Perhaps one stat explains the Rockies’ offensive flaws best.
They have one sacrifice fly in 25 games. That doesn’t jibe with a team that is built around doing the small things, that has a well-earned reputation for unselfishness.
“We haven’t been to able to execute like we expected,” general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “We can talk about hitting the ball hard, but we aren’t getting the big hit or getting the runs across.”
The Rockies’ offensive numbers are sobering, particularly since this team should be one of the finest. Colorado ranks 24th in runs scored, 21st in batting average (a modest .251) and 20th in home runs (20).
Manager Clint Hurdle has shaken up his lineup, moving Todd Helton to second and all of his sluggers up a slot. That’s not the ideal spot. When Troy Tulowitzki hits, the team will be at its best. He’s still struggling.
With Jayson Nix gone, look for Jeff Baker to get his fair share of at-bats at second base. At some point, the Rockies need to figure out what they have in Baker. His bat could be a huge boost if he can survive defensively. Baker is in there tonight.
It’s a big night for Franklin Morales. Another poor performance, or more specifically short performance, and he could be headed to Triple-A for a tuneup.
A look at tonight’s lineup:
CF Willy Taveras
1B Todd Helton
LF Matt Holliday
3B Garrett Atkins
RF Brad Hawpe
SS Troy Tulowitzki
2B Jeff Baker
C Yorvit Torrealba
P Franklin Morales
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
