The only thing missing was the tombstone. On June 3, after a loss at Houston, the Rockies trailed the division-leading Dodgers by 15 1/2 games.
In what amounts to one of the most remarkable U-turns in baseball history, Colorado begins tonight’s three-game series against Los Angeles just three games back.
Those aren’t footsteps the Dodgers hear. They are Sasquatch thuds into the earth.
“They should feel pressure,” Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. “To lose that much off their lead, I could understand why they might panic a little bit.”
The Dodgers laugh off such talk. They insist they aren’t pressing or worried. Outfielder Manny Ramirez told reporters recently to talk to him when the Dodgers were no longer in first place. The Dodgers’ confidence has multiple roots. The players believe their offense will get hot again and they are 10-2 against the Rockies this season.
“I think they know we are playing better now, that we aren’t the same team,” outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said.
The teams finish the season with a three-game series in Los Angeles.
Cook’s good news.
An MRI confirmed Aaron Cook has a strained right shoulder, but no structural damage. This leaves the possibility that Cook will pitch again this season. He will begin playing catch next week, with the Rockies cautiously optimistic he can return in roughly a month. Josh Fogg will start in his place Wednesday.
Gonzalez back.
Gonzalez returned sooner than expected. The left fielder, who cut his left hand, pinch ran in the 10th inning for Todd Helton and remained in the game in left field. Gonzalez came up to bat in the 12th inning, but he was limited to bunting and was thrown out. Gonzalez will hit off a tee today and hopes to return to the lineup during the Dodgers series.
Talks for a later date.
Though general manager Dan O’Dowd and manager Jim Tracy have played a huge part in the Rockies’ success, their contract situations will not be addressed until after the season ends, owner Dick Monfort said Monday.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
