Sam Adams Sam Adams joined the Rocky Mountain News in 1996, first as the Denver Broncos beat reporter before taking his current role as sports notes columnist. The Colorado Association of Black Journalists voted Adams the Print Journalist of the Year award in 2003.

There is talk that Florida Marlins All-Star pitcher Dontrelle Willis is on the trading block.

The Marlins deny the rumors. However, a large number of scouts watched Willis’ most recent start, on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed two runs on six hits in nine innings with a no-decision.

Two teams in the National League's West Division are said to have strong interest in acquiring Willis -- the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Should the Colorado Rockies jump into the mix?

Adding Willis bolsters an already-youthful Rockies starting rotation. By trading for the 24-year-old left-hander, fans would see the Rockies are serious about contending for the playoffs. Last season he placed second in the N.L.'s Cy Young voting with a 22-10 record.

The Rockies would have to weigh the short- and long-term costs of trading for Willis. Florida most likely would expect top minor-league prospects in return for Willis, who signed a one-year contract in January worth $4.5 million.

The Rockies could contend for the N.L. West title without Willis. With him, they become favorites -- while creating a buzz about baseball that's been missing here for some time.

NOTEWORTHY

The road in the Eastern Conference playoffs has been anything but smooth for the kid from Denver nicknamed "Smooth". Former George Washington High and University of Colorado athlete Chauncey Billups has had his hands full, as well as his Detroit Pistons teammates, with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Or are they the Cava-Brons? Phenom LeBron James has led the Cavs to a 3-2 series lead. Billups has not played up to the level that helped him earn first-place votes for this year's Most Valuable Player award. When Billups is on, chances are, the Pistons are on. He needs to find the "on" button soon, as time is running out on the defending conference champs.

During a conference call on Wednesday former major league baseball manager Lou Piniella said he was excited about making his debut this weekend as a broadcast-booth analyst for MLB on FOX. On Thursday the network announced Piniella will miss his debut telecast (Chicago Cubs versus Chicago White Sox) due to an eye infection. On the same conference call, play-by-play announcer Joe Buck was asked about the media coverage given to San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds. Buck replied, "I think it's over-saturation, to a point where, because he doesn't really come off as the kind of guy that you want to cuddle up next to, it kind of works against him."

The First Tee of Denver benefit golf tournament will be played June 16 at Wellshire Golf Course. Call 303-370-1554 for registration and sponsorship information.