EYE ON
Jon Rauch, RHP, Diamondbacks
Background: Rauch was a double major at Morehead State, dabbling in physics and business. The White Sox drafted, developed and gave up on the right-hander, trading him to the Expos. At 6-feet-11, he’s the tallest major- leaguer ever.
What’s up: The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Rauch last week for speedy Triple-A second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Bonifacio is an intriguing prospect. But you can’t steal first base, and there’s growing concern that he might not hit in the big leagues. Landing Rauch is a bold stroke by the Diamondbacks, who are white-knuckling the division lead in the National League Worst.
What’s next: In talking to multiple Diamondbacks executives, they were motivated to acquire Rauch for two reasons: It gives them versatility and can ease the burden on a tired bullpen that has failed to protect 16 leads after the sixth inning. Teaming Rauch with Randy Johnson does more than make the Diamondbacks the prohibitive favorite in any pickup basketball game. Rauch has a rubber-band arm, never refuses the ball and can smell the “coughing up fumes” duo of Tony Peña and Chad Qualls.
Renck’s take: It was just two years ago that a traded reliever influenced the fate of the NL West — the Padres nabbed Cla Meredith. He turned into Dan Quisenberry-lite, helping San Diego to the division crown. The Rauch issue is simple: How will he respond to pressure? That he was working as a closer for the injured Chad Cordero is reassuring for the Diamondbacks. He’s walked into the burning building. Doing that in meaningful games is a different animal. If Rauch becomes a reliable bridge to Brandon Lyon, that could be the difference in three wins — and ultimately a playoff berth.
AT ISSUE
Ultimate fan prize: No Rockies player giveaways this month
What: The nonwaiver trading deadline is Thursday, with contenders doing last-minute Christmas shopping for a playoff run. The problem is some teams can’t decide whether to add or subtract players, with the mediocrity of the National League West and the wild-card tease complicating matters.
When: By Monday, the picture will crystallize. Clubs straddling the fence, such as the Rockies, should know whether this season is salvageable or best served to acquire extra parts from the junkyard.
Renck’s take: As late as the all-star break, having watched the team’s most disappointing first half, I was fully in favor of the Rockies shipping out closer Brian Fuentes and promoting prospects Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers. So what changed? The attendance. The fans’ affection for this team — even against the sobering math required for a September run — has been striking. They should draw well over two million. What this screams is that this organization should buy at the deadline, acquiring a fifth starter to stabilize the rotation — Josh Fogg makes a lot of sense, as does Paul Byrd. The division stinks. An opportunity exists to sneak into the postseason. Get under the velvet rope and who knows who you’ll meet in the club. The Cardinals were wildly pedestrian two years ago, and went 11-3 in the playoffs to win the World Series. With a caffeinated lineup suddenly functioning like human Red Bull and the starting pitching functional, the Rockies have a realistic shot to hang around. The odds improve dramatically if the real Jeff Francis shows up after his disabled list interruption. Even if the Rockies don’t get in, the fans deserve another meaningful September. It shows ownership cares, a perfect antidote to last October’s cold-hearted World Series ticket fiasco.
THREE UP
1. Yankees: Acquire Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte while playing best ball.
2. Brewers: CC Sabathia best acquisition since Astros landed Randy Johnson.
3. Mets: Survive bullpen collapse, showing resolve absent under Willie Randolph.
THREE DOWN
1. Orioles: Warm and fuzzy story turning cold and prickly as summer wears on.
2. Twins: Continue playing role of Washington Generals at Yankee Stadium.
3. Mariners: Trade Raul Ibañez and Adrian Beltre and let the rebuilding begin.
