The Colorado Rockies just made the World Series. I don't know if I'll have the opportunity or energy to expand on this tomorrow, so feel free to add your points in the comments. Here are some of my observations:
1. I don't care if Frankie Morales only went four innings-when your pickoff move is to go tag the runner out yourself, you've moved to a plane where you're beyond criticism.
2. All right, I lied. I actually care quite a bit that Morales only went four innings, because taking him out may have been the best call of Clint Hurdle's career. The Rockies, trailing by one in the fourth, had runners on second and third with two outs, so they pulled their rookie starting pitcher for a rookie pinch-hitter, Seth Smith, who delivered a Texas Leaguer to knock in a pair of runs.
But the Rockies were up 3-0 in the series and the games are spread out enough that you're unlikely to wear out your pitching staff. In retrospect, is the call still as gutsy as it seemed at the time? I say yes. That move had a huge risk of backfiring, and while the Rockies have nearly limitless momentum lately, nothing will reverse that more quickly than blowing an elimination game. (Just ask the 2004 New York Yankees.)
3. Matt Holliday couldn't sneeze tonight without triggering a round of "M-V-P" chants. The fans may have been cheering even louder for Todd Helton. But the real crowd favorite is Troy Tulowitzki. I think having the range to reach anything between first and third must have something to do with it.
4. I love baseball's playoffs. Two weeks ago, no one in Colorado cared about the Diamondbacks. Two days ago, no one in the state knew a things about Eric Byrnes. But man, do Rockies fans hate them now. When Ernie Johnson was doing interviews during the trophy presentation, Rockies president Keli McGregor mentioned that the Diamondbacks had a pretty good season and was booed. (Don't give me the "act like you've been there before" crap. The Rockies haven't even seen the map to this place before.)
5. I'm so happy for Todd Helton. I've felt the last few years that his declining home run production will cost him the Hall of Fame. But I've never doubted that he'd trade that honor for a shot at the title anyway. And now he gets that chance.
To those who would point out Helton's postseason struggles, I'm reminded of one man: Tony Gwynn. In 1998, the aging Gwynn returned to the World Series with his San Diego Padres. The problem was that Gwynn was hitting poorly, going a combined 9-for-41 in the first two rounds. Before their Series with the Yankees, I read Gwynn in the paper saying that he wasn't finished, but that he just had to make a few small adjustments.
The Padres were swept, but Gwynn hit .500 in the World Series with a home run. Helton, like Gwynn, is a high-average hitter, but he's also had some incredible power over the years. All I really care about is his getting a ring, but I'd love to see him get on a roll, too.
Comments
You're right on with Todd. I couldn't be happier for him and I think it's awesome he's finally got a taste of the post-season. No one on the Rockies staff deserves a ring more than Helton.
His lack luster performance in the post-season is pretty easy to swallow because if he hadn't hit that bottom of the 9th homer off Saito the Rockies wouldn't even be in the playoffs. Also, his OBP is still among the highest in the NL (which makes me wonder why he didn't hit in the 3 spot all season instead of Holliday) so he was one of the main reasons the Rox are where they are today.
Do you know if Cook will be ready for the World Series, and if so who will they drop off the roster?
I've had the same thought about the batting order, but hey, it works. It is kind of funny to think of Holliday (potentially) winning the NL MVP, considering Helton has never won it but has had such better years (on worse teams, naturally). I guess his numbers, such as in 2000, just didn't look as great in the steroid era. But they look pretty sweet to me. I'm not knocking Holliday, though.
I don't know about Aaron Cook, though apparently he threw fine yesterday. Really weird to think of a pitcher coming back for the World Series...I'd be so nervous about upsetting the chemistry or momentum if he's rusty.
As for Helton, he hasn't put up great numbers, but he has done some good things situationally, like sac fly so runs could score . . . and it is still his team, so I just love seeing him get the chance to play for it all.