Rockies Still Climbing
Stan McNeal - SportingNews.com
Aug 28, 2009
A September surge propelled the Rockies to the 2007 World Series. This year's ascent from last place has been different. "No comparison," Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "In '07, that was more like a six-week situation. This one started at the beginning of June."
The Rockies' turnaround began soon after changing managers in late May. They have the NL's best record since Jim Tracy replaced Clint Hurdle on May 28 (54-28) and take a three-game lead in the wild-card standings over the Giants into this weekend's showdown in San Francisco.
Dropping two consecutive games to the Dodgers stalled Colorado's momentum, but here is why it will remain in contention:
Pitching
Colorado has improved its team ERA by more than half a run since last season when it finished next-to last in the NL. That is no small feat at Coors Field. "If you put this group in L.A. or San Francisco, their pitching lines could be even more dramatic," O'Dowd said.
That group includes emerging ace Ubaldo Jimenez, who is 6-0 with a 2.45 ERA since the break; Cubs castoff Jason Marquis, who ranks among the majors' wins leaders; and Huston Street, who once again is pitching like one of the game's best closers.
Bounce-back seasons from shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and first baseman Todd Helton plus a career high 21 homers from second baseman Clint Barmes have backed up an All-Star season by right fielder Brad Hawpe.
Also key: contributions from youngsters. Speedy Dexter Fowler settled into the leadoff spot before going on the disabled list (knee), and another rookie outfielder, Carlos Gonzalez, is hitting .379 since the break.
Managerial change
When Tracy replaced Hurdle, the mood quickly changed. "He established accountability," Street said. "He made us realize, we got a man fired."
Tracy also demanded more innings from his rotation. Just as important, he got the Rockies to buy into his relaxed style. "Certain people go by numbers," Street says. "Tracy goes by numbers, too, but he watches the game and goes by what his eyes tell him. That makes him a player's manager."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
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