The rain wasn’t the only thing that dampened the Rockies on their return from the all-star break Thursday at Coors Field.
Matching the moisture from the skies was a steady gush of disappointment from Rockies faithful as they made their way into the ballpark at the 20th and Blake streets.
“They’re underachieving,” said Josh Ryan of Fort Collins, a Rockies fan for five years. “I think starting pitching has been doing an OK job, not a great job. I think we have to get guys hitting in important situations. We have to have who we have to start hitting or look at bringing somebody in from the outside.”
While the majority zeroed in on hitting as the main culprit in the Rockies sitting at 43-48 coming out of the all-star break, manager Jim Tracy’s handling of the pitching staff caught some grief.
The Rockies’ ERA is 4.13, which ranks 22nd in the major leagues, and is giving up 8.7 hits per game.
“I’m disappointed by the way the pitching staff has performed,” said Bill Owens of Lakewood. “I think Tracy leaves some of the pitchers in too long. I understand you have to save the relievers, but if you don’t make it to the playoffs, it’s not going to do you any good to have arm strength in September and October.”
But there were also those who sided with the pitching and felt the lack of offense was the biggest disappointment.
“I blame it on the bats,” Phil Crouch of Aurora said. “Your bats should give you six, seven runs a game.”
Going into Thursday’s game against the Brewers, the Rockies this season are averaging 4.3 runs and 8.5 hits per game.
“They’re not playing up to capabilities this year. They better start getting some offense and better pitching or it’s going to be a long second half,” Lynn McKee of Littleton said. “I’ll go to fewer games if they don’t turn it around pretty soon.”
While disappointment was a general theme, so was loyalty.
“Win or lose, I’ll stick with them,” said Shannon Crawford of Centennial, a sentiment that was echoed throughout.
Tammi Backer of Littleton kept things in perspective: “I love baseball. I come along for the ride, the company and the beer.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
