TUCSON — To understand why the Rockies believe they can handle their lofty expectations, just watch and listen.
Outfielder Cory Sullivan teases Brad Hawpe, wondering if he has done anything but shoulder workouts. Todd Helton notices a reporter’s mid-thigh shorts, shakes his head and yells, “Hey, come on.” Matt Holliday wonders if Ryan Spilborghs is incognito with his new mysterious beard.
It’s hard to be too serious about polls and first-place predictions when you are busy laughing.
“My favorite part of the game is the relationships,” outfielder Holliday said. “The ribbing is part of it. It’s something we enjoy and how we relate.”
In reality, it’s more than that. When nothing is off limits — from haircuts to dress styles — there’s nothing that can’t be discussed and broached. So when a guy slams down his helmet after a strikeout, he will be asked if he needs a Band-Aid to repair it. It’s an unusual way to create accountability without confrontation.
“You might be 0-for-5 and somebody will crack a joke and it makes you realize that it’s not about you,” outfielder Hawpe said. “It’s about the team.”
Plenty of teams have good guys. What separates the Rockies, explained Matt Herges, is how their superstars act.
“Holliday comes to mind. There’s so much humility dripping off him. I have been on teams with polar opposites where there were Donald Trump-like egos,” Herges said. “When you have that, there’s never 100 percent comfort for everybody on the team. When you can be yourself around superstars, that’s rare.”
Helton wouldn’t have it any other way. Over the past two seasons, he has opened up, his dry sense of humor on vivid display. He takes as many shots as he delivers.
“Look what I’ve got on,” said Helton, pointing to his camouflage pants. “You think they aren’t making fun of me? When you walk in this clubhouse you have a bull’s-eye on your back.”
So too, do the Rockies. After winning the National League pennant, anything but a playoff berth will be considered a letdown. Their bond is their bond. They genuinely like each other, push each other. Not too long ago a bunch of players gathered at Holliday’s house to watch the playoff highlight DVD made by video coordinator Brian Jones.
“As good as teams as I played on, we didn’t have the same camaraderie,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “They have ownership of the club.”
Unless, of course, somebody’s wearing a shirt too tight, or ugly cleats, or shows up late.
“If we lose and don’t make it back, something I don’t believe will happen, it won’t be because we couldn’t handle it,” catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. “I have never been on a team this loose.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
