The Rockies will look to capture lightning in a bottle, just as they did two years ago.
Artwork by Rebecca Holt
This season for the Rockies has been a beautiful disaster. The Rockies were supposed to go through the motions this season. They were supposed to trade away veterans such as Brad Hawpe, Huston Street, Garrett Atkins, and Jason Marquis. The Rockies were supposed to get their young talents’ feet wet. They were supposed to finish the season 20 games under five hundred and be ready to compete next year. That was what the Rockies envisioned; this is what the Rockies got: They are a National League Wild Card leading team, who only trails the division leading Dodgers by a couple of games. They got a rags to riches manager in Jim Tracy, in whom many believe should win the National League Manager of the Year award.
However, with only a cup full of games to go, the Rockies need a last push from their leaders. Troy Tulowitzki, who has been raising his batting average out of the gutter to a respectable .280 something, will be counted on to lead the team. It seems that as he goes, the Rockies go, and that will be crucial down the stretch. Todd Helton, the Rockies’ star first baseman also will play a vital role in the Rockies’ chase to make the playoffs. Helton, who is the favorite to win the National League Gold Glove Award, comes into this home stretch hitting right around .320, yet has lacked the power and R.B.I. that fans have grown accustomed to over his 13 year tenure with the club. Helton will need to do more down the stretch if the Rockies look to go deep into the playoffs.
A sleeper for the Rockies who may be big down the stretch is Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs. Spilborghs, who has been slowly taking away at bats from Right Fielder Brad Hawpe, has had a flair for the dramatic, including a game winning grand slam over the San Francisco Giants. Spilli (as he is called) is a fan favorite because of his goofy personality and his relationship with the rest of the team.
The final piece to the Rockies magical push for the playoffs is starting pitcher Jason Marquis. Marquis, who was acquired this off-season, pitched like an ace in the first half of the year. But the knock on Marquis has always been his second half downfall. Marquis has continued that trend this year and has been average at best in the second half. The Rockies will need the one-two punch of Marquis and Ubaldo Jiminez if they are to be true contenders.
The Rockies have a very busy weekend ahead if them, but if they just focus on their own play and handle business, then the city of Denver will again turn purple and black, and save their blue and orange for November.
