The Red Sox-Rockies series was baseball’s version of eHarmony. There was a real, live wireless love connection with fans again.
The first game was a peck on the cheek, the second a hug, and the third, even in a loss, a reason to go steady this summer. The series featured playoff intensity, exhausting rallies and the type of endings that are singed into brains.
It made me long for October. There’s nothing like covering the postseason. Every pitch matters.
There’s reason to believe the Rockies will return again — and a simple solution about how to get there. For those who haven’t noticed, the Rockies haven’t cowered against anyone. They have played their best baseball against the best teams.
Colorado entered the weekend 19-16 against clubs with winning records. No one watching the Rockies against the Red Sox would argue that they didn’t belong. Those were cage matches featuring everything but tap-outs. That’s encouraging, given that everyone Colorado plays until the all-star break is a contender.
So why have the Rockies flirted with .500 most of the year? Yes, injuries and perplexing lineups are justifiable explanations. But there’s also another factor at work.
“No disrespect to anyone, but we have to start beating bad teams,” slugger Jason Giambi said.
He’s right. The Rockies have played to the level of their competition this season. That happens when a team has gone to the playoffs, and complacency, even if secretly, sets in. That’s why they have gone 4-2 against the first-place Padres, but 7-8 against the Diamondbacks and Astros.
At least that’s what I have observed.
Losing to Roy Oswalt and Dan Haren is no crime. But the Rockies are too good to give away games to Dontrelle Willis — on a night when he needed a TomTom (GPS) to find home plate — and Felipe Paulino. The Rockies’ lineup should use fourth and fifth starters as dental floss.
Consider this a warning: While there will be a laser focus on every rumble with the Giants, Dodgers and Padres, keep an eye on the remaining series against the Diamondbacks, Pirates, Cubs and Brewers. These series represent a chance to get fat, to give the team a margin for error.
For all the Yankees’ bravado over the years, go back and look at what they did to inferior clubs.
Playing well against bullies is admirable, a wonderful trait in October. But you can’t get there without dominating teams for whom playoffs are an annual rumor.
Something fishy.
The proliferation of fantasy sports has made everyone think they can lead a team. But what does it tell you about the stress of coaching that the Lakers’ Phil Jackson and the Celtics’ Doc Rivers likely will walk away? The stress to win is unhealthy. And that’s not even the hardest part.
Playing amateur psychologist is more difficult. Just text Fredi Gonzalez. The Marlins canned their manager despite lurking in contention. Gonzalez was highly respected by his players, known for defending them in the press. But he had an icy relationship with superstar Hanley Ramirez, whom he temporarily benched this season. If you don’t think that had an impact on this move, you’re nuts.
Plus, the Marlins wanted a big name. Owner Jeffrey Loria never warmed to Gonzalez. Loria nearly hired Bobby Valentine over the winter. Now it looks more than ever that Bobby V will be the man in South Florida.
It sets up a fascinating story line. Loria has challenged managers during games — remember his confrontations with Joe Girardi — and meddled periodically. Valentine won’t deal with those distractions. So either his hiring will cause the pilot light to go on or the Marlins’ season will explode like a scene in “MacGruder.”
Footnotes.
Owner Dick Monfort was very direct with me last week regarding the Rockies’ finances. He all but ruled out a trade for a big name — pitcher or hitter. Obviously a guy like Ty Wigginton is affordable. And Cliff Lee, at roughly $4.2 million, wouldn’t crush the budget. But reading between the lines with Monfort, he wants to see what Jorge De La Rosa and Dexter Fowler do upon their return before he increases the payroll. De La Rosa could hold the key to the season. If he comes back as a true No. 2 behind Ubaldo Jimenez, the playoffs become much more realistic. . . . Garrett Atkins faces a tenuous future in Baltimore. He went a stretch last week without playing for eight straight games. If he’s ultimately designated for assignment, it would be nice to see him get a shot to play every day again. Might not happen. Might require a Triple-A stint. But I am not convinced that he won’t hit and help somebody again.
Eye on …
Matt Holliday, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Background: Matt Holliday can hit. Everyone is quick to forget that when he trudges through April and May. There are a number of reasons that a good player struggles. In the case of Holliday, there was certainly more pressure after signing a seven-year, $120 million free- agent contract. He was ultimately moved around in the order before settling into the second spot in front of superstar Albert Pujols.
What’s up: Holliday (.310, 11 home runs, 36 RBIs) went nuclear last June before being traded from Oakland to St. Louis, a trend that extended through the rest of the season. Holliday entered the weekend with 14 hits in his last 25 at-bats, including five home runs and 11 RBIs.
Renck’s take: Here’s what I have learned from Holliday. Even when he’s bad, he’s good. He’s a hitter who can grind out a .280 average without his good swing. But when his mechanics are right — and it usually goes back to his front foot getting down on time — he becomes a fire- breathing monster. This month, there have been noticeable adjustments. Holliday is driving the ball to right field with authority and crushing inside mistakes. And his leg kick is more aggressive. Credit the Cubs for getting him back on track at the end of May. They went away from scouting reports, allowing Holliday to extend his arms on pitches over the plate. He hasn’t stopped hitting since.
At issue
Phenom pitcher Strasburg belongs in the All-Star Game
What: Stephen Strasburg has made four starts. He wasn’t in the big leagues until a few weeks ago. But given the way he has captured the country’s imagination, is it time to consider him for an all-star berth?
When: The game will be played July 13 in Anaheim, Calif., pitting the National League vs. the American League. Everyone knows it is an exhibition, even though baseball pretends it matters by tying home- field advantage in the World Series to the outcome.
Background: There is no way to make a compelling argument that Strasburg belongs on merit. He hasn’t pitched enough, pure and simple. But this is a game for the fans. That’s why they have voted in past players who have missed first halves. Strasburg, as a pitcher, would have to be selected by Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.
Renck’s take: Strasburg, who fanned 41 hitters in his first four games, belongs even if it goes against my beliefs. Somebody is going to get hosed if he’s added to the roster. How furious would folks in San Diego be if Jon Garland is overlooked to make room for the kid? The reality, however, is that there will always be a shaft. If Strasburg were a freak show, a carnival act, I would be against the move. But let’s be honest. He can help the NL win. It’s very likely that he could enter in the fifth inning and strike out the side and double the ratings. For a sport that struggles to command an audience as NFL training camps rev up, this represents a win-win situation even if another deserving pitcher loses out.
Ups and downs
THREE UP
1. Rangers: Josh Hamilton entered the weekend with June numbers of .488 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs.
2. White Sox: Posted a 2.13 ERA over the past two weeks to move back into contention.
3. Phillies: Rollins is back, and so are the Phillies. It’s not a coincidence.
THREE DOWN
1. Pirates: They have become baseball’s equivalent of a homecoming opponent.
2. Indians: On pace for a 100-loss season after a disastrous run in interleague play.
3. Athletics: Need next wave of young prospects to hit, but that hasn’t happened yet for Chris Carter or Michael Taylor.
