In the postseason, the dugout benches might as well be replaced with couches. There’s an endless amount of head games. On Friday night, the Diamondbacks attempted to disrupt the Rockies with a change of uniforms. It’s the home team’s choice and Arizona donned black, obviously aware the Rockies had won seven consecutive games in their black uniforms.
When Arizona took the field, AC/DC’s “Back in Black” roared. The Diamondbacks rarely wear their black tops. The Diamondbacks entered the game 11-2 in their black tops, which they wear on home Saturdays.
Run, Willy, run. A day after his first start in nearly a month, Willy Taveras’ legs felt great. He singled, stole a base and scored in the Rockies’ decisive third inning Thursday.
“I would have been disappointed had I not been on the roster, but I would have understood because it’s about the team,” said Taveras, who couldn’t track down Tony Clark’s double in the second, then rocketed his own double in the third inning.
Taveras has been told to be aggressive, to attack on the basepaths. He has six stolen bases against the Diamondbacks this season.
“Little things are big this time of year,” he said.
Pitching possibilities. While the Rockies won’t bring Jeff Francis back on short rest for Game 4, they will have options if the series goes seven. Josh Fogg and Franklin Morales would be candidates, according to pitching coach Bob Apodaca.
Footnotes. Brad Hawpe’s revival against left-handers left no doubt he would start Friday instead of Ryan Spilborghs. Hawpe singled off Doug Davis, extending an inning as the Rockies scored their first run. … Colorado resident Mike Epstein is a candidate for the San Francisco Giants’ hitting instructor job. … Approximately 100 Rockies fans attended the team’s batting practice, screaming every time a player went into the clubhouse. A gaggle of girls held several signs that read: “We Drove from Denver to Bring Our Boys Mile High Magic.” … There were enough Rockies’ fans scattered throughout the crowd to chant “M-V-P!” when Matt Holliday came up. After Holliday struck out in the third, the Diamondbacks fans mocked with sarcastic “M-V-P” chants. … Closer Brian Fuentes, on playing for manager Clint Hurdle: “It’s always an experience. I have been here since his first year in (2002). All you can ask from your manager is that he’s fair. He’s definitely that. He’s very intellectual. He knows the game well.” … Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire received loud applause when his image was shown on the Jumbo-Tron.
Troy Renck, The Denver Post
