Say, didn’t you used to be the National League West?
Eight months ago, the top two teams in the West were battling it out in the N.L. Championship Series. This year, only one team in the division has a winning record.
Given the state of the division, the Rockies” plunge to the depths has been no easy feat. The five teams in the West are a combined 40 games below .500, making it by far the worst division in the bats-and-balls industry.
The next closest? That would be the American League Central at a combined 18 games under.
The West is home to a center fielder, Andruw Jones, who is making $18.2 million a year and can’t hit his weight, and a pitcher, Barry Zito, who has given the Giants one win for their $126-million investment.
And there are others, many others. Todd Helton is on pace for 59 RBIs. The Performer Formerly Known as Trevor Hoffman is 0-4 with an ERA approaching 6.00. And Nomar Garciaparra? Anybody have a Nomar sighting lately? Didn’t think so.
It’s too bad what has happened to this division. And what’s worse is this: If the Rockies had just shown up with a pulse this season, they could have been contenders.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily sports commentaries on The Jimmy Page midday during the week. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
