Rockies’ 2007 “Rocktober” reunion gathers at Coors Field with the Padres in town | Denver Post
I will speak only for myself when I say that I had not even made the connection between Bud Black, manager of the 2007 San Diego Padres, and Rocktober. Nick Groke passes along stories from Friday’s reunion, including Black’s conversation with Todd Helton.
Apparently there were also video messages in Coors Field on Friday night from members of the 2007 team who couldn’t be there. I would have loved to have seen the one from Clint Hurdle, now managing the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the one from Chris Iannetta, catcher and two-hole hitter for Colorado’s potential wild card opponent in the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Colorado Rockies: Raimel Tapia is part of the future, not the present | Rox Pile
For a team that is reaping the benefits of years of player development, there aren’t too many young players on the position player side of things. That fact is even more glaring with expanded rosters in September or when there are some funny lineup decisions.
Say, for example, that Ian Desmond starts in center field. That’s what happened Friday, and Kevin Henry takes a look at what that means for Tapia’s role now and in the future.
Why hasn’t MLB fixed its September roster expansion rules? | ESPN
Speaking of those huge rosters, Jerry Crasnick looks at the problem it makes for pace of play as commissioner Rob Manfred tries to make improvements in that regard. For the Rockies’ part, Black has been true to an approach that is mostly sticking to the core roster that got them there, leaving September call-ups with fringe roles.
I don’t know the answer to this question, but I do wonder if the excitement of playoff stretch baseball means fans of those games don’t mind longer games. On the other hand, maybe we don’t need last place teams playing four-hour games in September just because they have extra pitchers to use.
First thoughts towards an Arizona Diamondbacks Wild-Card Game roster | AZ Snake Pit
The Diamondbacks officially won’t be getting ahead of themselves if they think ahead to that one-game playoff round. Here’s a look at what that roster might look like for a showdown with (we hope) the Rockies.
Shades of 2011? How the Cardinals again are sneaking up on everyone | ESPN
I get the point of saying they are “sneaking up” on people because of their slow start this season, but I will say that I don’t think many fans of teams in the National League playoff race are surprised by the Cardinals. We know better, or at least we should. David Schoenfield breaks down some of the key players as the Cardinals have charged into the playoff race.
Magic Eight Ball: Milwaukee Brewers top Marlins 10-2 | Brew Crew Ball
The Brewers erupted for eight runs in the eighth inning to win on Friday night. The pressure remained on the Rockies, who beat the Padres 6-1.