Carlos Gonzalez improvement may boost Rockies - MLB.com
It isn't a secret that Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez has struggled offensively all season. However, he has been better lately, with a batting line of .303/.347/.431 in the second half and .323/.366/.492 in August.
Talking with MLB.com's Max Gelman, Gonzalez credited his second-half resurgence to increased plate discipline, though it likely has more to do with a rise in his hard-hit rate and BABIP. Regardless of the reason, getting Gonzalez back to being the player he was the past couple seasons could be a boon to the Rockies' struggling offense down the stretch.
Greg Holland is showing cracks as Colorado's closer, but the Rockies will stick with him - The Denver Post
One Rockies going the opposite direction of CarGo is closer Greg Holland, who sports a 7.94 ERA in the second half of the season over 12 appearances and 11 2/3 innings. Talking with Nick Groke, Holland blamed his issues on a simple lack of execution and Rockies manager Bud Black said that Holland will remain in the closer's role for the time being.
Pitching has been the main culprit throughout Rockies’ slide - Mile High Sports
Mile High Sports' Casey Light places the blame on the pitching staff, and a trio of relievers in partucular, for the Rockies' struggles since mid-June. While the pitching has regressed since early in the season, the Rockies' staff remains among the top 10 in baseball when you adjust for park, while the offense, while consistent, has been in the bottom five of the league all season. So, while light is correct in saying the Rockies' offense has been more consistent than the pitching this season, that doesn't mean it's been better.
Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon is having one of the best leadoff seasons ever - Purple Row
Eric Garcia McKinley took a look at Charlie Blackmon's season through the prism of other great leadoff hitters in baseball history, including Rickey Henderson and Pete Rose. A fun way to look at a great season for the Rockies outfielder.
Diamondbacks 3, Mets 2: Pollock not bollocks - AZ Snake Pit
Unfortunately for the Rockies, Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning to give Arizona a 3-2 win over the Mets in New York. The win snapped a three-game skid for Arizona and moved them to just a half game behind the Rockies for the first Wild Card spot in the NL.
Offense abandons Zach Davies, Giants shut out Brewers 2-0 - Brew Crew Ball
In better news, the Giants shut out the Brewers behind a strong outing from starter Chris Stratton, who allowed just four hits in six scoreless innings of work. The loss dropped Milwaukee to four games behind the Rockies and 3.5 behind Arizona in the Wild Card race.