 | Sam Adams' Sports TalkSam Adams offers video commentaries and tidbits of sports news, one-on-one interviews with prominent sports figures as well as man-on-the-street views — serious and not so serious. You can reach Sam at adamss@rockymountainnews.com. |
Will close race draw crowds at Coors?
Thanks to loyal Chicago Cubs fans, the Rockies enjoyed a successful weekend at the box office -- drawing over 116,000 fans that watched the home team win two of three games in the series at Coors Field.
More than 35,000 fans were at the ballpark for Sunday's series finale won by the Cubs. If you closed your eyes and listened to crowd reaction, often times it was tough to guess which team was the home team.
Now . . . how many Rockies fans will be out in force for the important four-game home series against the National League West Division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks that begins tonight?
On the field, the Rockies and Diamondbacks are jockeying to reach the top spot in the N.L. West. At the turnstiles, the two teams rank near the bottom of the league in attendance. Colorado ranks 12th among 16 N.L. teams, averaging 27,354 fans after 57 home games, and is on pace to finish the season with 2,215,715 fans -- second-lowest in franchise history. The Diamondbacks rank No. 14 in the N.L.
Last year the Rockies finished below two million fans (1,914,389) for the first time in club history.
NOTEWORTHY
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is Aug. 19 (6:30 p.m.) and Aug. 20 (3:30 p.m.) at Adams County Fairgrounds. For ticket information call 303-373-1246, or go to the Web site www.billpickettrodeo.com.
Littleton High School athlete Becca Huffer finished in sixth place in the girls division of the Westfield Junior PGA Championship. Huffer shot 299 for the tournament, 15 strokes over par. Kent Denver athlete Andrea Watts tied for 14th, with a score of 303.
August 12, 2006
Rockies find speed bump on bases
The Rockies have a need . . . a need for speed.
Watching former Rockies center fielder Juan Pierre jet around the basepaths for the Chicago Cubs is just a subtle reminder that speed is a missing ingredient in the Rockies' offensive arsenal.
Pierre ranks among the National League leaders in stolen bases (he had 41 going into Friday's game against the Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies went into the game with a total of 49 steals, with second baseman Jamey Carroll posting a team-best nine.
In a three-season period (2003-05), the Rockies recorded 172 steals. During that same period, Pierre, who was traded from Colorado to the Florida Marlins after the 2002 season, stole 167 bases.
The Rockies record for most steals in a season is 201, set in 1996. The club stole 146 in its inaugural season (1993). The franchise record for least number of steals in a season is 44, in 2004.
NOTEWORTHY
"Got Your Number": 7 players on the Nuggets' roster selected no lower than eighth overall in their respective draft classes -- Andre Miller (eighth in 1999), Nene (seventh in 2002), DerMarr Johnson (sixth in 2000), Carmelo Anthony (third in 2003), Marcus Camby (second in 1996), Kenyon Martin (first in 2000) and recently-acquired Joe Smith (first in 1995).
Quote, unquote I: "Sometimes I want to raise my hand and say, 'Do you see what I see in myself?'" -- Broncos quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt, on 850 KOA's "Ride Home" show with hosts Dave Logan and Lois Melkonian.
Quote, unquote II: "I put my glove in the microwave for punishment. It's not me that didn't catch the ball, it's the glove." -- Minnesota Twins center fielder Torii Hunter, on FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period.
August 11, 2006
Buff-ed course opens in Red territory
The invasion is complete. The group of University of Colorado football fans who built a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course in Nebraska celebrated the private course's grand opening last week.
The Dismal River Club, located in the Nebraska Sand Hills (nearest the town of Mullen), was christened on Saturday with a round played by Nicklaus. The Colorado investors -- Tim Kratz, Tony Pasquini, Bill Martin, Steve Ismert and Ty and Timber Notestine -- were on hand to watch the golf legend play the course.
Kratz caddied for the 66-year-old Nicklaus, who played despite being bothered by pain in his back and hip.
"I thought he'd go six holes, maybe nine holes," Kratz said. "But he playd the full 18. The guy can still play a mean round -- he still hits it incredibly pure. He put on a show. I was in awe the entire 18 holes."
Kratz said Nicklaus worked while he played, examining each hole for possible alterations. "At No. 6 he hit a drive right down the middle," Kratz said. "But the ball didn't carry into the fairway. He said, 'Wow -- we've got to change this hole.'"
For more information on the course go to the Web site www.dismalriverclub.com.
NOTEWORTHY
CBS SportsLine and Velocity Broadcasting are offering pre-fantasy football draft show and dinner packages Aug. 25-26 at Morton's The Steakhouse locations in Lower Downtown and the Denver Tech Center. The "Countdown to Fantasy" shows feature former Broncos quarterback Steve Beuerlein and "NFL on FOX" studio host James Brown,and will air live from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh (6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mountain Standard Time). For more information, go to the Web site www.VelocityBroadcasting.com.
The "Heat is On" . . . Aaron Cook: The Rockies' pitcher has struggled (2-5) in his past 12 starts.
Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM | Comments (1)August 10, 2006
Trip to China still possible for Broncos
This week, the Broncos take a road trip to Detroit, Michigan. Next summer, they could be bound for China.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said on Wednesday that he expects the NFL to stage American Bowl games in China next year and in 2008. But Bowlen has not been told that the Broncos will be one of the teams involved.
This week, the Broncos take a road trip to Detroit, Michigan. Next summer, they could be bound for China.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said on Wednesday that he expects the NFL to stage American Bowl games in China next year and in 2008. But Bowlen has not been told that the Broncos will be one of the teams involved.
On Tuesday it was announced that Roger Goodell will succeed Paul Tagliabue as the league’s commissioner. Bowlen said that league matters such as future American Bowl games played in Beijing and/or Shanghai would receive more attention from owners now that the new commissioner has been elected.
The Broncos have played American Bowl games in England, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Japan and Australia.
NOTEWORTHY
"Did I See . . ." Andrea Watts of Lone Tree won her first American Junior Golf Association tournament, by sudden-death playoff at the CorseMax/Philadelphia Runner event played last week in Elverson, Pa. She finished the final round with a 72 -- two over par for the girls division -- and carded a 216 for the tournament. Watts will compete this week at the Westfield Junior PGA Championships held in Westfield Center, Ohio. She also has qualified for the Colorado Junior Golf Association's Tournament of Champions on Oct. 7-8 at Cherry Hills Country Club.
Quote, unquote: "He fell asleep during a movie and the whole movie his cell phone was going off and nobody wanted to tap him and wake him up." -- E! Channel's Girls Next Door star Bridget Marquardt, on FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period talking about Mike Tyson's visit to the Playboy Mansion.
August 09, 2006
Will "System" produce next big star?
Former Dallas Cowboys personnel guru Gil Brandt knows a good running back when he sees one. He thinks the Broncos have found a good back in undrafted free agent Mike Bell.
"Why a guy like that doesn't get drafted in the sixth or seventh round, I don't know," Brandt said on Tuesday, after watching the Broncos' morning training camp session. "He went to Arizona and I think he played as a true freshman.
"You've got to get the organization credit for going out, finding a guy like (Bell) and bringing him in."
When asked if the NFL draft is overrated, Brandt spoke to the players' work ethic once he arrives at training camp.
"A lot of guys get drafted and it's their Utopia," said Brandt, who spent 30 seasons working in the Cowboys' front office (1960-89). "I drafted a running back (Bill Thomas from Boston College) in the first round (1972) that had the same printout in the computer as Calvin Hill. When we paid (Thomas) his $40,000 bonus, that was his Utopia.
"I think you have to get guys that come in and are willing to work no matter what round they are drafted in, and then you'll have a successful player. But the system comes into play a little bit too."
NOTEWORTHY
Quote, unquote: "I'd vote for him. Truth be known, I think you open up a whole other can of worms if you keep him out. I'm here to tell you, if you're going to come down on steroids, you have to do it with all sports." -- Former Detroit Tigers outfielder Kirk Gibson, talking about Mark McGwire's Hall of Fame chances during his appearance on FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period.
Before the Rockies began their current seven-game road trip, we suggested in this space that the "Heat is On" All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday to wield a hot bat and lead the team against the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. Holliday's line through five games -- five hits in 20 at-bats (.250) with no home runs and, more important, no runs batted in from the Rockies' cleanup hitter.
"Got Your Number": 8 consecutive exhibition season openers played away from Denver for the Broncos. No. 9 will occur on Friday in Detroit.
The International's defending champion Retief Goosen will be the featured guest on The Golf Channel's broadcast of The Grey Goose 19th Hole (hosted by Vince Cellini ) from Castle Pines Golf Club. The show will air tonight at 8 p.m.
Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM | Comments (2)Seeing stars
 Hunter |  O'Hurley |
Former Denver Nuggets executive (and current Los Angeles Kings president) Shawn Hunter bears a strong resemblance to actor John O'Hurley -- aka "The Sultan of Oom Papa Mau Mau."
Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM
August 08, 2006
Elway willing to give Hall pass to 'T.D.'
If it were up to John Elway, his former teammate, Terrell Davis, would join him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But there will be some debating amongst voters when Davis, who gained 7,607 yards in only 81 regular season games, is eligible for election into the Class of 2007.
Davis rushed for 6,413 yards and 56 touchdowns in a four-year period (1995-98). He also earned the Most Valuable Player award in Super Bowl XXXII and league MVP honors in 1998, when he gained 2,008 yards.
Sports Illustrated's Paul Zimmerman wrote of Davis' Hall of Fame chances in his on-line column, stating that the "matter of longevity -- sadly, only four productive seasons out of an injury-shortened seven-year career -- will ding him."
Elway, who was inducted in 2004, is willing to overlook the longevity factor.
"Yes, I do believe that Terrell should be in the Hall of Fame," Elway said on Monday. "Longevity . . . I think if you look at (former Oakland Raiders coach and 2006 Hall inductee) John Madden, you tie his longevity to it -- he coached for 10 years. If it's 10 years for a coach, what is it for a player?
"I think the impact Terrell had on the Denver Broncos is better than anybody's . . . I'm totally behind Terrell, and hopefully at some point and time he does get in."
NOTEWORTHY
"Got Your Number": 10 wins and one defeat for the Broncos in exhibition season openers played under coach Mike Shanahan.
The "Heat is On" is Tatum Bell: Now that a different Bell -- as in Mike -- is ringing in Shanahan's backfield, it's up to you to show everyone just how hungry No. 26 truly is to become the Broncos' No. 1 running back
The Rockies have been a punching bag to the Dodgers in Los Angeles this season, having lost four games by a combined score of 28-5 -- including Monday night's 7-2 defeat.
Rockies right fielder Brad Hawpe is scheduled to sign autographs on Saturday (from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) at the DenverAutographs.com store in Colorado Mills, located at 14500 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood. For more information call 303-462-1165.
Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM | Comments (12)August 07, 2006
Winning the N.L. West no walk in park
In baseball, if a three-run home run is the manager's best friend, then a walk probably is his pitchers' worst enemy.
The Rockies haven’t hit many three-run homers this season, but they haven't allowed many walks either -- and that might help to explain why the pitching staff has been one of the best in baseball this season.
Going into Sunday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants, the Rockies were on pace to establish a franchise record for least number of walks allowed in a 162-game season.
Colorado and the Arizona Diamondbacks were tied for fifth in the National League in walks allowed (352). Four of the N.L. West's five teams ranked among the top six in least number of walks allowed, with the San Diego Padres at No. 2 (318) and Los Angeles Dodgers at No. 4 (346). The Cincinnati Reds ranked No. 1 in the N.L. with only 318 walks allowed.
The Minnesota Twins ranked No. 1 in the majors with only 235 walks allowed.
In four starts prior to Sunday's game, the Rockies' pitching staff allowed just five walks in 38 innings -- two of them by the starters.
NOTEWORTHY
The "Heat is On": Jay Cutler: Broncos fans are anxious to see you put that arm in action, rook. Better bring the goods on Friday in Detroit.
"Do You Remember?" . . . Former Rampart High athlete Jamaal Lewis. Lewis, who averaged 19 yards per catch as a tight end for Arizona State last year, has been moved to wide receiver for his senior season. Former Doherty High athlete Shaun DeWitty (running back) and former Mullen High athlete Grant Crunkleton (defensive back) are listed on the Sun Devils’ roster. Arizona State plays at Colorado on Sept. 16.
August 05, 2006
AFC has Super-ior edge over NFC
Here is the $73,000 question in the NFL -- which conference will claim bragging rights at Super Bowl XLI in Miami?
In recent years, the pendulum has swung in favor of the AFC. In fact, the Broncos' victories in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII triggered a run of seven wins for AFC teams in the past nine Super Bowls.
Pittsburgh, New England (three), Baltimore and Denver (two) have claimed the most recent Super Bowl wins for the AFC. The Broncos' 31-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII ended the NFC's dominant run of 13 consecutive wins in the league's championship game.
The NFC had won 15 of 16 Super Bowls played from 1982 to 1997. Before that, the AFC had gone on a run of 11 wins in 13 Super Bowls, with Pittsburgh (four), Miami and Oakland (two apiece) accounting for eight of those championships.
NOTEWORTHY
Quote, unquote: "Any time you go eight days in a row, guys get a little tired and sometimes guys feel sorry for themselves but this is where we have to pick it up as a group and that's what we've got to do." -- Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, after Friday morning's training camp session.
The Multiple Sclerosis Young Professionals Network is sponsoring a "Adult Field Day" on Aug. 12 at Greenwood Athletic Club (5801 South Quebec St.), with competition in several event --including dodgeball, kickball and a relay obstacle course. The event is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain MS Center. To register as an individual or a team of 10 (ages 18 and older), call Nancy McCloskey at 303-770-2582, ext. 335, or go to the Web site www.denver.playcoed.com.
"Got Your Number": 97.5 career quarterback sacks for former Broncos linebacker Simon Fletcher - tops on the team's all-time list.
Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM | Comments (1)Sound tracks
 Farrell |  Smith |
This reader's choice pairs actor Will Farrell -- star of the new movie "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" -- with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.
August 04, 2006
Mustard tries to make cut for Broncos
DOVE VALLEY -- My favorite moment seven days into Broncos' training camp has been a one-sided collision between a tight end and linebacker after an incomplete pass.
That might not sound like much, but it wasn't your A-typical tight end-linebacker collision. It was 6-foot-4, 240 pound linebacker Cameron Vaughn bouncing off 6-foot-6, 278-pound tight end Chad Mustard.
Mustard was a former basketball and football player at the University of North Dakota. Size aside, to make the Broncos' final roster, he'll need to improve his pass-catching skills.
"I'm not your A-typical tight end," Mustard said.
"It seems like the league is going in the direction of 6-5, 240 with the 4.4 speed. I'm kind of in the other direction. I'm trying to be a power tight end, trying to kick some butt in the running game and just be steady Eddie in the passing game . . . (The defense) likes it in one-on-ones because obviously that's a place where I need to get better.
"They don't like it so much when we're run-blocking."
NOTEWORTHY
"Got Your Number": 7 home runs hit by San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds since May 28 -- when he hit career homer No. 715 at SBC Park against Colorado Rockies' pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim.
"We ran the ball at will . . . they didn't stop me that game." -- former Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson, talking about the Broncos' defense in Super Bowl XXXIII on "Two Live Stews", which airs at 6 p.m. weekdays on 950 The Fan.
Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AMAugust 03, 2006
Rockies dreamin' of California sweep
Here come those Santa Ana winds again.
The Rockies are headed to California for a seven-game road trip through San Francisco and Los Angeles, starting on Friday with a three-game series against the slumping Giants.
While the Rockies have posted a 8-10 road record against National League West division opponents this season (19-24 overall), they have gone 1-5 in the games played at San Francisco and Los Angeles.
In May, Colorado lost two of three games in San Francisco. The Rockies' lone win of the series (6-3 on May 28) was overshadowed by Giants left fielder Barry Bonds hitting his 715th career home run to surpass the late Babe Ruth. Since 1993, the Giants own a 71-30 home record against the Rockies.
The Rockies were swept in three games at Dodger Stadium in May. They have struggled to beat Los Angeles throughout the season as the Dodgers have won seven of nine games played against Colorado.
Of the 32 division games remaining on the Rockies' schedule, 19 will be played on the road -- including seven at Los Angeles and six at San Francisco.
NOTEWORTHY
The Denver Broncos Quarterback Club will hold its first meeting of the 2006 season on Aug. 17 (6:30 p.m.) at Red and Jerry's (1840 West Oxford Ave. in Sheridan). Ring of Famer Billy Thompson is the scheduled guest speaker. For the booster club's membership information, call 303-948-2363 or go to the Web site www.denverbroncosqbclub.com.
"I think it was just meant to be to play for the Broncos." -- undrafted free agent running back Mike Bell, on 950 The Fan's Sports Guys show.
The "Heat is On" . . . Rockies All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday: If the home series against the San Diego Padres was the biggest of the season, then the road series starting Friday in San Francisco is even bigger. The Rockies need Holliday to wield a hot and powerful bat against Giants pitching.
The Rockies' "Three-H" Club -- Holliday, Todd Helton and Brad Hawpe -- pounded Milwaukee Brewers pitching on Wednesday at Coors Field. The trio combined for six hits in 11 at-bats, with five runs scored and five runs batted in.
August 02, 2006
Broncos tops in NFL since '96
During the past 10 NFL seasons, no team in the league has a better winning percentage than the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos have posted a record of 106-54-0 (.663) since 1996, with seven playoff berths, three AFC West division titles and two Super Bowl championships. The Green Bay Packers rank second at .638 (102-58-0) followed by the New England Patriots at .631 (101-59-0) and defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers at .616 (98-61-1).
The Broncos' home record of 64-16-0 (.800) during the same 10-year stretch also is tops in the NFL, followed by Green Bay (.763), New England (.725), the Minnesota Vikings (.713), Pittsburgh (.681) and a three-way tie between Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, each finishing at 53-27 for a .663 winning percentage.
Denver's road record (42-38-0) since '96 is tied for third-best in the league behind Pittsburgh (44-36-0) and New England (43-37-0).
The Kansas City Chiefs tied for the league's eighth-best winning percentage (.556) since 1996. The Oakland Raiders have three division titles and a 73-87-0 record (.456) since '96, while the San Diego Chargers have gone 64-96-0 (.400).
NOTEWORTHY
On Thursday at 9:30 p.m., FSN Rocky Mountain will air a 30-minute special on Rocky Mountain News baseball reporter Tracy Ringolsby, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame last week.
Got Your Number: 0 home runs hit this season by Rockies pitchers, going into Tuesday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Jason Jennings recorded the most recent home run hit by a Rockies pitcher -- May 8, 2004 off Chicago Cubs starter Greg Maddux.
Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM | Comments (2)August 01, 2006
Adams stays focused on competition
DOVE VALLEY -- Charlie Adams' touchdown catch during Monday's morning practice session was just a reminder that the veteran isn't ready to give up his roster spot without a fight.
"You always have to have that underdog mentality -- which is not hard to have when you have the talent at receiver that we have," said Adams, who still is looking for his first TD catch in a regular season game. "I just always feel like I'm fighting for my job, which I am every year.
"I'm always going to have that mentality, like someone is trying to take my job. Until someone takes it, I'm going to keep fighting for it."
After the 2004 season Adams consulted with local laser eye surgeon Dr. William Hines and decided to get the LASIK procedure, which helped to improve his vision on the field. "You've got a laser going into your eyes, peeling off skin . . . no, it's not a comfortable situation at all," Adams said. "I was a little relieved when they were done."
NOTEWORTHY
The second Tyrone Braxton "Health Care in the Fairway" Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held Aug. 31 at Vista Ridge Golf Course in Erie. The event is a benefit for the Metro Community Provider Network. For registration and sponsorship informaton call 303-761-1977
"Defenders are great, but when you have a receiver that wants the ball more than the defender, it makes him a great receiver." -- Broncos linebacker Al Wilson, on teammate Javon Walker.
Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer hanging out with actor Josh Hartnett after Monday's morning practice session. Hartnett is in town to film scenes for a new movie (which co-stars Samuel L. Jackson) titled Resurrecting the Champ. Broncos Hall of Fame QB John Elway was scheduled to film a scene for the movie from his steakhouse in Cherry Creek on Monday. Hartnett turned down an interview request after meeting with Plummer -- which was somewhat ironic in that he will play the role of a reporter in the movie.
Despite being out-homered by the San Diego Padres during their four-game series at Coors Field, the Rockies' pitching staff still ranks No. 1 among all baseball teams in least amount of home runs allowed (91) this season.
Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM | Comments (1)
