For the season’s first two months, the Rockies were a modest team with much to be modest about. Those days are over.
They are now a legitimate threat to make the playoffs, loaded with a handful of players who are performing as well as anybody in the league. While the goal for five weeks has been to rescue the season, there are Rockies who could receive and deserve personal recognition today when the National League All-Star team is announced beginning at 11 a.m.
That group starts with Brad Hawpe. The right fielder is hitting .331 with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs. The past two seasons, he was the last guy left off the roster.
“There’s no doubt he should be on the team this year,” first baseman Todd Helton said.
The Rockies’ other two strong candidates are pitchers: starter Jason Marquis and closer Huston Street. Aaron Cook has also made a compelling case with his work the past two months.
It would be a surprise if Marquis is not on his first All-Star team. He owns 10 wins, notched a complete-game victory in his last outing and has produced victories seven times after Rockies’ defeats.
“It would mean a lot to get recognized,” Marquis said.
Street, after a tough April, has been the bullpen’s anchor. He has 19 saves and a 2.88 ERA. Give credit to Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd. He acquired both Marquis and Street in the offseason in separate trades. It’s hard to imagine where the Rockies would be without them.
During the show today, 32 of the 33 spots for the NL and AL teams will be revealed. The final player will be voted in by the fans. The starters are selected by the fans through the ballot box. The reserves and pitchers are taken based on the voting by players and the choices of the respective managers for each team. Philadelphia’s Charlie Manuel is in charge of the NL club.
As for the AL team, Colorado native Roy Halladay not only should make it, but is a strong candidate to start for Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
