“This bevy of Broncos receivers does not add up to more than Brandon Marshall. Only three or four of them can be on the field at one time, and none will force teams to change their defensive philosophies or coverage. Coach Josh McDaniels has bankrupted this team of talent. It is laughable that in less than two years, McDaniels has taken the Denver offense from outstanding to less than mediocre. When quarterback Kyle Orton is the star of your offense, you are in big trouble.”
Pete, Wind River, Wyo.
Kiz: From Jay Cutler to Chris Simms to Brady Quinn, Coach McD goes through quarterbacks faster than Simon Cowell cuts down “American Idol” contestants. So just because the Broncos gave Orton a contract extension, it doesn’t mean McDaniels will stay in love with the veteran QB for long. There’s always another idol in the pipeline. For example: Does anybody else think Tim Tebow and Lee DeWyze could be brothers?
Lloyd no Marshall.
“Replacing Marshall with Brandon Lloyd is like going to bed with Julia Roberts and waking up to Nanny McPhee.”
Don, Pueblo West
Kiz: But, as Lyle Lovett and Coach McD can attest, no matter how attractive in the beginning, some relationships aren’t built to last.
Be gone, Melo.
“Dear Carmelo Anthony: You were lucky to be in Denver. Thousands of kids idolize what you appear to be. You could have been another Alex English in the eyes of a new generation. You are not. Go away, Melo. Go to New York. To not respond immediately to a contract offer from a club and community that wanted you is discourteous, at best.”
Bradley, brokenhearted
Kiz: Why do I have a sneaking suspicion the Nuggets would like to keep Melo and trade La La Vaz- quez?
Denver still not a baseball town.
“Maybe it’s because I have only lived in Denver for six years, but it seems this town has an unhealthy obsession with the feelings of its players. Winning is the most important thing to a majority of fans, at least in real baseball cities. People are angry you would suggest Todd Helton isn’t the player he used to be. Denver seems to be full of what I call ‘My son loves Helton and Dinger’ fans. They care more about the idols than the team. I think Denver needs to grow up as a baseball city.”
Andy, Denver
Kiz: Maybe the real problem is the Rox never developed a suitable replacement for Helton in the last 10 years. With no future, you live in the past.
Stones don’t suit you.
“Good job, Kiszla. Way to throw stones at Helton again. What a smudge you are.”
Brian, devoted to No. 17
Kiz: Any chance I could introduce you to my friend Andy (see above)?
Helton Down Under.
“Helton was the highlight of baseball games I’ve gone to in Denver. He was always willing to sign an autograph or pose for a photo. I can’t help but wonder what has been going on in the Colorado clubhouse this season, and if Helton’s lack of production has anything to do with it. The front office wouldn’t bench the greatest player ever to wear purple pinstripes. There was a time when this team gelled without Helton in 2010.”
Jim, Melbourne, Australia
Kiz: A Helton fan in Australia? Now that’s true devotion. According to my research, driving time from Melbourne to Coors Field is only 55 days and 6 hours (including ferry rides).
Kiz, a real softy.
“Visiting Colorado and just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your column on Helton. Back home, Helton would be considered a washed-up nothing. He has worked hard, you acknowledged it, and showed great appreciation for him as both an athlete and person. That’s quite different from what first baseman Derrek Lee heard in his final days with the Chicago Cubs.”
Fred, Chicago
Kiz: If the buyout of Helton’s contract gave him a chunk of the Rockies as an owner, it would be fine by me.
A special place for juicing
And today’s parting shot stings like a needle to the rump. Does baseball need to add a Juicing Wing to the Hall of Fame?
“I now believe the Hall of Fame should be divided in order to have some sense of players’ accomplishments before and after the steroids era began in 1990. As for pitcher Roger Clemens, if he is found guilty of lying to Congress, he should go to jail. Nevertheless, the question remains regarding Mark McGwire and a large number of other major-league stars from the past 15 to 20 years whether the use of steroids should disqualify any player from the Hall.”
Greg, Las Vegas
