ahead of the Royals (28), Nationals (29) and Blue Jays (30). …
Sad, isn’t it? Barry Bonds says he was too old and beat up to participate in the Home Run Derby in front of his hometown fans, the ones who’ve supported him through cream and clear – er, thick and thin. Good thing Bonds had the energy to host that party the other day into the wee hours of the morning. …
Chris Carpenter is hurting, Albert Pujols hasn’t homered in three weeks and Danny Haren started the All-Star Game for the American League. Other than that, how is your summer working out, Cardinals fans? …
Greg Oden, the NBA’s top draft pick, racked up 10 fouls in his first summer league game in Las Vegas. Let me guess. He is practicing to become a member of Allen Iverson’s posse. …
No, really, I’m not making this up: A 2005 Chrysler once owned by Pacman Jones sold on eBay the other day for $20,000- plus. And what model was it? A Crossfire.
Staff writer Jim Armstrong can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
