How much longer can the Rockies fight The Beast, trying to “normalize” the game at a mile high elevation before everyone realizes it’s just not possible?
Hear me out. In the age of the home run, with baseballs juicing the game more than steroids ever did, we must embrace the Coors Field Canaveral for what it is. Chaos. An altogether untamable stadium in which traditional expectations about what the game is should be set aside and the wonkiness accepted.
To get to my point: Let’s unplug the humidor and really have some fun. And to anybody who suggests the need for a special sort of baseball specifically manufactured for play at elevation, let’s bop them over the head with a Louisville Slugger.
At this point, we should just let the environment reign supreme, as it has in 2019, and let the game play out in its crazy, unadulterated state. Coors Field is back to pre-humidor scoring levels this season, with teams combining to average 13.8 runs per game heading into the all-star break. The last pre-humidor year, in 2001, saw 13.4 runs per game. Since we can already forget about those neat, three-hour affairs in LoDo, what’s five hours if you’re already guaranteed to be at the park for four?
It’s not like turning Coors Field into a hitting zoo would scare off starting pitchers from wanting to come to Colorado, because the Rockies don’t draw big-name free agent arms anyways. Their draft-and-build pitching philosophy avoids that potential pitfall. The Rockies would need about a zillion bullpen guys in a non-humidor scenario, but hey, remember the other team has to pitch here, too.
What do you say Denver? Come with me into the Coors Field underbelly to put an end to the humidor. We can turn it into the mini-keg cooler it’s always meant to be.
— , The Denver Post
What’s on Tap
- At Arizona Diamondbacks, 7:10 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- At Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:10 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM
- At Arizona Diamondbacks, 2:10 p.m. Sunday, ATTRM
Must-Read
Newman: Credit Bud Black’s steely demeanor for keeping Rockies on track amid roller-coaster first half
Black’s the anti-Mickey Callaway as he calmly explains defeats in simple baseball terms and keeps his team focused. Read more…
Rockies Mailbag: DJ LeMahieu showing Bridich and Co. they dropped the ball by letting him walk
The Rockies miss LeMahieu’s presence on the field and in the clubhouse. This isn’t just my opinion. Several Rockies players told me that in spring training and have reiterated it since then. Read more…
Tony Wolters’ preparation, focus has the Rockies’ catcher putting together an all-star-caliber season. And he could just be getting started.
The maturation of a former top prospect into a bonafide, everyday major-leaguer is happening before our very eyes. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Newman vs. Kiz: Can DJ LeMahieu get Larry Walker elected to the Hall of Fame?
+ Saunders: Truth, consequences, the Rockies and Coors Field
+ Astros sweep Rockies as bats go flat and an outfielding misplay by Ian Desmond proves costly
+ Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon, Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu named players of month
+ Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon becomes first lefty to hit home run off Clayton Kershaw curveball
+ Rockies’ suspect pitching must improve for realistic shot at postseason
+ Charlie Blackmon was the best hitter in baseball during June. A look at the Rockies’ outfielder’s historic month.
+ Rockies’ Nolan Arenado fulfills Make-A-Wish dream for fellow baseball fanatic
+ Rockies’ Nolan Arenado on Tyler Skaggs’ death: “I knew Tyler well … I loved playing with him.”
+Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team?Ask Patrick Saunders here.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
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Rockies sending four to All-Star Game: Arenado, Blackmon, Story and Dahl
Dahl is part of a quartet of Rockies sluggers headed to Cleveland for the Midsummer Classic on July 9. Read more…
Parting Shot
Teen umpire at center of Lakewood youth baseball brawl honored at Coors Field
Josh Cordova was the guest of honor at Coors Field on Sunday afternoon. He received a new chest protector and a blue umpires shirt, and prior to the first pitch, he took the Dodgers’ and Rockies’ lineup cards to home plate. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.comortweet me .
