Unwelcome Matt.
“After last season’s epic run to the World Series, I went downtown to the Rockies’ pep rally, where outfielder Matt Holliday told the crowd he wanted to see them at Coors Field throughout 2008, not just during the pennant drive. Let’s see, it looks like fans responded, but Holliday did not. Other than his batting average, nothing else he has done helped the Rox when it mattered. I say trade him.”
John, Highlands Ranch
Kiz: Here’s the deal: As a reason to shop Holliday, the Rockies need to stop blaming the greed of agent Scott Boras, and start selling the trade as the best way Colorado can obtain a true top-of-the-rotation starter. I would take 23-year-old San Francisco righty Matt Cain straight up for Holliday. Somehow, I’ve got a strong suspicion the Giants would decline the offer, if for no other reason than it’s tough to make a blockbuster deal within your own division. But what could it hurt to ask, so long as Dan O’Dowd is trolling for trade partners?
Time to clear Hurdle.
“Manager Clint Hurdle is going to have to justify his continued presence in the Rockies dugout. It’s the American way. Blame the chief executive if the legislature fails. Blame the teacher if the student doesn’t learn. Blame the coach if the team is lousy. And the 2008 Rockies are a sorry team.”
Ray, Lakewood
Kiz: And when my credit card bill maxes out, I blame the company that sent me that darn piece of plastic for free in the first place.
Rockin’ with the oldies.
“I don’t blame Hurdle for the Rockies’ woes. I blame general manager Dan O’Dowd and ownership for the paucity of pitchers. Some of this year’s pitching signings were consistent with trying to win on the cheap. More important, though, I blame O’Dowd for letting Holliday, Brian Fuentes and Garrett Atkins twist in the wind with the prospect of being traded. It must have undermined team morale to see how little confidence management had in its ability to retain top talent.”
Tim, Denver
Kiz: Where did the time go on Generation R? Aaron Cook, Todd Helton, Clint Barmes and Fuentes will be at least 30 years old by opening day of next season, while Holliday, Brad Hawpe and Ryan Spilborghs will be 29. Kid Rocks? Umm, maybe not.
The book on Bates.
“Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has nowhere near MVP production, and the season is three weeks old. Write about the outstanding job the offensive line is doing, some of the great special-team players or the incredible job coach Mike Shanahan and his offensive coordinator are doing in the first quarter. Watch the game. Start acting like you have some idea of what you’re doing.”
Bill, Pottsville, Pa.
Kiz: OK, now that you’re done chewing on me, try this food for thought: Young assistant coach Jeremy Bates has done a terrific job calling plays for Cutler. But once the league gets a book on Bates and his tendencies, scoring could become more of a challenge for this offense.
It could be talent, or lack thereof.
“My take on Denver’s maligned defense: I think it’s coaching.”
Rick, bleeds orange
Kiz: After all the coordinators who have been spit out by the revolving door at the team’s Dove Valley headquarters in recent years, I’m beginning to think playing talent, not brainpower, is what has been missing in those defensive meeting rooms.
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot is a modest proposal for how the Rockies could guarantee some return on their hefty remaining investment in Todd Helton, even if the veteran’s back injury prevents him from consistently playing at first base.
“Helton should replace Clint Hurdle as manager. But back here in the real world, I can tell you with absolute certainty it will be whoever the Rockies can get for the least amount of money. I figure Seattle manager Jim Riggleman should be available on the cheap pretty soon.”
Kenneth, Cumming, Ga
