When the time came to save the season in Atlanta, it didn’t matter that the Rockies had National League championship rings. When the moment came to remain in contention, their effort and attitude weren’t enough.
Major League Baseball is about results, job performance graded by the record and the standings.
By either measure, the Rockies’ season has been a failure. Their fall has been swift. They were four victories away from a World Series crown in 2007. Now, they are playing meaningless September games.
It’s embarrassing not to sniff .500. Worse, they squandered a prime opportunity to win a ridiculously weak division.
As these final two weeks play out, the Rockies will go back to the future, taking longer looks at starter Greg Reynolds and possibly center fielder Dexter Fowler.
But this team’s performance has already framed next season: It’s validate or terminate.
If the Rockies respond and contend, the building-from-within strategy grows roots, makes even more sense. If Colorado backslides, it screams that 2007 was a fluke.
That’s a chilling question for an organization that has no plans to reinvent itself as a big-market team.
The players have been publicly held accountable, their glaring weaknesses identified over the last few weeks by general manager Dan O’Dowd and, to a lesser degree, manager Clint Hurdle. Their starting pitching underachieved, most notably Jeff Francis and Franklin Morales. Their hitters have failed repeatedly with runners in scoring position, and the defense, the greatest ever statistically last season, has been pedestrian at times.
But if this team is to execute another U-turn, there needs to be accountability beyond the playing field. O’Dowd acknowledged to me that he whiffed on his fifth-starter experiments — Kip Wells, Livan Hernandez, Mark Redman and Josh Towers. He made shrewd moves in acquiring Jorge De La Rosa and signing Glendon Rusch. And he’s had some terrific winters, stretching money found in couch cushions for vital contributors. Last winter, though, he made mistakes, overreaching on reliever Luis Vizcaino and putting too much faith in Jayson Nix.
Hurdle was at his best last season, loosening his grip and lowering his voice. His work in the playoffs was nothing short of brilliant, outmaneuvering Arizona’s Bob Melvin and Philadelphia’s Charlie Manuel. This season, there has been a disconnect at times. The Rockies’ kill-or-be- killed attitude in April and May with Nix, Morales and Yorvit Torrealba, among others, could be supported with statistics.
Problem is, the Rockies built their personality on patience with players. Now, several guys were checking the lineup to see if they were in it.
Hurdle managed with a sense of urgency, but that has never worked with this group. As remarkable as 2007 was, there were no expectations. In fact, the Rockies have never met high expectations, whether it was in 1996, 2001 or this season.
Hurdle has to find a way to draw out this team’s best without going to the whip. He said in Atlanta that the team’s poor execution ultimately lands on his doorstep. That’s the right step. But more is required.
The players need to know he’s on their side, will take a bullet for them in the face of criticism from fans, press, front office or ownership.
Those advancing the solution that the Rockies will solve all their problems by trading Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins are missing the point. It’s not just about the players (besides, I have yet to figure out how dealing the best two right-handed hitters makes any team better). It’s clear one must be sacrificed to acquire a legitimate middle starter.
But for this club to regain its traction, honest self-evaluation, so central to getting this franchise moving forward, must apply to everyone.
Footnotes.
In their winless six-game road trip, the Diamondbacks scored 14 runs. That’s why it’s premature to start pointing the fingers at Brandon Webb and Dan Haren for the team’s collapse. If not for the starting pitching, this team would be 15 games under .500. The Diamondbacks’ talent suggests they have another run in them, but, as general manager Josh Byrnes said: “It’s getting late to show that we are dangerous.” . . . Jeff Francoeur’s future in Atlanta is growing more uncertain each day. There are some in the front office who feel they should trade the former boy wonder. His offensive regression has been striking, which led to his temporary demotion to Double-A this season. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Braves try to move him this offseason before paying him in arbitration. A team such as Kansas City makes some sense. . . . Brian Fuentes will have no shortage of suitors. The closer figures to land at least a $30 million deal. My early favorite: Cleveland.
Eye on …
Carlos Delgado, 1B, Mets
Background: A highly coveted youth player from Puerto Rico, Carlos Delgado signed with the Blue Jays, making his debut in 1993. While his contract became burdensome, he left as the greatest player in franchise history. A layover in Florida followed his arrival in New York. He’s endured wildly ineffective and alarmingly productive stretches over recent seasons. Critics have vanished this year with his unlikely MVP push.
What’s up: Not even rocker Carlos Santana has staged a better comeback. On June 25, there were growing whispers that Delgado might be benched permanently against left-handers or — gasp! — designated for assignment. In the flip of a switch, he pulled off an amazing about-face. He entered the weekend with 69 RBIs in his last 67 games.
What’s next: Delgado is emerging as one of the strongest candidates for National League MVP honors, alongside St. Louis’ Albert Pujols. The mere suggestion seemed laughable even last month. But all Delgado does is get big hits. Of his last 69 RBIs, 18 have given the Mets a lead. The bench is feeding off his clutch performance, expecting to win with each of his swings.
Renck’s take: Delgado’s transformation is stunning. At 36, a year older than Todd Helton, he’s having a career season. He’s hit .304 with 24 home runs and 69 RBIs since June 27. His resurrection will bring more attention to one of the sport’s most thoughtful men. He’s a peace activist who’s been outspoken against the war in Iraq. He’s actually refused curtain calls, just last week, when he didn’t feel worthy because his hit wasn’t the most significant. We don’t need cookie-cutter athletes. Agree with him or not, Delgado is good for the sport. And great for the Mets, who certainly will pick up his $12 million next year.
At issue
Angels closer Rodriguez no great savior in age of specialization
What: Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez tied Bobby Thigpen’s 18-year-old single-season save record Thursday with 57. It’s a startling number, but is it significant?
When: Rodriguez is easy to find. He punches the clock in the ninth inning, usually with nobody on base. Not once this season has Rodriguez worked more than three outs for a save. He has blown six saves and, because of Cliff Lee’s terrific performance in Cleveland, doesn’t figure to win the American League Cy Young Award.
Background: The save was instituted in 1969 as a way of recognizing the importance of relievers. Kansas City’s Dan Quisenberry put up the first shocking number with 45 saves in 1983. Specialization soon began to appear as Thigpen set the record while pitching only 88 2/3 innings. Manager Tony La Russa pioneered strictly defined bullpen roles along with coach Dave Duncan. It has led to crazy saves totals, but not necessarily more valuable pitchers. You can’t blame Rodriguez for how his manager uses him, or his team’s knack for close games, but you can compare him with his predecessors when assessing his value.
Renck’s take: Rodriguez agitates scouts and opponents alike with his finger pointing and sky-kissing celebrations. He’s been terrific this season, but not devastating. He is seeking a five-year, $75 million free-agent contract. That’s too much, given his timecard. His role isn’t hard enough to justify that kind of coin. In Mariano Rivera’s case, he works multiple innings and has done as much in nearly two-thirds of his postseason appearances. Rodriguez is a three-out ace. As Gabriel Schechter from the baseball Hall of Fame so kindly pointed out to me, Cooperstown’s Bruce Sutter had more multiple- inning saves in a 39-day stretch in 1984 than Trevor Hoffman has in his career. Rodriguez is great. But this record is diminished. Anyone can get saves — see Shawn Chacon, circa 2004 — if you give them opportunities.
Ups and downs
THREE UP
1. Astros: Roy Oswalt is a no-hitter waiting to happen. Astros this year’s Rockies.
2. Dodgers:Made up eight games in the standings in less than two weeks.
3. Blue Jays: Own lowest ERA and most complete games in baseball.
THREE DOWN
1. Diamondbacks:Have lost last seven games started by Brandon Webb and Dan Haren.
2. Cubs: Lou Piniella hopes Tuesday rant will finally ignite the pilot again.
3. Rockies: Turner Field will be remembered as place 2008 season went to die.
