TV or not TV, that is the question.
A Rockies-Diamondbacks National League Championship Series, already lacking a national profile, received a TV schedule that screams for the teams to be ignored.
“I don’t think a lot people know about us,” shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said.
And those back East, the ones least familiar with the clubs, will have to take NoDoz to learn more. Of the six released game times, two feature 8:18 p.m. local starts (10:18 EDT): Game 2 in Phoenix and Game 4 in Denver. The other four game times feature 6:37 p.m. start times, with Game 7, if necessary, undetermined. In addition, the NLCS will be televised on TBS – new to postseason baseball this year – compared to the ALCS running on the more visible Fox.
Fogg’s role. Right-hander Josh Fogg knows he’ll be on the Rockies’ playoff roster, but he’s not certain what his role will be.
He was 10-9 with a 4.32 ERA during the regular season. But in the NLDS sweep over Philadelphia, he did not start. He pitched two innings of relief in Game 2. And it was Mark Redman, not Fogg, who would have started Game 4 had it been played Sunday.
“I have no idea what my role is yet,” Fogg said. “I am sure I am not starting the opener, so I have a few days to figure out how I’d need to prepare.”
Francis primed. Starter Jeff Francis is known for emotional stability. He admits his first playoff start – at Philadelphia – felt different, an experience he hopes he can draw upon Thursday in Game 1.
“The moment I stepped on the field, it was ‘Francis this. Francis that.’ And when I threw a ball in the bullpen, they had comments about me and my family,” Francis said with a smirk. “Going through that should help.”
Charged up. Rockies pitcher Jason Hirsh thought better of walking the sideline at Invesco Field at Mile High on Sunday even though he had a good reason to be there. He works for the San Diego Chargers, running pre-snap Polaroids to special-teams coaches during the games.
“I originally planned to be at the game, but that was only if our season was over. Obviously, that changed,” said Hirsh, who has recovered from his broken leg and could be available if the Rockies advance to the World Series.
Times change. In a scene that seemed unfathomable when spring training began, fans at Invesco Field broke out into a “Let’s go, Rockies!” cheer as the Broncos fell hopelessly behind Sunday. So what did Rockies first baseman Todd Helton think?
“Well, they have chanted ‘Let’s go, Broncos!’ at (Coors Field),” Helton said. “This is always going to be a Broncos town, but it’s nice that people are still paying attention to us in October.”
Footnotes. Manager Clint Hurdle left the park shortly after arriving Monday, sick with flu. … Reliever Jorge Julio said his neck injury has healed sufficiently and that he has thrown bullpen sessions with no problem.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
