San Diego – After a week of causing more damage than any Rockies’ player in history, Matt Holliday succumbed to pain.
In the Rockies’ latest most critical game of the season, the National League’s potential most valuable player didn’t start Saturday because of a strained left oblique muscle.
Holliday said he injured the muscle six days ago while batting against the Dodgers, and it grew worse Friday night after striking out in the 11th against reliever Heath Bell.
“Obviously, I want to be out there, but it doesn’t make sense if I can’t help the team or if I go out there and really blow it out,” said Holliday, who hopes to play today. “It’s been something I have been dealing with for a while and it just got a little bit worse.”
Holliday remained in the lineup all week because he was able to endure the pain, and was playing his best when his team needed him most. He had home runs in 11 of the past 13 games.
Cooking up something
Aaron Cook, out with an oblique injury more serious than Holliday’s, continues to rehab in hopes of pitching in the National League Championship Series. He could have more playoff opportunities if talks go well this offseason.
While it’s a no-brainer that the Rockies will pick up Cook’s $4.5 million option next year, they plan to discuss a contract extension with the right-hander at season’s end.
With their lineup among baseball’s best, the Rockies’ key to contending remains fortifying their pitching staff. Cook would help anchor a rotation along with Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Hirsh and Franklin Morales, with possibly a veteran starter added.
Footnotes
Don’t be surprised if the Rockies approach shortstop Troy Tulowitzki about a long-term contract this winter, a strategy that paid off in securing Francis to a four-year deal with a club option in December. … The Rockies plan to announce their 2008 schedule Monday. Known interleague opponents include the White Sox and Tigers. … Morales credited his fastball command and confidence in his changeup for his 17-inning scoreless streak. He hasn’t decided if he will play winter ball. “I need to rest and then maybe I will. We will see,” Morales said.
