Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 20

Denver Post

"Clint Barmes represents the future, the Rockies initiating discussions on a multiyear contract this week. Garrett Atkins represents the past, though the Rockies will not release him today when 40-man rosters are set, providing additional time to work out a trade. "I know that I will be on another team next year," Atkins said Thursday. "And I am just getting ready to have a good season." Atkins, who drove in 48 runs in 354 at-bats this year, lost his starting job at third base to Ian Stewart. As such, the Rockies have been trying to deal him because they have no intention of offering him $7 million-plus in salary arbitration. Texas and Baltimore have mild interest, but teams are reluctant ..."

Atkins future uncertain, Rox want to keep Barmes

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November 20

Denver Post

"Clint Barmes represents the future, the Rockies initiating discussions on a multiyear contract this week. Garrett Atkins represents the past, though the Rockies will not release him today when 40-man rosters are set, providing additional time to work out a trade. "I know that I will be on another team next year," Atkins said Thursday. "And I am just getting ready to have a good season." Atkins, who drove in 48 runs in 354 at-bats this year, lost his starting job at third base to Ian Stewart."

Reward a done deal for Rockies manager Tracy

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November 19

Denver Post

"He was too low profile for Los Angeles, too hamstrung in Pittsburgh. But Jim Tracy found the right place and the right team when he jumped into the Rockies' cockpit on May 29. He steered Colorado to the playoffs, executing one of baseball's most amazing U-turns. The accomplishment netted security and praise Wednesday as Tracy, 53, agreed to a three-year contract and won the National League manager of the year award. "This is probably as flattering an experience as I have had in my career in professional athletics," Tracy said. "Obviously, the new deal is exciting. And so is this honor. But I didn't win this by myself. This isn't about me. It's about the organization." Terms of Tracy's new ..."

Rox sticking with the skipper: Tracy gets 3-year deal

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November 18

Denver Post

"The Rockies' road into the future will continue to be navigated by manager Jim Tracy. Tracy, who engineered one of the greatest in-season turnarounds in major-league history, received a three-year contract and the rest of the coaching staff also was retained. This came on the heels of Tracy being named the NL manager of the year. Neither of today's announcements came as a surprise. After a disastrous beginning to the 2009 season Tracy's deft touch helped the Rockies rescue their season as the club made its second trip to the postseason in three years. "There wasn't a doubt in my mind that if I would manage in 2010, it would be with the Colorado Rockies. I had practice watching the MLB ..."

In a landslide, Rockies' Tracy wins NL manager award

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November 18

Denver Post

"There were better teams than the Rockies in the National League last season. But there was not a better manager. After taking over a spiraling team on May 29, Jim Tracy guided Colorado the playoffs, earning him the NL Manager of the Year award today from the Baseball Writers Association of America. Tracy guided the Rockies to a 74-42 record. Players responded to the stability in the lineup and bullpen roles to erase a 9 1/2-game deficit in the wild-card standings. The Rockies lost the division series to the Philadelphia Phillies in four games. Tracy won in a landslide receiving 151 total votes, including 29 out of 32 first-place votes. Tony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals was second ..."

Marquis calls Mets 'perfect fit'

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November 18

New York Post

"Jeff Francoeur wasn't kidding when he told The Post this summer that free-agent right hander Jason Marquis badly wants to be a Met in 2010. Marquis backed that up this week, telling The Post he considers the Mets "a perfect fit" while expressing his admiration both for their lineup and Citi Field. "It would always be nice to come back home and represent your hometown [as a member of the Mets]," said Marquis, who grew up in Staten Island and still lives there. "This is where I'm from, so to come back here and play in front of friends and family would be an honor." As much as the 2009 All-Star wants to pitch for the Mets, the interest would have to be mutual. A source said the Mets like ..."

Rockies' Jim Tracy is the real deal, on and off the field

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November 18

Denver Post

columnist Patrick Saunders

"When people find out I write about the Rockies, they invariably ask me, "What is 'so and so' really like?" For most of the Rockies, I can offer only a sketch. Professional athletes lift the veil only so far, even for baseball beat writers who are around them from spring training to October. That being said, I believe I can provide a pretty good personality profile of Jim Tracy, who today, I have no doubt, will be named National League manager of the year. Tracy is, first and foremost, a gentleman. He takes time for everyone around the team and treats all with respect. He's a genuinely kind person. He's laid-back and softspoken. But he'll also talk your ear off. I once listened to Tracy ..."

Rockies' strategy with Betancourt risky, yet clever

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November 16

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Didn't agree. Not one bit. When the Rockies declined reliever Rafael Betancourt's $5 million option last week, making him a free agent, I cringed. Betancourt was a stabilizing force in the bullpen, pulseless under pressure, the man responsible for the biggest outs of the season in a Sept. 16 victory over the Giants. Betancourt, not a Rockie? I don't like it. But here's what's different from in years past. General manager Dan O'Dowd is Major League Baseball's executive of the year. Living in the present, he deserves the benefit of the doubt. He's taking a calculated risk, one that has worked for him during the past 12 months. Exactly 12 months ago, he shipped off Matt Holliday, the team's ..."

Betancourt and Juan Rincon both filed for free agency on Friday.

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November 14

InsideTheRockies.com

"The Rockies want to retain Rafael Betancourt. They, however, want to pay him less than the $5.4 million called for in his option for 2010. As a result, the Rockies announced on Friday they declined the option. They, however, also announced they will continue to talk with Betancourt in an effort to bring him back in 2010. Betancourt and right-hander Juan Rincon both filed for free agency on Friday. Others who filed Friday were right-handed pitches Brett Somko of Oakland, Claudio Vargas and Braden Looper of Milwaukee, Chad Fox of the Cubs and Pau. Byrd of Boston, and third baseman Chris Woodward of Boston. The Rockies are talking to Betancourt about a two-year deal. They, however, could wind ..."

No sure deal for Betancourt

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November 14

Denver Post

"The Rockies announced Friday that they declined the $5 million contract option for right-handed reliever Rafael Betancourt. The move, which was not unexpected, makes Betancourt a free agent, meaning he can negotiate with any team. However, general manager Dan O'Dowd has made it clear the Rockies will continue to try to work out a deal with Betancourt. Ideally, that would be a two-year deal, spreading salary over both seasons. "We did not exercise the option, but we will continue to negotiate with Rafael," O'Dowd said in a statement."

Gold Glove voting another black eye for baseball

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November 12

InDenverTimes.com

"Name the best shortstop to ever wear a Rockies uniform. The names are deep, but the talent is shallow. Anyone who watches baseball and has paid any attention to the Colorado Rockies knows that their is no argument for who has been the best at the shortstop position in the 17 years of Rockies baseball. Troy Tulowitzki. With all due respect to Walt Weiss, Tulowitzki has redefined what playing the position means. His range helps him field more balls than any other shortstop in the game, yet despite having more chances, he also had just nine errors. So how will history look back on the first 17 years of Rockies baseball? The only Gold Glove shortstop to don purple pinstripes…none other ..."

Tulo misses out on Gold Glove

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November 12

Denver Post

"By any measure, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is a great defender. But, he is not yet a Gold Glover. The Rockies, despite having three strong candidates, were shut out for the fifth consecutive season. For the second time in three years, Tulowitzki lost out to Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins. The Gold Glove is voted on by opposing managers and coaches. Rollins has won the award three consecutive years. While fielding remains more difficult to quantify than hitting, Tulo-witzki compared favorably to the Phillies' veteran. Rollins led National League shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage, committing just six errors. Tulowitzki finished second with a .986 percentage and nine errors. ..."

Rockies' Tulowitzki unable to catch first Gold Glove

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November 11

Denver Post

"By any measure, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is a great defender. But, he is not yet a Gold Glover. The Rockies, despite having three strong candidates, were shut out for the fifth consecutive season. For the second time in three years, Tulowitzki lost out to Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins. The Gold Glove is voted on by opposing managers and coaches. Rollins has won the award three consecutive years. While fielding remains more difficult to quantify than hitting, Tulowitzki compared favorably to the Phillies' veteran. Rollins led National League shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage, committing just six errors. Tulowitzki finished second with a .986 percentage and nine errors. ..."

Rockies O'Dowd in no rush to make Hawpe trade

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November 11

Denver Post

"The Rockies' outfield is crowded with talent. The emergence of Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Seth Smith has made all-star Brad Hawpe expendable. Maybe. General manager Dan O'Dowd made it clear Tuesday that while he will listen to trade offers for Hawpe, he is not actively shopping the right fielder. "There is a difference between listening and attempting to move a player," O'Dowd said. "Last year at this time, we were attempting to move Matt (Holliday). But we aren't pushing to move Brad." Hawpe, entering the final year of his contract, will make $7.5 million in 2010. The Rockies hold the option for 2011. Hawpe hit .285, including 23 homers and 86 RBIs, last season. He was named to ..."

Around the majors

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November 10

SI.com

(scroll down)

"• Andy Pettitte has indicated to teammates that he is leaning toward returning to the Yankees for one more year. If they need it for further convincing, one of the Yankees' sales points will be that 10-15 more wins will aid his Hall of Fame candidacy. • The Phillies are expected to try to lock up Cliff Lee, though with a year to go before free agency, they'll be looking at something less than nine figures. • While the Phillies declined the option on defensively adept third baseman Pedro Feliz for $5.5 million, they're interested in bringing him back at a slightly lower figure. • The Red Sox will still consider Alex Gonzalez after declining his $6 million option and also look at free agent ..."

Rockies' O'Dowd voted executive of the year by his peers

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November 10

Denver Post

"Coming off perhaps his finest season in a decade of running the Rockies, general manager Dan O'Dowd was named executive of the year by Sporting News in a vote by his peers. "It's very gratifying coming from your peers," said O'Dowd, who was presented the award at a dinner Monday night during the general managers' meetings. "But, as I've said before, this is about the whole organization. It's not about me. I'm just getting rewarded for the work of a lot of other people." Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said: "He made some bold moves this year. Changing the manager (replacing Clint Hurdle with Jim Tracy), shoring up the bullpen and getting guys like (Jason) Giambi. He did a heck of ..."

Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops

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November 9

MLB.com

"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."

Rockies say goodbye to Fogg, keep working on deal with Betancourt

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November 8

Denver Post

"The Rockies' bullpen remains a fluid situation as the team negotiates with top setup man Rafael Betancourt. While it's unclear whether Betancourt will be back and at what price — the team has approached him about a multiyear deal — Josh Fogg won't be. Fogg confirmed Saturday that the team has told him it is moving in a different direction. Fogg worked as a long-relief man in the bullpen after earning a midseason promotion from Triple-A. He posted a 3.74 ERA in 24 games. He's a popular figure among his teammates and was a key member of the 2007 World Series club. The Rockies have a week to decide whether to pick up Betancourt's $5 million option."

Rockies decline Torrealba's option, and he becomes a free agent

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November 7

Denver Post

"After failing to come to an agreement on a two-year contract, the Rockies declined catcher Yorvit Torrealba's 2010 option Friday, making him a free agent. The reasons were financial, not personal, so there remains a decent shot Torrealba could return if he doesn't find what he wants on the open market. "He would love to go back, and we have agreed to stay in touch," agent Melvin Roman told The Denver Post. "The way we left it, there's still a chance of that happening." The Rockies held a $4 million option for next season but chose to exercise a $500,000 buyout. The team discussed a multiyear deal with Roman as a way of decreasing Torrealba's salary next season. They have had similar talks ..."

Rockies zero in on going the distance

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November 6

Denver Post

"Several Rockies players watched the World Series with a keen eye. It is, in many ways, a signal of how everything has changed in Colorado. When they saw the Yankees clinch their 27th championship, they didn't want to be them, they wanted to beat them. "Our goal is to win a championship," shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said. The Rockies will likely enter spring training as co-favorites to win the National League West along with the Dodgers, who are going through owner divorce drama, and the Giants, who desperately need more offense. With thick skin and endless patience, the Rockies have created a sleek business model patterned after the Minnesota Twins. Colorado was the seventh most efficient ..."

Rockies sign relievers Flores, Belisle

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November 6

Denver Post

"The Rockies didn't waste any time making sure they have some depth in their bullpen for the 2010 season. The club announced today that it agreed to one-year major-league contracts with right-hander Matt Belisle and left-hander reliever Randy Flores. The Rockies still must decided if they will pick up the $5.4 million club option for set-up man Rafael Betancourt. The Rockies could also offer Betancourt a two-year deal, spreading out the right-hander's salary over two years. The Rockies also are exploring a long-term deal with closer Huston Street. Belisle, 29, emerged as a reliable bullpen presence late in the season. He had three stints with the Rockies and spent much of the season at ..."

Rockies sign Belisle and Flores

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November 5

InsideTheRockies.com

"With right-handed reliever Matt Belisle and left-handed reliever Randy Flores agreeing to terms with the Rockies on Thursday, it would appear that Joe Bemiel won't return. The Rockies would appear ready to go with the left-handed combo of Franklin Morales and Flores in the bullpen. The Rockies also announced they removed right-handed releiver Joel Peralta and infielder Omar Quintanilla from thier 40-man major-league roster. Peralta opted to become a free agent. Quintanilla was placed on the Triple-A Colorado Springs roster. Belisle, 29, was 3-1 with a 5.52 ERA in 24 appearances with the Rockies in 2009. During the last of this three stints with the Rockies Belisle was 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA ..."

Hurdle Joins Texas

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November 5

InsideTheRockies.com

"Clint Hurdle had ties in Texas. General manager John Daniels and his chief aid, Thad Levine, both worked in the Rockies front office before going to Texas, and Scott Servais, the director of player development, was a catcher in Colorado. The official release from the Rangers: Arlington, Texas – Texas Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels formally announced today that the club has named Clint Hurdle as the team's new hitting coach. The hiring fills the only vacancy on the Rangers' 2010 coaching staff. "Clint adds another experienced, successful coach to our major league staff," said Daniels. "He's demonstrated an ability to communicate, motivate, and emphasize a team-first offensive ..."

Time to Work on Roster

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November 4

InsideTheRockies.com

"Next week the Rockies have decisions to make on options for three players. What would you do? The pending options: C Yorvit Torrealba, $500,000 buyout on option of $4.0 million). LHP Alan Embree $250,000 buyout on option of $3.0 million). RHP Rafael Betancourt no buyout on $5.4 million option. My move would be to rework Betancourt and try to get a two-year deal with a possible buyout for a third year that would lower the annual salary but provide him more security."

Former Rockies assistant to GM has many memories of early days

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November 3

Denver Post

"Chris Rice always will feel some ownership of the Colorado Rockies. And well she should. There's something about being part of an expansion major-league baseball team that sticks with you through thick and thin. Rice quickly recalls her memories of the a fledgling Rockies franchise that blossomed into Denver's and Colorado's very own big-league team. "It's intriguing to think back and remember all the preparatory things we had to do and the detail work we did to get the franchise up and running," said Rice, who is an executive assistant with the Atlanta Braves. "It was interesting meeting all the new people. I came to the Rockies as assistant to general manager Bob Gebhard." Names and ..."

Clint Hurdle a finalist for Rangers' hitting job

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October 30

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Watching words spill out of Ozzie Guillen's mouth on the Fox TV set down the left-field line brought back memories. Former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle was a lot of things to a lot of people - nobody was more charitable or gracious with his time in the community. Back to Thursday night, Hurdle, like Guillen, is a talker. Sometimes charming. Sometimes angry. Always offering an opinion. At his baseball core, however, Hurdle is a teacher. So it wasn't a surprise to learn that he's one of four finalists for the Texas Rangers' hitting instructor job. Hurdle has told people close to him that he wants back into coaching. And this could be an ideal landing spot. Fired after the Rockies stumbled ..."

Old Rockies ties make Dante Bichette a Yankees fan in the Series

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October 27

Denver Post

"If you want to know who Dante Bichette is pulling for in the World Series, go back to his playing days with the Rockies. Bichette and current Yankees manager Joe Girardi were teammates on the original Rockies roster in 1993, and they developed a lasting friendship over three seasons. So it's no surprise Bichette will be rooting for New York to defeat Philadelphia. "Joe was my buddy on the Rockies," Bichette said. "Our lockers were next to each other during the best year I ever had. He could talk to me when I was struggling, and it helped." Girardi and Bichette have sons named after the other, signifying the depth of their friendship. Girardi came to the Rockies through the expansion draft ..."

Players respond to Tracy's style

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October 25

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"To understand why Rockies manager Jim Tracy will sign a multiyear deal this week, don't focus on Tracy. Listen to what others say about him. "Jim is different. He's special. It was the way he talked to me from Day One," reliever Rafael Betancourt said. "I knew what my role was, I knew when I was coming into the game. The way he treated me, I never wanted to let him down." Reliever Huston Street, who clashed with former A's boss Bob Geren, was more specific. "I've never seen someone manage a bullpen better than him," Street said. Managers make their money in two ways: maximizing their bench and putting relievers in position to succeed. Tracy does both. Strategy will always be important as ..."

Rockies' Tracy named NL manager of year

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October 22

Denver Post

"In 2009, the Rockies' Jim Tracy became the managers' manager. Wednesday, Tracy was named Sporting News' National League manager of the year. Tracy was selected by a panel of 22 major-league managers. The Angels' Mike Scioscia received the award in the American League. "This is flattering, but I really believe this honor belongs to the entire Rockies organization," Tracy said Wednesday night from his home outside of Pittsburgh. "Our owners, Dick and Charlie Monfort, and (general manager) Dan O'Dowd and his entire staff made this happen. And as I've said many times, I had a love affair with our players this year. There is nothing false about me saying that.""

Tulowitzki would have loved winner-take-all game vs. Phillies

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October 21

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"It was no surprise to see a talented National League shortstop celebrating a breathless victory Monday. Just figured it would be the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki, not Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins. Rollins' walkoff double against the Dodgers has the Phillies on the verge of back-to-back World Series appearances. Tulowitzki watched it play out at home in California, on television. "Yeah, of course," Tulowitzki, a baseball junkie, said Tuesday. He's not sulking, in case you're wondering. Nine days after his team was eliminated, he has already returned to the gym. "I have started to work out," said Tulowitzki, who is expected to finish in the top five in the NL MVP race next month. The Game 4 loss ..."

Rockies to sign Tracy, O'Dowd to long-term deals

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October 20

Denver Post

"Jim Tracy has returned to Pennsylvania to attend to some projects around his house, but he could return to Denver later this week to sign a multiyear deal as the Rockies' manager. On Monday, a major-league source close to the situation said the Rockies will first hammer out a new multiyear contract with general manager Dan O'Dowd. That deal should be worked out in the next few days, the source said, clearing the way to finalize Tracy's deal. The Rockies are also expected to invite the entire coaching staff to return in the same roles: bench coach Tom Runnells, pitching coach Bob Apodaca, first-base coach Glenallen Hill, third-base coach Rich Dauer, hitting coach Don Baylor and bullpen ..."

Hawpe Not On Market

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October 19

InsideTheRockies.com

"Brad Hawpe found himself watching more than playing in the post-season for the Rockies. He, however, remains a key part in the Rockies long-range planning. Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has been surprised by media reports that the Rockies will look to trade Hawpe, a 2009 All-Star, who struggled in the second half of the season. He started Game 1 of the NL Division Series against Philadelphia, but was limited to one pinch-hit appearance in the final three games. "The Rockies understand the value of Brad Hawpe on the field and off," said O'Dowd. "We have no desire to move him at all. He has leadership ability and a commitment to the approach we feel is important for a team's success." ..."

Baseball in November is ridiculous

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October 17

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"There is clarity in brevity. Baseball has to come to its senses and abbreviate the season. Not by games, but days. The seventh game of the World Series is scheduled for Nov. 5. That is patently ridiculous. Weather becomes a factor. Why wouldn't it? What's next, the Fall Classic airing after the Lions on Thanksgiving? No owner worth his black American Express card will give up a home date. Too much money at stake. I get it. So let's have a minimum of four day-night doubleheaders during the season. And, as much as this hurts, take away at least three off days. The season also needs to start April 1 and end roughly Sept. 20. That would help the playoffs wrap up by mid-October. And while we're ..."

Leafs playing in fear

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October 14

Toronto Sun

"Joey MacDonald's regular-season debut in goal for the Maple Leafs was a microcosm of the team's early season struggles. The Leafs call-up from the Marlies couldn't reverse Toronto's sagging fortunes as visiting Colorado escaped the ACC with a 4-1 win. (Greg Henkenhaf/Sun Media) They've tried benchings, bag skates and callups, while burning through three goaltenders in two weeks. But the Maple Leafs can't get in the W column except the one marked woes. Those are piling up quickly on general manager Brian Burke's plate as he ponders what's wrong on the ice, in the dressing room and behind the bench. His 0-5-1 club was booed off the ice at the Air Canada Centre again last night. Whatever ..."

Bet your bottom dollar on tomorrow

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October 14

Denver Post

columnist Woody Paige

"The red-haired waif was right. It didn't happen until 11:27 a.m., but, finally, the sun did come out tomorrow. So clear away the sorrow. The Rockies had a sensational, rock 'em, sock 'em, knock 'em season. When I was at spring training in late February, I was watching the Rockies stumble and stagger to an 0-8 spring training start. They looked as awful as I felt, confined to bed with pneumonia and coughing with a broken rib. The Rox were outscored 60-28 in those eight games. The offense was abysmal and the defense shaky. Pitchers Jason Hirsh (coming back from injury), Greg Smith (acquired from Oakland in the Matt Holliday trade), Franklin Morales (striving to be a starter again), Jorge De ..."

With some exceptions, the Colorado Rockies appear to be in great shape for the future

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October 14

Denver Post

"Last year the Rockies were so hurt, so bad, they briefly played journeyman Doug Bernier at second base. In the clubhouse Monday night, after a stinging playoff exit that left eyes moist and red, the Rockies were so deep that all-stars Jason Marquis and Brad Hawpe were reduced to bench ornaments against the Phillies. Every offseason begins with questions, but that fact alone addressed the most pertinent: Are the Rockies moving forward? Yes. "This team should only get better," pitcher Jorge De La Rosa said. "We have a lot of good players here, and we are young.""

Street Suffers A Bitter Loss

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October 13

InsideTheRockies.com

"Rockies closer Huston Street was standing at his locker, being very forthright about a very painful ninth inning Monday. General manager Dan O'Dowd interrupted the give-and-take, hugged Street and said, "We wouldn't have been here without you. You did a hell of a job." The Rockies and, in particular, Street weren't expecting words of solace. Not after a stunning three-run rally in the eighth gave the Rockies a 4-2 lead in Game 4 of the National League Division Series. Not with Street, who went 35-for-37 in save opportunities during the regular season, taking the mound and this NLDS seemingly headed back to Citizens Bank Park for a winner-take-all fifth game. Deflating ninth innings were ..."

Eyre pitches 9th for Phils

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October 13

Camden Courier-Post

"As Scott Eyre hobbled out of the Phillies' clubhouse late Sunday night, the severity of his sprained right ankle wasn't known. Monday night, he felt no pain. "Once the adrenalin takes over, nothing hurts anymore," said Eyre, soaked with champagne after recording the first two outs in the ninth inning of the Phillies' Division Series-clinching 5-4 win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. "It's not cold when you're pitching in a game like this. Your ankle doesn't hurt anymore. Nothing hurts." Eyre turned his ankle and tumbled off the mound as he attempted to field a bunt by Dexter Fowler in the seventh inning Sunday night. He saw team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti on Monday and was ..."

Rockies quickly turn to offseason deals, questions

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October 13

Denver Post

"The Rockies figured they would be in Philadelphia tonight, finishing a dramatic division series. Instead of a winner-take-all game, talk has shifted to the winter. The Rockies have several key decisions facing them over the next several weeks. Here's a look at the most important: General manager Dan O'Dowd is expected to receive a contract extension soon, based on what ownership has said in recent weeks. At which point, he will discuss a new contract for manager Jim Tracy. "Everybody knows he will be back after the job he did," shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said of Tracy."

Rockies' big guns fired little but blanks

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October 13

Denver Post

"The contrasting images will linger over the winter and into spring training. The Phillies' No. 3 and No. 4 hitters, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, were menacing figures. Their Rockies counterparts, Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki, were pedestrian. Howard's two-out, two-run double to right in the ninth inning of Monday's clincher sent a stake through the Rockies' hearts. Howard hit .375 in the National League division series and drove in six runs. Utley hit .429 and crossed the plate five times. They are an unnerving duo for any pitcher to face - just ask Rockies closer Huston Street."

Weight of world tough to bear for Rockies' Street

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October 13

Denver Post

columnist Mark Kiszla

"All lost, the one thing Rockies relief pitcher Huston Street refused to do was cry. His voice cracked. Anguish moistened the corners of his eyes. But tears? No way. A ballgame blown, Street fought to keep what little this beaten man had: his dignity. "The lazy step for me would be to walk out of here with my tail between my legs and tears coming down my face, then go home and lay in bed for two weeks," Street said Monday night, after surrendering three runs in a nightmarish ninth inning that gave Philadelphia a shocking 5-4 victory and eliminated Colorado from the playoffs. Here's what you need to know about the sudden death of Colorado's baseball season: The pain of losing a no-tomorrow ..."

Instinct takes over as Fowler leaps into second

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October 13

Denver Post

"It was going to be leap of faith. The hop that brought back hope. Dexter Fowler punctuated his strong rookie season with a jump over Phillies second baseman Chase Utley in the eighth inning, an athletic feat that ignited the Rockies' most impressive rally of the series. Following Fowler's baserunning brilliance, the Rockies rallied to take a 4-2 lead. "It was total instinct," Fowler said. "I didn't really even think about it. I was just trying to avoid him and to somehow make it safely." With one out, Fowler walked. Todd Helton hit a weak roller to Utley, the Rockies' foil in the Phillies' win Sunday. It set up as an inning-ending double play. As Fowler raced toward Utley, he veered right ..."

Rockies manager Tracy argues calls, acknowledges umps' tough job

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October 13

Denver Post

"Rockies manager Jim Tracy did more running than his players Monday. Tracy jogged on the field twice in the first inning to argue calls, and again in the top of the third. By the time he returned to the dugout, the Rockies' normally mild-mannered manager had confronted all three base umpires - Angel Hernandez at first, Tim Timmons at second and crew chief Gerry Davis at third. Nothing unusual there in a division series at times overshadowed by questionable calls. Tracy had popped out of the dugout in the ninth inning of Sunday night's Game 3 of the Phillies-Rockies series to challenge a call by first-base ump Ron Kulpa. Tracy's contention was that Todd Helton had kept his foot on the bag on ..."

Rockies and fans embrace Game 4

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October 13

Denver Post

columnist Benjamin Hochman

"Scenes from a ballpark . . . Eleven-year-old Abriana White-Hulce from Children's Hospital, bundled up in her wheelchair on the field, receiving a pregame hug from Troy Tulowitzki. Fans surrounded the statue in front of Coors Field, anxiously awaiting the arrival of their friends with the tickets ("They said 3:30, right?"). The parking lot next to Jackson's Bar charging $40. But a beer's just $37. A gentleman wearing the red Rockies Fourth-of-July hat . . . to the Rockies-PHILLIES game. Really? You're that big of a Rockies fan, but of all your Rockies apparel, the hat you chose to wear is one that looks just like the hat of the opposing team? A man wearing a Broncos No. 6 "CUTLER" jersey, ..."

Phillies fight off Rockies 5-4 in Game 4 of NLDS

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October 13

Denver Post

"The dream died on a refrigerated Monday night at Coors Field. The Rockies' remarkable season ended not with sprinkled pixie dust, but with the finality of a car crash. They lost 5-4 to the Philadelphia Phillies, eliminated in Game 4 of their National League division series. The air bags deployed squarely in the face of Huston Street. He had been so close to sending the Rockies to Game 5 in Philadelphia tonight at Citizens Bank Park. What would have been his most memorable save as a Rockie became a series of cringes. He was within one strike, one out, of pumping his fist. But he couldn't finish, leaving the Rockies closed for business. "It's impossible to put into words how bad it feels, ..."

Gonzalez gets Phillies staff's full attention

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October 13

Denver Post

columnist Jim Armstrong

"This note's for you, Fightin' Phils. . . . So what was the word on Carlos Gonzalez in the Phillies' preseries meetings? "Honestly, I don't even know," said reliever Scott Eyre. "I've got ADD, so we went over it in the meeting, but I forgot. All I know is we pitched him in and we pitched him out, but it didn't matter. You like to see talent like that come up." . . . Eyre thought he got off easy. "I gave up a jam-shot single to a guy hitting .750 in the series," he said. OK, so he was exaggerating. CarGo only hit .588. . . . Former Rockies GM Bob Gebhard, now the Diamondbacks' assistant GM, on CarGo, dealt by the D-backs to Oakland in the Danny Haren trade: "We hated to give him up. Every ..."

Phillies slugger Ryan Howard's calm approach pays off with ninth-inning RBIs

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October 13

Denver Post

"The Phillies surrounded Ryan Howard, waving champagne bottles and spraying suds at the slugger, who unflappably fielded questions about his big at-bat. "I was calm," Howard said of his two-out, two-on, ninth-inning at-bat against Rockies closer Huston Street. "I wanted to be in that situation." The greats don't sweat, not even with 49,940 raucous fans waving towels and screaming as loud as they can for their team to get the final out. Howard certainly wasn't fazed. With the Phillies trailing 4-2, the left-handed slugger worked the count to 2-1, then drilled a 91-mph fastball over the middle of the plate to the warning track in right, driving in the tying runs. Howard then scored the ..."

Colorado's own Lidge closes out Colorado Rockies

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October 13

Denver Post

"First came the champagne shower that seemed to flow from waterfalls courtesy of Brad Lidge's delirious Phillies teammates. Then came the beer, poured from what looked like oil cans. For good measure, they added Coca-Cola just to make sure Lidge's soul patch got nice and sticky. The coup d'etat came from an avalanche of cold fluid that made Sunday night's Ice Ball seem like a July game in Phoenix. "Hey, that was a bucket of ICE WATER!" Lidge yelled with a smile even icicles couldn't break. "That doesn't count!" The last time Lidge was this happy after a game in Colorado, he had pitched Cherry Creek High School to the 1995 state title over Arvada West. That day in Colorado Springs, he beat a ..."

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