Washington – This is what Rockies fans have been waiting for from Aaron Cook – be a stopper, a backbone, an ace with attitude. He should grab opponents by the nape of the neck and not let loose until they have lost their will, their breath, or both.
On a night punctuated by Ryan Spilborghs’ amazing grab in right field, the Rockies won 3-1 against the Washington Nationals on Friday because Cook recaptured past glory.
Unburdened by the pressure that clearly affected him in the first half of the season, the right-hander worked with alarming efficiency. He kept his sinker down in the zone while mixing in a few more offspeed pitches. The result: seven innings, no runs and a career-high eight strikeouts . The latter number is shocking given that Cook had seven total Ks in five June starts.
Because these are the Rockies, a team that prefers calculus to simple math, Cook’s victory didn’t come easy. The Nationals scored in the eighth and had runners at second and third with Austin Kearns facing Jorge Julio. A botched hit-and-run play provided an escape as Kearns popped up to second baseman Kazuo Matsui, leaving Ryan Zimmerman doubled off at second base.
All the offense necessary came in a two-run third. Matt Holliday and Todd Helton both scored runs. Spilborghs preserved Cook’s perfect line with a twisting, leaping grab over the fence in the fifth, robbing Brian Schneider of a home run.
Ramirez returns
To understand why Ramon Ramirez joined the Rockies in Washington, look to Philadelphia. That’s where Jose Mesa resides. Mesa became a father figure to Ramirez last season when both were in the Rockies’ bullpen. And when Ramirez was knocked around earlier this season and sent down, Mesa played a key role in his climb back to the big leagues.
“He called me right away and let me know that it happens to everyone, that I need to keep working hard and not worry about stuff I can’t control,” Ramirez said Friday. “It meant a lot. We still talk about once a week.”
Mesa told Ramirez to keep his mind sharp and not to pout. Ramirez took the advice seriously, using his time in Triple-A to regain command of his fastball down in the zone. He will be primarily used to get left-handers out, and along with Taylor Buchholz could provide long relief stints if necessary.
Hirsh needs to improve
Performance as much as health will determine when starter Jason Hirsh returns to the Rockies’ rotation. Manager Clint Hurdle was clearly disappointed in Thursday’s 39-pitch outing, one he labeled “not good.” Hirsh threw a 50-50 split of fastballs and breaking balls, a pattern the Rockies have been trying to break. They want the 6-foot-8 right-hander to rely more on power to set up his changeup. Hirsh throws again Monday, and likely will have at least an additional start before returning.
A lot depends on how Jimenez fares Tuesday against San Diego’s Chris Young. Jimenez showed flashes of solid skills, but still battled control issues Thursday. Given the thin and underwhelming starters’ trade market, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of Jimenez and Hirsh as the Rockies attempt to make a second-half run.
“We are trying to do something here, so we need them to pitch well,” Hurdle said.
A moving experience
Nearly 30 Rockies players and employees visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where veterans are receiving care. They walked away amazed at the soldiers’ pride and resolve. Pitcher Josh Fogg said he couldn’t believe the positive attitude of a veteran who showed off a piece of shrapnel the size of a baseball that was removed from his hip.
“So many times you hear about a guy being hurt in our game or having something like Tommy John surgery and it’s a big deal,” Fogg said. “That’s nothing compared to what these soldiers have gone through. They have had nearly fatal injuries. I have the ultimate respect for them.”
Staff writer Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
