So, it turns out this Colorado club ain’t done yet.
Following a brutal June in which the Rockies tumbled from first to fourth in the National League West while posting a dismal 11-16 record, Colorado all of a sudden has wind in its sails heading into its final trio of series before the all-star break.
The Rockies have won six of their last seven contests, and are coming off a sweep of the Giants at home, entering the start of Friday’s three-game set in Seattle. Colorado then hosts the Diamondbacks and Mariners for a six-game homestand from July 10-15.
Considering Colorado (44-43) is only 3.5 games back of first-place Los Angeles (47-39) andArizona (48-40) as of Friday — and considering how well the Rockies’ starters have pitched recently, with a 1.10 ERA over the last six starts — this remaining stretch of first-half games could trampoline the team up the standings.
Of course, they’ll face a tough task with six games against one of the American League’s best teams in the Mariners (56-32), who are keeping pace with the defending World Series champion Astros in their west division.
But if the most recent series against the Giants proved anything, it’s that Colorado isn’t going to roll over when the going gets tough.
With the even-keeled nature of manager Bud “That’s Baseball” Black setting the tone for the team overall, the Rockies are one additional hot streak away from putting themselves in a prime position for a run at their first divisional crown in the second half.
Early hitting woes. A best-laid bullpen plan that’s often been disastrous. And an overall team performance that hasn’t been up to the standards of star third baseman Nolan Arenado, general manager Jeff Bridich or a fan base with increased expectations… But all of those first-half headaches can be neutralized if Colorado catches fire in the next nine games.
— , The Denver Post
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Whatap on tap?
- At Seattle Mariners, 8:10 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- At Seattle Mariners, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM
- At Seattle Mariners, 2:10 p.m. Sunday, ATTRM
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scores, Stats and Standings
Must-Read
Meet Mark Razum, the groundskeeper who has made Coors Field green since 1994
One of a summer series about the Rockies during their 25th anniversary season. Today: the grounds crew. Read more…
Kyle Freeland, Tyler Anderson spark Rockies’ revitalized rotation
With a 4.52 ERA that ranks 12th in the National League, no one will ever mistake the Rockies’ rotation for the Atlanta machine of the mid-90s that included Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. But as Colorado heads to Seattle for a three-game series beginning Friday night, there are some encouraging signs. Read more…
Saunders: How fun would it be to watch a designated hitter at Coors Field? Time for the National League to adopt the DH?
I’m starting to thinkthe DH would be good for fans in Colorado and around the NL. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Rockies podcast: Adam Ottavino on the season, Bryan Shaw’s improvement and a pitch clock
+Current Rockies defense outshining the 2007 version
+Kiszla vs. Saunders: How long will it take to fix Jon Gray and will he ever be the Rockies’ ace?
+Kiszla: You know the Blake Street Bombers. But letap give ovation for Rockies’ original heavy hitter, the late Paul Jacobs
+Journal: Pat Valaika “in a much better place mechanically” as the Rockies wait for his consistent pinch-hitting spark
+Rockies send would-be ace Jon Gray down to Triple-A, recall outfielder Raimel Tapia
+Chad Bettis heads to the DL as Rockies call up Antonio Senzatela from Triple-A
+ POLL:Is it time for the National League to adopt the DH? Vote here.
+Rockies Record Tracker:See how Colorado has fared against each opponentthis season.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
2007
Current Rockies defense outshining the 2007 version
Colorado’s pitching and offense have been wildly inconsistent this season, but Arenado, who’s well on his way to his sixth consecutive Gold Glove, said the defense has been rock solid. Read more…
Parting Shot
Should Tim Tebow be promoted to the majors this season?
After opening the season with an 11-1 start, New York has struggled mightily, going 22-48 since and sinking 14 games behind NL East leader Atlanta. Unless a drastic turnaround happens, Tebow could find his way to a September call-up. Seriously. Read more…
Get in Touch
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