Getting defensive.
“The idea the Nuggets are thugs and bullies is downright funny and a disservice to the athletes competing. The fact is the Nuggets have a commitment to defense. I hope the bully stuff stops, because the league is missing out on a fun, energetic team.”
Cliff, Aurora
Kiz: The man who came closest to acting like a punk in the Denver- Dallas series was Mavericks owners Mark Cuban, and NBA commissioner David Stern should have a much bigger problem with poor sportsmanship by an owner than the real possibility that the Nuggets might bully their way into the league’s Kobe-LeBron shindig at the Finals.
Managerial mess.
“Clint Hurdle is managing scared and therefore faced with a Catch-22. The lack of managerial consistency while searching for a spark will lead to his even quicker departure from the Rockies.”
Brian, Denver
Kiz: While Hurdle sometimes has trouble writing a lineup card that makes sense to his players, the Rockies skipper might be the most well-read man in baseball. So I’m confident Hurdle is familiar with the work of Joseph Heller and this line from “Catch-22”: “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.” Sound like any roster of baseball players we know?
Dead-end job.
“Hurdle has stated more than once that outsiders like us don’t know the game. If focusing on the basics of baseball in spring training translates to a dismal start, maybe the Rockies organization should concentrate on execution. Is there anyone in this state who doesn’t favor capital punishment in this particular case?”
Kelly, Johnstown
Kiz: Although deathly afraid of being unfairly labeled as one of those bleeding-heart liberals in the media, I’ve got to admit my opposition to capital punishment for the crime of bad baseball. Sounds a wee harsh. But if you want to call it a mercy killing for a season to forget? Now that might truly be an act of kindness for all of us who have suffered with this team for too long.
Culture club.
“The Rockies have established a culture of losing. They say how they have to do better and they have the talent to play better, but it just doesn’t happen. There is no leader. The comments in your column on how Aaron Cook will never trash the clubhouse and Todd Helton will stay out of the limelight are completely true. How many teams would continue to employ a manager who has had this many losing seasons? George Karl would have been gone after this season if the Nuggets hadn’t finally reached their potential. What changed? The Nuggets went out and got a leader in Chauncey Billups, someone who refuses to lose.”
Doug, Rockies season-ticket holder
Kiz: Until losing hits Rockies ownership in the wallet, there won’t be ample motivation to change the culture.
Worth the wait.
“Sportswriters take a big risk when they try to put a team or a game into historical context. Generally those efforts overstate the moment and disrespect the past. But once in a while, a talented writer who has lived the history can make it work. Congratulations on an exceptional achievement with your column on the Nuggets advancing to the NBA’s Western Conference finals for the first time in 24 years.”
Dave, Denver
Kiz: Aw, shucks. Thanks. But I’ve got to admit: I’m much more accustomed to an e-mail that begins with one of those words the Dallas Mavericks owner uses when he’s picking on somebody’s momma.
Parting shot: No laughing matter
And today’s parting shot asks: What is the best thing to happen to the Rockies this year? Answer: the Nuggets.
“Rockies owner Dick Monfort says, ‘This isn’t our first rodeo or our first bad stretch.’ No kidding, Mr. Monfort. Your entire tenure has been a bad stretch with the exception of Fluketober. Back to the days of a half-empty Coors Field and hoping other local sports teams deflect scrutiny from your lame product. Now that you mention it, rodeo is a far better fit for you and your brother Charlie. The rodeo could always use a couple more clowns.”
Dave, Highlands Ranch
