Rockies season ticket-holders and others who support Denver’s Major League Baseball team by participating in various ticket packages are accustomed to receiving a communication from principal owner Dick Monfort, usually in October.
That’s what makes the email from Paul DePodesta, transmitted on the eve of this season, so noteworthy.
First, it was from him instead of Monfort.
Second, and more importantly, rather than reviewing another dismal, just-completed season, DePodesta was looking forward to his first season as Rockies President of Baseball Operations and what’s to come.
“ . . . this winter we came together as an organization to define a clear vision of how we are going to climb to new heights.,” he wrote. “At the foundation of that vision sits an environment rich with curiosity, continuous learning and a collaborative spirit.
“. . . that vision has already begun to take shape in Arizona, where the energy and belief from our players and staff have been infectious.
“ . . . we all recognize that this is going to be a climb. Building a championship-caliber organization takes excellence in every aspect of baseball operations, from acquiring talent on all fronts, to developing our players beyond what they thought possible, to putting them in positions to succeed at the Major League level.
“That is the work in front of us – and the climb we are committed to making together, with you right there with us.
“Most worthwhile climbs have a few common elements: some real challenge, a good destination, scenery that makes you enjoy it along the way, and great people to share it with. With your energy, passion and belief, we know these coming years will check all those boxes.
“We can’t wait to get started.”
Colorado doesn’t have a winning record against the other franchise that began play in 1993. Miami held a 77-44 advantage in South Florida heading into this year’s season-opening series. And led 128-116 overall.
And, unfortunately, after the weekend, DePodesta was still looking for his first Rockies victory.
The climb began with three one-run losses: 2-1, 4-3 and—on a two-out, two-run walk-off home run—4-3, again on Sunday. It was proof that things won’t turn around immediately; fans must be patient as DePodesta hints.
As a result of the weekend in Miami, the naysayers—those who don’t exhibit that energy, passion and belief to which DePodesta refers in his email— will see this as more of the same, the start to another100-loss season. And they’ll say so.
But here’s a more realistic assessment of the Rockies’ first three games:
Last weekend’s starting pitching was inadequate. Freeland, Lorenzen and Quintana each lasted four-and-a-third innings. Their combined earned run average was 4.84 (seven earned runs in 13 innings). Starters must go deeper.
Even though relievers were the losers of record in the last two games, the bullpen was actually a strength, as predicted coming out of Arizona. Jimmy Herget, Brennan Bernardino, Antonio Senzatela and Zach Agnos did their jobs.
Seven runs in three games won’t win very often.
But a few hits, or in a couple of instances just an outfield fly, would have produced enough to win at least one game. In the three games, Rockies hitters were 4-for-20 with runners in scoring position.
Beyond that, the Rockies managed only seven hits in the opener and six in each of the other two. And the opposition was the Marlins, not the Dodgers.
So, is all lost, just three games into DePodesta’s first season? Is the “climb” over before it sets out for new heights, as DePodesta suggested?
Hardly.
DePodesta, general manager Josh Byrnes, manager Warren Schaefer and his coaches, and more than the 26 players in uniform in Miami will learn from every game this season.
That’s what he meant when he wrote, “we all recognize that this is going to be a climb.”
The real question is how many of the 26 players in uniform last weekend will still be on the roster at the end of the season?
For that matter, how many of the Opening Day 26 will be on the roster when the rematch with Miami occurs in Denver? And who will win then? (The Rockies hold a 72-50 advantage in Denver.)
The Marlins come to Coors Field June 29-30 and July 1. ________________
Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@comcast.net.