July 22, 2008 5:52 AM

Should Rockies sign Chacon?

Professional sports is like a halfway house, offering new beginnings and second chances - in some cases third, fourth, fifth, sixth and even seventh chances - for its athletes.

I wonder if former Greeley Central High athlete Shawn Chacon might be looking for another chance. If so, Coors Field could be his halfway house. Remember Chacon? He made the All-Star team as a starter for Colorado in 2003. He was asked to move to the closer's role in 2004. When that move failed, Chacon returned as a starter in '05, started slow and was traded to the New York Yankees.

Last month Chacon got into a heated physical altercation with Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade. The Astros released the right-handed pitcher. The incident puts Chacon's career in jeopardy at age 30.

Chacon gave up 25 earned runs in his first nine starts for the Astros. He didn't get his first decision of the season until his 10th start, pitching seven innings in a 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. Chacon lost three of his final four starts (with a no decision), allowing 18 earned runs and 23 hits, with 13 walks and six strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings pitched.

Meanwhile, up the road at Coors Field, the Rockies have been trotting out journeymen starters. Some nights, guys like Glendon Rusch come through. Other nights, guys like Kip Wells get walloped. Last year's ace, Jeff Francis, still is on the disabled list.

Since the Rockies are in the "guys like" mode, why not give a guy like Chacon another chance? He probably would be more effective than Wells, with a stronger arm than Rusch. Chacon walks a few too many and gives up the long ball. But he fits this "guys like" pool of pitchers the Rockies have dipped into over the past two seasons.

Last year it was "guys like" Elmer Dessens, Tim Harikkala and Mark Redman that the Rockies signed for help.

When the Rockies played the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the World Series last season, I ran into Chacon at Coors Field. And, during a brief conversation in the concourse Chacon expressed interest in returning to the Rockies. But his mindset was to be a starting pitcher in the majors. Eventually, the Astros gave him the opportunity.

Maybe now Chacon realizes he has to take whatever is available in order to get back into the league. That could be in the role of a swing man - start when needed, coupled with the role of long relief.

Chacon tested positive for marijuana use during his days in the Rockkies' minor league system. The club stood by him. In 2002, when manager Clint Hurdle challenged Chacon to get his act together - or be banished to the minors - Chacon responded by making the '03 National League All-Star team.

The Rockies have a 4.92 team earned-run average - next to worst in the National League. They can use help on the staff. There might be some life - and more important, quality innings - left in Chacon's arm. Maybe a return to the Rockies will do both Chacon and the team some good.

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