CHICAGO — “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
Yeah, OK, that’s the motto of the U.S. Postal Service, but it also applies to manager Bud Black’s take on the Rockies. Multiple times this season, Black has raved about his club’s resiliency, and it’s ability to handle tough losses, long road trips and Colorado’s fickle weather.
But how will the Rockies handle the stress of three big games in three days in three different cities — Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago? Do they have enough left in their tank for Tuesday’s night’s National League wild-card game against the Cubs? The Rockies arrived in Chicago at about 2 a.m. Tuesday.
All-star third baseman , speaking from “The Book of Black,” promised that Colorado would be ready.
“It’s definitely a challenge, but we’re more than prepared,” he said about two hours before first pitch. “I think the fact that we have a chance to do something special today, it’s easy to get fired up for these games. No sleep, a lot of sleep, it don’t matter. The adrenaline is going to kick in once that (national) anthem goes or once you step on that field. It’s going to be easy to get ready for tonight.”
Experienced veteran. Rockies left-hander is pitching in his first postseason game. Cubs’ lefty Jon Lester will be making his 22nd postseason start, and he’s put up impressive numbers: 9-7 with a 2.55 ERA. Lester started Game 4 of the World Series against the Rockies at in 2007 as Boston finished its sweep. Lester also pitched in relief in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, which brought the Cubs their long-awaited title.
Black, however, has faith that Freeland will be up for the big moment.
“I think as a group, me personally, the coaching staff, his teammates, are not worried about the lack of experience in postseason with Kyle,” Black said. “I think — and you’ve heard me say it many times — he’s built the right way, and whatever happens tonight won’t change my opinion on that.”
Arenado echoed Black: “I think, obviously, Kyle’s a tough-minded guy. He’s an ultra competitor. I expect him to be on his A game. I know he’s on short rest, but that doesn’t matter. He’s ready to go. I see his work ethic. I see the way he acts day in and day out, and I know he’s going to be prepared, and he’s going to do the best he can.
“I don’t think the lights will be too big for him. He wants the ball, and for me, as a position player, playing behind a pitcher, that’s all you want. You want the pitcher to want the ball, and he wants it.”
