One for the money: Hot Rox roll to playoff playoff
It's OK, you can look. They WON!
After 162 games it comes down to this for the Colorado Rockies: one game, starting at 5:37 p.m. Monday at Coors Field against the San Diego Padres, the winner advancing to the National League playoffs.
The Rockies won their way in by winning two of three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, surrendering a division-clinching loss on Friday before keeping this improbable season alive with weekend victories before a packed stadium, reports Tracy Ringolsby.
Ubaldo Jimenez came up big for the Rockies, throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings and striking out 10, reports Jack Etkin.
The Rockies will face Padres ace Jake Peavy, going for his 20th victory against just six losses. Colorado will counter with Josh Fogg, who, Dave Krieger writes, has one more dragon to slay.
Can they seal the deal? Is this a greater accomplishment than making the playoffs for the first time in 1995? And if they get in, how far can they go?
Don't have much time, but want to say "GO ROCKIES!!!"
Kick some Padre booty
Posted by DR - Formerly David (R) on October 1, 2007 01:45 PMmilloy36, yes the fans wanted the owners & manager driven out of town, but be realistic, the Rockies up until the last couple weeks have been bad, so don't act like you knew all along this was going to happen, Let's just all celebrate the amazing adventure that is about to happen for Colorado Rockies Fans. By the way, if it wasn't for the Broncos, there would be no Colorado Rockies, so lets watch what we say about the Broncos.
Posted by Fan77 on October 1, 2007 01:08 PMRox have played great DESPITE a terrible manager and front-office. They would have clinched the division if they had a real manager in the dugout, and a real front-office.
They can certainly win tonite.
Posted by benn on October 1, 2007 12:36 PMI like Rockies Beddy Beddy Guud.
Posted by Akmed from Uganda on October 1, 2007 10:48 AMThe Rockies are a fantastic story. I am pumped for tonight's game. Did I think they would make it this far? No way, I too am eating crow today. That being said, I still want new ownership. Why? I have absolutely zero confidence that the Monforts will step up to the plate and give these guys the money when their contracts expire. For those who disagree, I believe that Holliday's expires after next year. We shall soon see if they can negotiate a contract extension in the off season. The Monforts are out of their league. Mark my words now, Holliday will be donning pinstripes on opening day, 2009.
Posted by Rex on October 1, 2007 09:27 AMI spent Sunday right behind first base at the club level. I expected to see a blizzard of home runs but it wasn't that kind of game. And great pitching by Jimenez (10k) shut the D-Backs down.
When the crowd wasn't watching the Rocks, all eyes were on the league scoreboard. We all cheered whenever another run was posted for Milw. over SD. What a great day, let's celebrate tonight!
Posted by on October 1, 2007 09:12 AMGunny-
Now that you are washing your soul, why is it so hard to admit we went to Iraq for the oil? Come on man, don't be a talking point for someone else's fortune. It's plain as day. Cheney/Bush made an oil deal, they back it up with our military (thus we can't leave anytime soon) and they and their oil corporate boys will profit beyond on imagination and we still get to drive our cars and trucks.
Doesn't that sound a little more swallable than "We are fighting them over there instead of here" routine. Sounds like your fighting for your job and will say anything to stay on the air. At least we know not to listen to you. Your as bad as a paid infocommercial. Sell us a tempurpedic while your at it.
I've been a Rockies fan for a long time. I'm not a Helton fan. I think its naive to think that steroids and performance enhancing drugs were rampant throughout baseball but that Rockies hitters were as clean as snow. Helton had a significant statistical correction that coincided exactly with the onset of steroids testing...I can't look past that and never have. However on this historic run I found myself rootin' for the guy for the first time in my life. He's no El Gato Grande, but I rootin' for him. I hope I've been wrong this whole time, that his power has been robbed by the inoperable cyst in his back. I hope that Todd shows everyone in Colorado what a true Rockie he is against the Padres for one game. Coors Field isn't the house that Helton built, I was one of maybe a thousand or two fans left when Bichette put his brand in our new ballpark, but he sure has leased it for awhile. I love my Rockies and always have. For the first time in my life I'm inviting Helton into that special place where E.Y., Walker, Reynoso, Nied, Burks, Bichette, Ruffin, Holmes, Castilla, Weiss, Ritz, and others inhabit in my heart. Its been too long Todd, and its time to let go of all the anger, all the hate. Truth be told, if I had a chance for glory and millions I'd be on every regimen that BALCO and anti-aging clinics could talk me into. Maybe you used, maybe you didn't. I don't care anymore. Today, I only care that you're a Rockie. I forgive you for pushing Galarraga aside. He was a great player. You've been a great player too Todd. For everyone from the original Rock Pile, the CU "student season ticket plan", to the johnny come latelies, welcome to the bandwagon. This team has had some good players over the years, but nothing, as a team, ever compared to this. The game will be electric. Win or lose, it doesn't matter for me. These are my Rockies, and the thunder will rain down...again...its been too long. Be afraid Padres. Be very afraid. A thundeR storm in the Rockies is a thing to behold.
Posted by Greg on October 1, 2007 02:18 AMTHE GUNNY'S MOST HUMBLE AND SINCERE APOLOGY TO HIS NEW GAWD,
ROCKIES' MANAGER CLINT HURDLE
I bad-mouthed the man time and again.
I talked trash and said he should be fired and possibly sent to Iraq with no bullets.
I hurled insults at him as if he were al Qaeda.
I cursed his very existence.
And now, I apologize.
No, I don't just apologize.
I beg Clint Hurdle's forgiveness.
I beg him to pardon me in my baseball ignorance.
I am a baseball knave.
I am a chump and a fool.
I know nothing compared to Clint Hurdle.
Clint Hurdle for president!!!
Clint Hurdle should be canonized and made a saint!!!
GOD BLESS CLINT HURDLE AND THE COLORADO ROCKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Semper Fidelis,
Gunny "Who Knows Absolutely Nothing About Baseball And Was 100% Wrong, Wrong and Wrong" Bob
PS: This is the most tasty crow I have ever eaten.
Posted by Gunny Bob on September 30, 2007 07:53 PMJulie - I was refering to the bandwagon jumpers. They were pretty vocal with their displeasure up until lately.
If you're a true fan then I respect and admire you. Being a Padres fan I've had to endure many disappointing seasons. But one thing I never do is badmouth my team. That's the sign of a true fan.
I'm still waiting for the inevitible quagmire outcome of this weekend.
What if the Rockies take 3, Padres 2 of 3 and Philly and Mets take 3 also?
Wildcard playoff???
Posted by KW on September 28, 2007 02:16 PMHey KW - you conclude from reading the Rocky Mtn News forum that the "true spirit of this city" is populated by "yellow livered, fair-weather fans?! That makes a lot of sense. Where did you learn logic?
The true fans in Colorado know there are many, many of us, and we have suffered long - and often in silence as far as posting to forums or calling talk radio. Because people are now posting happy messages does not lead to the conclusion that we are fairweather bandwagon riders. And - why shouldn't people jump on the wagon anyway? It's a fun time for everyone who's interested.
Get three more, Rockies! You guys are a joy to watch because you are a TEAM (and pretty darn talented with it)!
It isn't possible to say the Rockies can "write their own ticket to the playoffs" and also that they "still need help from other teams." Those two possibilities are mutually exclusive. Either you win all three and you're in, or you need help from others regardless of what you do.
Posted by Ottis on September 28, 2007 01:34 PMI am okay with all the bandwagoners, but please do the real fans a favor and learn the current roster of players, and please leave the stupid, "When did they get rid of Walker?" and "Who is Tulo?" questions at home. But please BE LOUD AND CRAZY ALL 9 innings! If you want to sit quietly and watch the game do it at home. Yo Earth Man ready my beverage!
Posted by leroy on September 28, 2007 12:29 PMI am okay with all the bandwagoners, but please do the real fans a favor and learn the current roster of players, and please leave the stupid, "When did they get rid of Walker?" and "Who is Tulo?" questions at home. But please BE LOUD AND CRAZY ALL 9 innings! If you want to sit quietly and watch the game do it at home.
Posted by on September 28, 2007 12:27 PMYou gotta believe baby!!! The thundeR storm is home for the final 3.
Thank you Matt, Todd, Kaz, Tulo, Garrett, Willie, Ryan, Brad, Yorvit, Baker, Francis, Corpas, Fuentes, and all of you rookies for giving us a September to remember!!! No matter what this is what we have all been waiting for!!!
Take it to those Snakes and show they what happens in the house that HELTON BUILT!!!
I know posting this will make about as much sense as wearing a Raider jersey in the old south end zone... But,
Up until about a month ago, I can distinctly remember the great majority of comments about the Rockies being, shall we say, less than flattering.
And with those comments I could almost agree considering the abysmal first 5 mo of this season the team had. And frankly, I'm still leary they can continue such a streak any longer with this current roster.
But with this sudden change of tone from everyone here I am left with only one thought...
What a bunch of yellow livered, fair weathered fans there are in Denver. Everyones a fan if (and a big if) they're winning. Gee, ya think???
This cleary shows the true spirit of this city.
Now having said that...
Lets go ROX! Sweep the D'Backs all the way out of the wild card spot and back near the cellar where they belong.
You see, as a lifelong Padres fan, my support for the Rockies will alwys be contingent upon who they're playing and how if affects San Diego in the standings.
Now... Can I at least have one last cigarette before your firing squad takes aim at my post?
Posted by KW on September 28, 2007 11:02 AMThese Rox are GREAT!! Let's just hope that free agency doesn't lure guys like Holliday, Tulo, and the rest of the kids away in the future.
Also, if Holliday doesn't win MVP and Tulo isn't Rookie of the Year there's something definitely wrong with the system.
The Rox have shown what heart, soul and hard work can do. The question is , Will the owners keep the team together and pay them? This has been an awesome team and can only get better with age!
This has been an exciting year to watch with many talented young players that Helton needed for years!
Let's don't make any drastic changes, the fans may want to enjoy this for awhile!
GO Rockies!!!
Come one, come all! The bandwagon has plenty of room. Back in 1993 they bought the biggest wagon that was ever built. It is a bit rusty right now, but still in good shape. I don't want to see an empty seat at Coors this weekend. Get your butts to the park!
Posted by pat on September 27, 2007 12:08 PMI was in Colorado in May when the team was all messed up and people were calling for new ownership...Its a long season. GO ROX
Posted by aklund on September 27, 2007 09:29 AMEmily, I would put myself in the same boat as your posting. But there is some truth that even the decisions made (or not made) this year, with this very group were heavily criticized when they hit that slump. So if I was critical of management then (and I was), I’ve got to eat some crow now in order to hop on the bandwagon (which I think was the main point of milloys post).
That being said, there is nothing like watching a stretch run like this. They really seem to be enjoying the hell out of it on the diamond. I know I am.
Go Rocks!
To be fair, before the last season or two, all the criticism was warranted. If Dan O'Dowd had kept up his habit of turning over the roster at least three times a season, I'd still be calling for him to be fired. The reason the team has had more success this season and last is because he's kept his meddling fingers to himself and let the team come together and learn to be a team.
I've been a fan of the Rockies since 96, and I have always supported them, but that doesn't mean I haven't criticized them when they deserved it. Blind loyalty is just as stupid as blind hatred.
Posted by Emily on September 27, 2007 08:45 AMI've been a Rox fan from the beginning. Through all the Bronx Bomber years, the lean years when O'Dowd was trying all his different versions of what the team should be. This by far, is the most exciting, talented group of players they've put on the field. They are just plain fun to watch - no matter the outcome. I'm proud to be a Rox fan and proud of they boys for all their accomplishments this season. Bring on the D-Backs and go get that division title!
Posted by Michelle on September 26, 2007 09:34 PMmilloy36-
I am exactly the type of person you are talking about. I thought the management was dooming us to year after year of mediocrity.
And this stretch run is simply fantastic. So, if my being deadass wrong means we get to jump on that ol bandwagon and ride it as far as it will go, I'll take it!
Posted by Uncommon Sense on September 26, 2007 03:57 PMI remember just a while back when all you Denver fans wanted the manager and owner thrown out of town. Now thew team is winning and they are great. Denver fans have been like this for years. Now it is the Bronco's turn to take the rath.
Posted by milloy36 on September 26, 2007 12:31 PMWhat a TEAM. Homegrown is definitely working out. This is a joyous time for everyone who has suffered long and deep. The iconic moment of the season, and maybe the franchise to date, is certainly Helton's roaring run toward home and his leap onto the pile of his mates. No matter what happens the final five games, these guys should be APPLAUDED for showing us a fantastic good time. Pack the park this weekend, folks!
Posted by Julie on September 26, 2007 10:57 AMHuh. I'm the first comment on the Rockies, huh?
Yes, we definitely have a chance. As of Sepetember 26, according to coolstandings.com, we have a 33.5% chance of making it (19.5% wild card, 14% division). That's higher than the Phillies. The Padres lead us with 52.7%, but that doesn't take into effect their loss of Bradley and Cameron and their bruised psyche. Although the come from behind dramatic win against those worthless Giants might have reversed that.
But here's the bottom line. We control our destiny - win out and we're in. We're the hottest team in the majors, and the hottest Rockies team ever. I like our chances.
Posted by Andrew on September 26, 2007 10:40 AMBaseaball been berry berry good to me.
Posted by Chico Escuela on September 26, 2007 10:25 AMAgreed JC...asterisk both of them
Posted by jay on September 26, 2007 09:40 AMI like the fact that Barry Bonds home run ball will be in the Hall of Fame where it belongs. However the asterisk is not needed. If that ball is going to have an asterisk, then McGwire's home run balls need them as well.
Posted by JC on September 26, 2007 09:22 AMI love the fact that Ecko is going to brand Barry's record breaking ball and donate it to Cooperstown. Barry will never get away from that asterisk.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20987026/
Posted by jay on September 26, 2007 08:39 AM