thedenverpost--2020-12-02--Rockies Mailbag: Nolan Arenado trade rumors swirl as hot stove season stays cold

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .
No surprise that we lead off this week ’ s Rockies mailbag with two questions about Nolan Arenado , who ’ s become the “ Human Trade Rumor.
” I just saw a hot stove topic that the Dodgers are kicking the tires on a possible Nolan Arenado trade .
As much as I would hate to see Arenado go , especially to a divisional team , this would make sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past talking terms regardless of what reporters say .
Arenado will get to play for a contender year in and year out , Rockies will get a stockpile of prospects in which only one or two will pan out and the Rockies will get rid of them anyway .
And owner Dick Monfort gets to keep the team average or below average for the next few years .
Obviously I hope I am wrong with my last couple of reasons .
But want your thoughts on if you think this would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or both .
— Del , Lamar Can you talk through the logistics of an Arenado trade ?
Is getting him to waive the opt out in his contract to get more in return for a trade a realistic possibility ?
— Bradley Buchner , Asheville , N.C. Bradley , how is Ashville ?
I ’ ve heard great things about your city but I ’ ve never been .
It ’ s on my bucket list .
And Del , it ’ s pretty cool that the Lamar High School football team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , on to your questions .
As I ’ ve written before , a major key to an Arenado trade would be for him to waive the opt out .
If a trade were worked out to the right team – remember that Arenado has a full no-trade clause – I believe he would waive that clause in his contract .
But , as I ’ m sure you ’ re aware , the size of Arenado ’ s contract is a major hurdle for any trade to take place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the next six years .
Would the Rockies take on some of the salary for the right deal ?
Perhaps .
There was a lot of noise about a trade to the Dodgers , especially after former MLB general manager Jim Bowden made a bold prediction .
“ Nolan Arenado will be a Dodger by Christmas , ” Bowden said on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM .
“ I spoke with the Dodgers and they are obsessed with getting a right-handed bat , preferably a third baseman .
They have been engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Rockies .
“ Arenado is planning on opting out of his contract with the Rockies in a year , ( shortstop ) Trevor Story is a free agent in a year , and the Rockies have serious financial issues after the pandemic .
The trade talks between the Rockies and Dodgers are real .
I think it ’ s going to happen.
” I ’ m not buying the Arenado-to-Dodgers trade .
People I have talked to , including those close to Arenado , have said they can ’ t envision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team within the division .
Finally , I will leave you with this from J.P. Hoornstra , my friend from the Orange County Register .
He recently wrote : “ For the Rockies , the practical concerns begin with their internal budget and how Jeff Bridich feels about his job security .
Bridich is the second-longest tenured GM/president of baseball operations in the National League West .
( A.J .
Preller became the Padres ’ GM two months before Bridich arrived in Denver .
One week later , Andrew Friedman took the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the surest way he can make the Rockies ’ fate appear worse than it is overnight ?
By trading his best player to the best team in the division .
If the Rockies decide they can ’ t afford to keep Arenado under contract , the Dodgers are the last team I would expect to get him in a trade.
” Patrick , with changes coming to MiLB , what does the farm system structure look like for the Rockies in 2021 and beyond ?
— Judy Frieman , Denver Judy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I asked farm director Zach Wilson to address your question and he said he didn ’ t want to comment until final decisions have been made .
As I ’ m sure you are aware , the Grand Junction Rockies are no longer Colorado ’ s rookie-league team , having become an independent team in the revamped Pioneer League .
I ’ m pretty sure that Triple-A Albuquerque will remain the Rockies ’ highest-level farm team , but after that , nothing is certain .
There have been reports that the Rockies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Fresno , Calif. , and drop Lancaster but that ’ s not a certainty .
I believe the Rockies will stay tied to Double-A Hartford and Class-A Asheville , but that ’ s not a certainty .
Major League Baseball is trying to “ regionalize ” minor league teams .
I wish I had a better answer for you .
That Jeff Hoffman-Robert Stephenson trade would ’ ve made huge headlines five years ago .
Do you think a change of scenery could be beneficial to both pitchers ?
Stephenson looks like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ever grows into his potential .
— Ryan , Castle Rock Hoffman is a curious case .
He has terrific talent but has not been able to harness it the way the Rockies envisioned he would .
He can throw a 96-98 mph fastball and has a big curve , but he ’ s lacked consistent command .
He ’ s allowed too many innings/games to spin out of control .
The Rockies tried a lot of things , including tweaking Hoffman ’ s delivery .
I do think it was time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change of scenery will do him good .
Perhaps no longer having to deal with pitching at Coors Field will help him .
Then again , the short left-field porch at Great American Ballpark invites home runs .
Will Hoffman ever be a top-notch , front-of-the-rotation starter ?
I don ’ t think so .
I do think he can become a No .
4 or No .
5 starter , but I think his future is in the bullpen .
As for Stephenson , the Reds ’ first-round draft pick ( 27th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had finally blossomed in 2019 when he posted a 3.76 ERA and had 81 strikeouts over 64 2/3 innings out of the bullpen .
But he regressed in the shortened 2020 season .
He had a 9.90 ERA and gave up eight home runs in 10 innings .
There were questions about whether he would make the Reds ’ roster in 2021 .
Still , the Rockies have liked him for quite a while .
Here ’ s what Rockies GM Jeff Bridich had to say : “ We ’ ve been paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t been difficult because he ’ s been a high-profile guy for a long time .
As we look to the past , to 2019 , in a very small sample size , but a good sample .
Mr. Robert Stephenson had a good performance against us at Coors Field .
He ’ s always had a lot of talent .
He ’ s always had a lot of weapons .
I think this is a classic potential change of scenery where there are maybe some different voices and different relationships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both of them.
” Given ( owner ) Monfort and Bridich ’ s record of overt contempt for fans , star players , media , complete and utter on field failure , and lack of interest in improving the on field product , why should Rockies fans still be interested ?
The response to Sean Keeler ’ s recent column calling Bridich out was overwhelmingly supportive of Keeler ( not that there ’ s a way anyone could disagree ) , and Dick and Jeff need to be made aware of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and burned all goodwill they once enjoyed following the two playoff teams .
This franchise is in a dire situation until Bridich is gone .
— Carl , Colorado Springs Carl , I usually don ’ t run rants like yours in my mailbag , but because there was so much reaction to Keeler ’ s column , I wanted to chime in .
First , I received numerous emails from fans wondering why I had not “ called out ” Bridich the way Keeler did .
First , fans need to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am a beat writer .
He can go places with his opinions where I can not .
Plus , I have to have some semblance of a working relationship with Bridich and the Rockies front office .
Although I will say that Bridich , who does not like dealing with beat writers , has made that increasingly difficult .
However , I don ’ t think it ’ s accurate or fair to say that Monfort and Bridich have “ overt contempt ” for fans , media , etc .
I do think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its place in Colorado .
While it ’ s fair to disagree with how Monfort runs the franchise , or about how much faith he ’ s placed in Bridich , I don ’ t think it ’ s fair to say Monfort has “ overt contempt.
” Good job on reporting on the Rockies .
Quick question .
I just saw that Theo Epstein just stepped down as the president of baseball operations for the Cubs , citing that a person in that job is good for 10 years .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that same job here and if Monfort actually cared about winning ?
Epstein brought both the Red Sox and the Cubs back to winning ways , so why could he not do that with the Rockies ?
— Del , Lamar Del , Epstein is not coming to Colorado , so the point is moot .
In a fantasy world , Epstein would help mold a winner in Colorado .
He ’ s certainly smart enough and he has excellent connections within the game .
But it ’ s not happening .
Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , indicates the Rox finished sixth .
How can you say that they are in a money crunch if teams like Toronto ( 22nd ) , the Chicago White Sox ( 23rd ) and Cincinnati ( 19th ) are all in for signing free agents .
The Rox are mentioned nowhere in any signings .
What did they do with all that money ?
Why are teams that draw a lot less in attendance trying to sign free agents that we can use , but are not interested in ?
Examples are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lefty ( Brad ) Hand .
Has ownership taken the baseball receipts and used them for their real estate venture across the street ?
— Harry , Greenwood Village Harry , first of all , thanks for being such a loyal reader and thanks for all of your emails .
You are right with your facts .
The Rockies drew 2.99 million fans to Coors Field in 2019 , far better than the Reds ( 1.81 million ) , Blue Jays ( 1.75 million ) and White Sox ( 1.63 million ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say the Rockies have not spent money .
In 2019 , the Rockies ’ overall payroll was $ 157.1 million , ranking 11th in the majors .
It was far more than the Reds ( $ 128.4 million , 17th ) , Blue Jays ( $ 113.4 million , 21st ) or White Sox ( $ 91.4 million , 26th ) .
As it stands now , before many trades or signings have taken place , the Rockies have a projected payroll of $ 132.2 million for 2021 .
That ranks eighth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much money the Rockies have spent , it ’ s how they have spent their money and how they will manage money going forward .
Keep in mind that Arenado ( $ 35 million in 2021 ) , Charlie Blackmon ( $ 21.3 million ) and Story ( $ 18.5 million ) all have big money coming their way this season .
Yes , the Rockies ’ new TV contract will begin in 2021 , but it ’ s not as lucrative a deal as some other teams have .
We ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.
No surprise that we lead off this week’s Rockies mailbag with two questions about Nolan Arenado, who’s become the “Human Trade Rumor.”
I just saw a hot stove topic that the Dodgers are kicking the tires on a possible Nolan Arenado trade. As much as I would hate to see Arenado go, especially to a divisional team, this would make sense. Arenado and Jeff Bridich are way past talking terms regardless of what reporters say. Arenado will get to play for a contender year in and year out, Rockies will get a stockpile of prospects in which only one or two will pan out and the Rockies will get rid of them anyway. And owner Dick Monfort gets to keep the team average or below average for the next few years.
Obviously I hope I am wrong with my last couple of reasons. But want your thoughts on if you think this would be a good deal for the Dodgers, Rockies or both.
— Del, Lamar
Can you talk through the logistics of an Arenado trade? Is getting him to waive the opt out in his contract to get more in return for a trade a realistic possibility?
— Bradley Buchner, Asheville, N.C.
Bradley, how is Ashville? I’ve heard great things about your city but I’ve never been. It’s on my bucket list. And Del, it’s pretty cool that the Lamar High School football team is in the Class 2A state finals.
Now, on to your questions.
As I’ve written before, a major key to an Arenado trade would be for him to waive the opt out. If a trade were worked out to the right team – remember that Arenado has a full no-trade clause – I believe he would waive that clause in his contract.
But, as I’m sure you’re aware, the size of Arenado’s contract is a major hurdle for any trade to take place. He’s owed $199 million over the next six years. Would the Rockies take on some of the salary for the right deal? Perhaps.
There was a lot of noise about a trade to the Dodgers, especially after former MLB general manager Jim Bowden made a bold prediction.
“Nolan Arenado will be a Dodger by Christmas,” Bowden said on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. “I spoke with the Dodgers and they are obsessed with getting a right-handed bat, preferably a third baseman. They have been engaged with (general manager) Jeff Bridich of the Rockies.
“Arenado is planning on opting out of his contract with the Rockies in a year, (shortstop) Trevor Story is a free agent in a year, and the Rockies have serious financial issues after the pandemic. The trade talks between the Rockies and Dodgers are real. I think it’s going to happen.”
I’m not buying the Arenado-to-Dodgers trade. People I have talked to, including those close to Arenado, have said they can’t envision Monfort trading his star third baseman to a team within the division.
Finally, I will leave you with this from J.P. Hoornstra, my friend from the Orange County Register. He recently wrote:
“For the Rockies, the practical concerns begin with their internal budget and how Jeff Bridich feels about his job security. Bridich is the second-longest tenured GM/president of baseball operations in the National League West. (A.J. Preller became the Padres’ GM two months before Bridich arrived in Denver. One week later, Andrew Friedman took the Dodgers’ job.) What’s the surest way he can make the Rockies’ fate appear worse than it is overnight? By trading his best player to the best team in the division. If the Rockies decide they can’t afford to keep Arenado under contract, the Dodgers are the last team I would expect to get him in a trade.”
Patrick, with changes coming to MiLB, what does the farm system structure look like for the Rockies in 2021 and beyond?
— Judy Frieman, Denver
Judy, that remains in a state of flux. I asked farm director Zach Wilson to address your question and he said he didn’t want to comment until final decisions have been made.
As I’m sure you are aware, the Grand Junction Rockies are no longer Colorado’s rookie-league team, having become an independent team in the revamped Pioneer League.
I’m pretty sure that Triple-A Albuquerque will remain the Rockies’ highest-level farm team, but after that, nothing is certain. There have been reports that the Rockies will have their Class-A Advanced team moved to Fresno, Calif., and drop Lancaster but that’s not a certainty.
I believe the Rockies will stay tied to Double-A Hartford and Class-A Asheville, but that’s not a certainty. Major League Baseball is trying to “regionalize” minor league teams.
I wish I had a better answer for you.
That Jeff Hoffman-Robert Stephenson trade would’ve made huge headlines five years ago. Do you think a change of scenery could be beneficial to both pitchers? Stephenson looks like he could be a strikeout machine if he ever grows into his potential.
— Ryan, Castle Rock
Ryan, that’s a great question.
Hoffman is a curious case. He has terrific talent but has not been able to harness it the way the Rockies envisioned he would. He can throw a 96-98 mph fastball and has a big curve, but he’s lacked consistent command. He’s allowed too many innings/games to spin out of control.
The Rockies tried a lot of things, including tweaking Hoffman’s delivery.
I do think it was time to trade Hoffman and I believe a change of scenery will do him good. Perhaps no longer having to deal with pitching at Coors Field will help him. Then again, the short left-field porch at Great American Ballpark invites home runs.
Will Hoffman ever be a top-notch, front-of-the-rotation starter? I don’t think so. I do think he can become a No. 4 or No. 5 starter, but I think his future is in the bullpen.
As for Stephenson, the Reds’ first-round draft pick (27th overall) in 2011 looked like he had finally blossomed in 2019 when he posted a 3.76 ERA and had 81 strikeouts over 64 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.
But he regressed in the shortened 2020 season. He had a 9.90 ERA and gave up eight home runs in 10 innings. There were questions about whether he would make the Reds’ roster in 2021.
Still, the Rockies have liked him for quite a while. Here’s what Rockies GM Jeff Bridich had to say:
“We’ve been paying attention for a while, and it hasn’t been difficult because he’s been a high-profile guy for a long time. As we look to the past, to 2019, in a very small sample size, but a good sample. Mr. Robert Stephenson had a good performance against us at Coors Field. He’s always had a lot of talent. He’s always had a lot of weapons. I think this is a classic potential change of scenery where there are maybe some different voices and different relationships for both guys and have something click for both of them.”
Given (owner) Monfort and Bridich’s record of overt contempt for fans, star players, media, complete and utter on field failure, and lack of interest in improving the on field product, why should Rockies fans still be interested? The response to Sean Keeler’s recent column calling Bridich out was overwhelmingly supportive of Keeler (not that there’s a way anyone could disagree), and Dick and Jeff need to be made aware of how badly they have destroyed their fan base and burned all goodwill they once enjoyed following the two playoff teams. This franchise is in a dire situation until Bridich is gone.
— Carl, Colorado Springs
Carl, I usually don’t run rants like yours in my mailbag, but because there was so much reaction to Keeler’s column, I wanted to chime in.
First, I received numerous emails from fans wondering why I had not “called out” Bridich the way Keeler did. First, fans need to understand that Keeler is a columnist and I am a beat writer. He can go places with his opinions where I cannot. Plus, I have to have some semblance of a working relationship with Bridich and the Rockies front office. Although I will say that Bridich, who does not like dealing with beat writers, has made that increasingly difficult.
However, I don’t think it’s accurate or fair to say that Monfort and Bridich have “overt contempt” for fans, media, etc. I do think Monfort cares a lot about the franchise and its place in Colorado. While it’s fair to disagree with how Monfort runs the franchise, or about how much faith he’s placed in Bridich, I don’t think it’s fair to say Monfort has “overt contempt.”
Good job on reporting on the Rockies. Quick question. I just saw that Theo Epstein just stepped down as the president of baseball operations for the Cubs, citing that a person in that job is good for 10 years. How would he do if he was offered that same job here and if Monfort actually cared about winning? Epstein brought both the Red Sox and the Cubs back to winning ways, so why could he not do that with the Rockies?
— Del, Lamar
Del, Epstein is not coming to Colorado, so the point is moot. In a fantasy world, Epstein would help mold a winner in Colorado. He’s certainly smart enough and he has excellent connections within the game. But it’s not happening.
Patrick, the MLB attendance report for 2019, indicates the Rox finished sixth. How can you say that they are in a money crunch if teams like Toronto (22nd), the Chicago White Sox (23rd) and Cincinnati (19th) are all in for signing free agents. The Rox are mentioned nowhere in any signings. What did they do with all that money? Why are teams that draw a lot less in attendance trying to sign free agents that we can use, but are not interested in? Examples are the catcher (James) McCann and the lefty (Brad) Hand. Has ownership taken the baseball receipts and used them for their real estate venture across the street?
— Harry, Greenwood Village
Harry, first of all, thanks for being such a loyal reader and thanks for all of your emails.
You are right with your facts. The Rockies drew 2.99 million fans to Coors Field in 2019, far better than the Reds (1.81 million), Blue Jays (1.75 million) and White Sox (1.63 million).
However, it’s not correct to say the Rockies have not spent money.
In 2019, the Rockies’ overall payroll was $157.1 million, ranking 11th in the majors. It was far more than the Reds ($128.4 million, 17th), Blue Jays ($113.4 million, 21st) or White Sox ($91.4 million, 26th).
As it stands now, before many trades or signings have taken place, the Rockies have a projected payroll of $132.2 million for 2021. That ranks eighth.
So the problem is not how much money the Rockies have spent, it’s how they have spent their money and how they will manage money going forward. Keep in mind that Arenado ($35 million in 2021), Charlie Blackmon ($21.3 million) and Story ($18.5 million) all have big money coming their way this season.
Yes, the Rockies’ new TV contract will begin in 2021, but it’s not as lucrative a deal as some other teams have.
We’ll see how this all shakes out.
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.


thedenverpost--2020-12-02--Broncos NFL power rankings tracker: How national experts rank Denver entering Week 13

It was a rough week for the Broncos .
First , they lose all of their quarterbacks .
Then they turned to a practice squad receiver to fill the role .
Then the Saints came into town and dominated them on the field .
It doesn ’ t get any easier moving forward .
Next up : The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City , Mo .
At least Garett Bolles got paid .
Here ’ s a look at how various national experts rated the Broncos in their power rankings entering Week 13 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ | Last week : No .
24 “ Thanks to a combination of carelessness and one positive COVID-19 test , all of the Denver Broncos ’ active quarterbacks were deemed ineligible to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 12 .
The team was forced to turn to practice squad receiver Kendall Hinton under center , and you can guess how that went .
… It wasn ’ t a good look for ( Drew ) Lock , ( Vic ) Fangio or the Broncos organization .
And their drubbing against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full rankings .
Rankings not available yet .
ESPN ( No .
22 ) | Last week : No .
21 “ In an injury-ravaged season in which the Broncos just played a game without any of their quarterbacks in uniform , the most important measuring stick of progress will be how the Broncos fare against the defending Super Bowl champions .
The Broncos have lost 10 in a row to the Chiefs and four in a row at Kansas City , three of those coming by double digits .
Patrick Mahomes isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t really say they ’ ve progressed until they show it against the team that is on track to win the AFC West , ” Jeff Legwold writes .
See the full rankings .
Rankings not available yet .
Sporting News ( No .
24 ) | Last week : No .
28 “ The Broncos had no healthy quarterbacks for the Saints game and the results were predictable .
Their defense had been playing better , but it has simply gotten worn down with all kinds of bad offense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full rankings .
• Newman : Broncos ’ realistic goal in K.C.
?
Forget winning — just don ’ t get embarrassed by Tyreek Hill and Chiefs ’ “ Star Wars offense ” • In season marred by injuries and coronavirus , Broncos practice squad becomes critical pipeline in filling out Denver ’ s roster each week • Broncos Mailbag : Why doesn ’ t the offense run more screen passes ?
• Garett Bolles ’ comeback from maligned lineman to highly paid left tackle sweet for him , Broncos Country Sports Illustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week : No .
“ Credit to Kendall Hinton , who did his best and has a cool story .
That ’ s about all I have to say about Week 12 in Denver , ” Mitch Golditch writes .
See the full rankings .
USA Today ( No .
25 ) | Last week : No .
19 “ Courageous effort Sunday by Kendall Hinton , who earned mad locker room respect , after Denver was undermined by its other QBs flouting virus protocols , ” Nate Davis writes .
See the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
26 ) | Last week : No .
23 “ Everyone seems to think the Broncos deserved special treatment from the NFL , instead of focusing on the quarterbacks who didn ’ t wear masks in a meeting .
The Broncos were in a terrible situation , but we knew that some teams would be in unfair spots in this weird season , and let ’ s not absolve the Broncos of blame , ” Frank Schwab writes .
See the full rankings .

It was a rough week for the Broncos.
First, they lose all of their quarterbacks. Then they turned to a practice squad receiver to fill the role. Then the Saints came into town and dominated them on the field.
It doesn’t get any easier moving forward. Next up: The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
At least Garett Bolles got paid.
Here’s a look at how various national experts rated the Broncos in their power rankings entering Week 13:
Bleacher Report (No. 27) | Last week: No. 24
“Thanks to a combination of carelessness and one positive COVID-19 test, all of the Denver Broncos’ active quarterbacks were deemed ineligible to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 12. The team was forced to turn to practice squad receiver Kendall Hinton under center, and you can guess how that went. … It wasn’t a good look for (Drew) Lock, (Vic) Fangio or the Broncos organization. And their drubbing against the Saints was well deserved.” See the full rankings.
CBS Sports | Last week: No. 19
Rankings not available yet.
ESPN (No. 22) | Last week: No. 21
“In an injury-ravaged season in which the Broncos just played a game without any of their quarterbacks in uniform, the most important measuring stick of progress will be how the Broncos fare against the defending Super Bowl champions. The Broncos have lost 10 in a row to the Chiefs and four in a row at Kansas City, three of those coming by double digits. Patrick Mahomes isn’t going anywhere and the Broncos can’t really say they’ve progressed until they show it against the team that is on track to win the AFC West,” Jeff Legwold writes. See the full rankings.
NFL.com | Last week: No. 22
Rankings not available yet.
Sporting News (No. 24) | Last week: No. 28
“The Broncos had no healthy quarterbacks for the Saints game and the results were predictable. Their defense had been playing better, but it has simply gotten worn down with all kinds of bad offense,” Vinnie Iyer writes. See the full rankings.
Sports Illustrated (No. 26) | Last week: No.
“Credit to Kendall Hinton, who did his best and has a cool story. That’s about all I have to say about Week 12 in Denver,” Mitch Golditch writes. See the full rankings.
USA Today (No. 25) | Last week: No. 19
“Courageous effort Sunday by Kendall Hinton, who earned mad locker room respect, after Denver was undermined by its other QBs flouting virus protocols,” Nate Davis writes. See the full rankings.
Yahoo Sports (No. 26) | Last week: No. 23
“Everyone seems to think the Broncos deserved special treatment from the NFL, instead of focusing on the quarterbacks who didn’t wear masks in a meeting. The Broncos were in a terrible situation, but we knew that some teams would be in unfair spots in this weird season, and let’s not absolve the Broncos of blame,” Frank Schwab writes. See the full rankings.


thedenverpost--2020-12-02--Ask Amy: Generous man was played for a pinata

Dear Amy : I have been on a series of dates with an established professional .
I got the feeling that she just viewed me as a money piñata , even though I imagine she out-earns me .
We are both late-millennials .
We established values of equality , reciprocity , family , etc.
, before we even met in person .
We had a great time on our first date .
The bill arrived and there was no casual dance back and forth over who might pay .
She never even looked in its direction .
No worries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we also had a good time .
The bill arrived .
Same thing .
This time I let it sit on the table for probably 15 minutes before I placed my card in the folder .
We decided to meet again .
This time , she asked if I would like to split the bill with her .
This behavior confused me .
I called her out by asking , “ Are we on a date , or are we friends meeting for dinner ?
” She insisted we were on a date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is intriguing , you want to go Dutch on the third date , but not the first or second ?
Her reply was a cool : “ Yeah.
” Wanting to leave without creating a conflict , I simply paid the bill and expected not to speak to her again .
The following week , she invited me to brunch .
Everything went fine but , hey , now I ’ m curious about what is going to happen when the check arrives .
Sure enough , she doesn ’ t even look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the table for 30 minutes before the waiter returned wanting to cash it out .
I paid the bill and thanked her for inviting me out … to pay for her meal .
She looked confused , as if I had broken some unspoken rule of dating in which the man must pick up every check .
I have been rejecting her calls and texts to “ get together ” ever since .
I ’ m curious about what you think of this .
Dear Equality : I am 100 percent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask : If you ’ ve been played so many times , then why have you kept throwing down your card ?
Granted , your mutual staring contests when the check comes are amusing , but you ’ ve been outflanked .
When two people connect online and mutually agree to meet , they should split the check .
After that , when one person asks the other out , they should also offer to pay the bill .
In the future , a conversation might have avoided this gamesmanship .
You took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were on a date or a friend-date , but you never followed up by sharing your own views or describing how her behavior made you feel .
I ’ ll fill you in on what the kids are doing these days .
They use Venmo or PayPal to basically bill their dinner partners after the fact , if they believe they are owed money .
Dear Amy : I am responding to “ Sexless at Sixty , ” a woman who was worried about her husband ’ s libido .
She said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am a 94-year-young gentleman .
I have been alone for nearly three years .
I now have TWO lady friends , both sexually active , as am I. I see each of them at least once a week .
Fortunately , they live about 40 miles apart , and do not know each other .
Tell the ladies that it is OK for them to initiate the “ action.
” It ’ s time for them to understand that being aggressive is modern , and it is OK with us .
Dear Happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would mind the fact that you are sleeping around ; if not , you ’ re good , but you should make sure that each woman knows that you are not sexually exclusive .
It is also VITAL that you and all of your partners get screened for STDs .
Dear Amy : I had an additional thought regarding your excellent advice to “ Sexless at Sixty.
” It appears that the absence of sex in the writer ’ s otherwise solid relationship with her husband is largely , if not entirely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his part .
I suggest the husband might discuss this with his physician because there are a number of physical issues that should be considered as the cause of his absent libido .
Side effects of medications such as antidepressants , low testosterone level , other easily corrected culprits should be considered .
Dear Dr. Chipman : Absolutely !
Many respondents have noted that their own sexual dysfunction was reversed after seeking medical advice .

Dear Amy: I have been on a series of dates with an established professional. I got the feeling that she just viewed me as a money piñata, even though I imagine she out-earns me.
We are both late-millennials. We established values of equality, reciprocity, family, etc., before we even met in person.
We had a great time on our first date. The bill arrived and there was no casual dance back and forth over who might pay. She never even looked in its direction. No worries, I got it.
Second date, we also had a good time. The bill arrived. Same thing. This time I let it sit on the table for probably 15 minutes before I placed my card in the folder.
We decided to meet again.
This time, she asked if I would like to split the bill with her.
This behavior confused me. I called her out by asking, “Are we on a date, or are we friends meeting for dinner?” She insisted we were on a date.
I said, “Well this is intriguing, you want to go Dutch on the third date, but not the first or second? Her reply was a cool: “Yeah.”
Wanting to leave without creating a conflict, I simply paid the bill and expected not to speak to her again.
The following week, she invited me to brunch.
Everything went fine but, hey, now I’m curious about what is going to happen when the check arrives.
Sure enough, she doesn’t even look at it. I let it sit on the table for 30 minutes before the waiter returned wanting to cash it out.
I paid the bill and thanked her for inviting me out … to pay for her meal.
She looked confused, as if I had broken some unspoken rule of dating in which the man must pick up every check.
I have been rejecting her calls and texts to “get together” ever since.
I’m curious about what you think of this.
— Would Like Equality
Dear Equality: I am 100 percent on your side. But I have to ask: If you’ve been played so many times, then why have you kept throwing down your card?
Granted, your mutual staring contests when the check comes are amusing, but you’ve been outflanked.
When two people connect online and mutually agree to meet, they should split the check. After that, when one person asks the other out, they should also offer to pay the bill.
In the future, a conversation might have avoided this gamesmanship. You took a baby step by asking whether you were on a date or a friend-date, but you never followed up by sharing your own views or describing how her behavior made you feel.
I’ll fill you in on what the kids are doing these days. They use Venmo or PayPal to basically bill their dinner partners after the fact, if they believe they are owed money.
Dear Amy: I am responding to “Sexless at Sixty,” a woman who was worried about her husband’s libido. She said she always had to initiate sex.
I am a 94-year-young gentleman. I have been alone for nearly three years.
I now have TWO lady friends, both sexually active, as am I.
I see each of them at least once a week.
Fortunately, they live about 40 miles apart, and do not know each other.
Tell the ladies that it is OK for them to initiate the “action.”
It’s time for them to understand that being aggressive is modern, and it is OK with us.
— Happy Man
Dear Happy: I wonder if your two lady-friends would mind the fact that you are sleeping around; if not, you’re good, but you should make sure that each woman knows that you are not sexually exclusive.
It is also VITAL that you and all of your partners get screened for STDs.
Dear Amy: I had an additional thought regarding your excellent advice to “Sexless at Sixty.” It appears that the absence of sex in the writer’s otherwise solid relationship with her husband is largely, if not entirely, due to an absence of desire on his part.
I suggest the husband might discuss this with his physician because there are a number of physical issues that should be considered as the cause of his absent libido.
Side effects of medications such as antidepressants, low testosterone level, other easily corrected culprits should be considered.
— Clark Chipman, MD
Dear Dr. Chipman: Absolutely! Many respondents have noted that their own sexual dysfunction was reversed after seeking medical advice.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Polis revises Elijah McClain executive order to restore reference to potentially prosecuting police

Gov .
Jared Polis made a second revision Wednesday to his executive order directing Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate the death of Elijah McClain , acknowledging previous tweaks to the order ’ s language “ were taken by some in the wrong way and were hurtful to others.
” The newly revised order restores language that directly refers to the possibility of prosecuting police officers in connection with McClain ’ s death .
McClain , 23 , died in August 2019 after being placed in a chokehold by Aurora police , then sedated by paramedics .
Prosecutor Dave Young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramedics involved in McClain ’ s death , but on June 25 , as pressure mounted and national attention grew , Polis appointed Weiser as a special prosecutor .
The original order gave Weiser the authority to investigate and prosecute “ any potential criminal activity by law enforcement officers or any other individuals that caused the death of Elijah McClain.
” On Nov. 10 , Polis amended the order , giving Weiser the authority to investigate and prosecute “ offenses arising from the Aug. 24 , 2019 , encounter with Elijah McClain and/or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reference to potential criminal activity by police .
At the time , Mari Newman , an attorney for McClain ’ s family , acknowledged the scope of the amended order was more broad than the original .
“ My concern is that the office is looking to bring lesser charges on related conduct , but sidestep the actual murder , ” she told The Denver Post .
Denver ’ s Party for Socialism and Liberation held a protest at the state Capitol on Nov. 21 , saying in advance of the demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had raised the possibility the attorney general could bring “ watered down charges.
” The revision announced Wednesday restored references to criminals offenses and the possibility of prosecuting police .
The order now directs Weiser “ to take all necessary actions to investigate , on behalf of the state of Colorado , offenses , including criminal offenses , arising from the Aug. 24 , 2019 , encounter with Elijah McClain and/or his subsequent death , and , if deemed necessary , prosecute any persons , including law enforcement or any other individual , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office , in announcing the changes , said the original revision was meant to expand Weiser ’ s prosecutorial authority .
“ The intent is and always has been to allow the attorney general to conduct a complete and impartial investigation of this matter , ” said Jacki Cooper Melmed , chief legal counsel to the governor , in a statement .

Gov. Jared Polis made a second revision Wednesday to his executive order directing Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate the death of Elijah McClain, acknowledging previous tweaks to the order’s language “were taken by some in the wrong way and were hurtful to others.”
The newly revised order restores language that directly refers to the possibility of prosecuting police officers in connection with McClain’s death.
McClain, 23, died in August 2019 after being placed in a chokehold by Aurora police, then sedated by paramedics. Prosecutor Dave Young declined to criminally charge the officers or paramedics involved in McClain’s death, but on June 25, as pressure mounted and national attention grew, Polis appointed Weiser as a special prosecutor.
The original order gave Weiser the authority to investigate and prosecute “any potential criminal activity by law enforcement officers or any other individuals that caused the death of Elijah McClain.”
On Nov. 10, Polis amended the order, giving Weiser the authority to investigate and prosecute “offenses arising from the Aug. 24, 2019, encounter with Elijah McClain and/or his subsequent death.” The revision removed the reference to potential criminal activity by police.
At the time, Mari Newman, an attorney for McClain’s family, acknowledged the scope of the amended order was more broad than the original.
“My concern is that the office is looking to bring lesser charges on related conduct, but sidestep the actual murder,” she told The Denver Post.
Denver’s Party for Socialism and Liberation held a protest at the state Capitol on Nov. 21, saying in advance of the demonstration that the group believed the amended order had raised the possibility the attorney general could bring “watered down charges.”
The revision announced Wednesday restored references to criminals offenses and the possibility of prosecuting police. The order now directs Weiser “to take all necessary actions to investigate, on behalf of the state of Colorado, offenses, including criminal offenses, arising from the Aug. 24, 2019, encounter with Elijah McClain and/or his subsequent death, and, if deemed necessary, prosecute any persons, including law enforcement or any other individual, for such offenses.”
The governor’s office, in announcing the changes, said the original revision was meant to expand Weiser’s prosecutorial authority.
“The intent is and always has been to allow the attorney general to conduct a complete and impartial investigation of this matter,” said Jacki Cooper Melmed, chief legal counsel to the governor, in a statement.


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Kiszla: Broncos need to find new owner for inept NFL team only Drew Lock’s mother could love

With the once-proud Broncos a laughingstock , Drew Lock is the quarterback of a football team only his mother could love .
So if you ’ ve got an extra $ 3 billion tucked under the mattress and have always dreamed of owning an NFL franchise , give the bickering Bowlen kids a call .
Make an offer they can ’ t refuse .
On another sad day of soap opera in Broncos Country , Lock returned to practice with a lighter wallet , as well as a mask covering his mouth and nose to hide the shame of leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety protocols .
“ It hurt my heart , hurt my soul , ” Lock said Wednesday .
Meanwhile , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told the Broncos to quit their bellyaching about the embarrassment of getting routed by New Orleans .
So what if Denver was forced to take the field without anything resembling a professional quarterback ?
Tough cookies .
“ We will not reschedule games for that purpose , ” said Goodell , determined to keep marching through the pandemic , even if it means stepping on fallen Broncos and competitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because she tends to get irked when ignored , Beth Bowlen Wallace issued a statement of displeasure about this 4-7 team ’ s current state of disrepair .
The loudest of the Bickering Bowlens made a thinly veiled suggestion that a sale of the Broncos might well be the best way to resolve an ugly family dispute .
“ Watching these past few seasons has been extremely painful and we continue to see no other way to restore the franchise but through a transition of ownership of the Denver Broncos , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best read in a Grinch voice .
Sell the Broncos , currently valued at $ 3.2 billion by Forbes , and each of Pat Bowlen ’ s seven children could go buy private tropical islands .
In a year filled with anxiety and heartbreak , the Broncos are doing their best to make 2020 absolutely miserable .
In the 18 months since the death of Mr. B , things just keep getting dumb and dumber at Dove Valley headquarters .
For example : On the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend , at almost the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrating a $ 68 million contract extension in the parking lot , Lock and his back-up quarterbacks were reeling from the news they wouldn ’ t be allowed to play against the Saints , while general manager John Elway was angrily hanging up on the league office for its slap-dash decision to punish the Broncos .
But know what ’ s nuts ?
When the silence of coach Vic Fangio , Elway and team president Joe Ellis was deafening , it was left to the mother of Lock to make a strong defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leader .
Because this is 2020 , Laura Lock went full blast mode on Twitter .
“ Using people to make an example of a situation is wrong , ” growled Momma Bear Lock , noting her son was not the Denver QB that tested positive for COVID .
“ The NFL used one of their own as an example — this is where the shame is.
” “ Moms will be moms .
That ’ s just a fact .
They ’ re going to back up their kid , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fined by the team , adding financial insult to the humiliation of being banished to his room without Sunday dinner , while the Broncos were trounced 31-3 by New Orleans .
“ My mom is fiery .
There ’ s never a game where I played bad and wasn ’ t more scared of her than my dad.
” I ’ ve got no real problem with Lock ’ s mom being a helicopter parent .
The Broncos have far bigger concerns .
All I want for Christmas is a new owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ?
Although Jeff Bezos is made of money , Seattle or Washington needs the Amazon mogul more than Denver does .
Football is a young man ’ s game , so maybe it ’ s past prime time for 80-year-old Phil Anschutz to buy a team .
Yes , I ’ ve dreamed aloud of Peyton Manning becoming the face of an ownership group .
Perhaps more realistic : Denver native and self-made billionaire Robert F. Smith is a man with the financial wherewithal and business acumen to do the Bowlen legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what the Broncos have become : Inept .
Irrelevant .
Inadequate .
I would like to see Brittany Bowlen get the chance to show the sports world what a smart , young woman could do as the leader of an NFL franchise .
But I don ’ t get a vote .
And the last thing this franchise needs is to waste another year while being dragged through the mud of a lawsuit scheduled for next summer .
Before the Broncos can address their myriad issues , they must admit there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts at the top , with the power vacuum left by the late , great owner ’ s empty chair .
At this point , the Bickering Bowlens need to realize the best way for the Broncos to regain their lost glory is for the seven kids of Mr. B to come together and utter these words in unison :

With the once-proud Broncos a laughingstock, Drew Lock is the quarterback of a football team only his mother could love. So if you’ve got an extra $3 billion tucked under the mattress and have always dreamed of owning an NFL franchise, give the bickering Bowlen kids a call. Make an offer they can’t refuse.
On another sad day of soap opera in Broncos Country, Lock returned to practice with a lighter wallet, as well as a mask covering his mouth and nose to hide the shame of leaving teammates in the lurch by violating COVID-19 safety protocols.
“It hurt my heart, hurt my soul,” Lock said Wednesday.
Meanwhile, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told the Broncos to quit their bellyaching about the embarrassment of getting routed by New Orleans. So what if Denver was forced to take the field without anything resembling a professional quarterback? Tough cookies.
“We will not reschedule games for that purpose,” said Goodell, determined to keep marching through the pandemic, even if it means stepping on fallen Broncos and competitive integrity.
Not to be left out, because she tends to get irked when ignored, Beth Bowlen Wallace issued a statement of displeasure about this 4-7 team’s current state of disrepair. The loudest of the Bickering Bowlens made a thinly veiled suggestion that a sale of the Broncos might well be the best way to resolve an ugly family dispute.
“Watching these past few seasons has been extremely painful and we continue to see no other way to restore the franchise but through a transition of ownership of the Denver Broncos,” Bowlen Wallace said in a holiday statement best read in a Grinch voice.
Sell the Broncos, currently valued at $3.2 billion by Forbes, and each of Pat Bowlen’s seven children could go buy private tropical islands.
Beats bickering, eh?
In a year filled with anxiety and heartbreak, the Broncos are doing their best to make 2020 absolutely miserable. In the 18 months since the death of Mr. B, things just keep getting dumb and dumber at Dove Valley headquarters.
For example: On the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, at almost the precise moment offensive tackle Garett Bolles was celebrating a $68 million contract extension in the parking lot, Lock and his back-up quarterbacks were reeling from the news they wouldn’t be allowed to play against the Saints, while general manager John Elway was angrily hanging up on the league office for its slap-dash decision to punish the Broncos.
Yes, it’s infuriating.
But know what’s nuts? When the silence of coach Vic Fangio, Elway and team president Joe Ellis was deafening, it was left to the mother of Lock to make a strong defense of her son’s character as a leader.
Because this is 2020, Laura Lock went full blast mode on Twitter.
“Using people to make an example of a situation is wrong,” growled Momma Bear Lock, noting her son was not the Denver QB that tested positive for COVID. “The NFL used one of their own as an example — this is where the shame is.”
Don’t mess with Momma Bear.
“Moms will be moms. That’s just a fact. They’re going to back up their kid,” the struggling young quarterback said. Lock was fined by the team, adding financial insult to the humiliation of being banished to his room without Sunday dinner, while the Broncos were trounced 31-3 by New Orleans.
“My mom is fiery. There’s never a game where I played bad and wasn’t more scared of her than my dad.”
I’ve got no real problem with Lock’s mom being a helicopter parent. The Broncos have far bigger concerns.
All I want for Christmas is a new owner of this football team. How about you?
Although Jeff Bezos is made of money, Seattle or Washington needs the Amazon mogul more than Denver does. Football is a young man’s game, so maybe it’s past prime time for 80-year-old Phil Anschutz to buy a team.
Yes, I’ve dreamed aloud of Peyton Manning becoming the face of an ownership group. Perhaps more realistic: Denver native and self-made billionaire Robert F. Smith is a man with the financial wherewithal and business acumen to do the Bowlen legacy proud.
Without Mr. B, here’s what the Broncos have become: Inept. Irrelevant. Inadequate.
I would like to see Brittany Bowlen get the chance to show the sports world what a smart, young woman could do as the leader of an NFL franchise. But I don’t get a vote. And the last thing this franchise needs is to waste another year while being dragged through the mud of a lawsuit scheduled for next summer.
Before the Broncos can address their myriad issues, they must admit there’s a problem.
The problem starts at the top, with the power vacuum left by the late, great owner’s empty chair.
At this point, the Bickering Bowlens need to realize the best way for the Broncos to regain their lost glory is for the seven kids of Mr. B to come together and utter these words in unison:
We’re selling.


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Rockets send Westbrook to Wizards for Wall, AP sources say

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets have agreed to trade Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a @ @ @ @ @ people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press .
The people spoke to the @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday because the deal , which was first reported by ESPN , hadn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ ends Westbrook ’ s tenure in Houston after just one disappointing season .
Westbrook was @ @ @ @ @ Chris Paul and draft picks in July 2019 .
The Rockets had hoped that the @ @ @ @ @ final piece they needed to win their first title since winning back-to-back championships in 1994-95 @ @ @ @ @ from the playoffs by the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals .
Wall , the @ @ @ @ @ 2010 draft , has spent his entire career in Washington .
He ’ s a @ @ @

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets have agreed to trade Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a first-round draft pick, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal, which was first reported by ESPN, hadn’t been announced.
The move ends Westbrook’s tenure in Houston after just one disappointing season. Westbrook was traded from Oklahoma City or Chris Paul and draft picks in July 2019.
The Rockets had hoped that the 32-year-old Westbrook would be the final piece they needed to win their first title since winning back-to-back championships in 1994-95. But instead were eliminated from the playoffs by the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.
Wall, the first overall pick in the 2010 draft, has spent his entire career in Washington. He’s a five-time All-Star.
___
AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Dwight Jones named interim superintendent of DPS

Dwight Jones , senior deputy superintendent for equity with Denver Public Schools , has been named interim superintendent of DPS .
The announcement came at Wednesday night ’ s DPS Board of Education meeting .
Jones has agreed to take the job through the end of July 2021 .
“ His heart and passion for strong public schools is reflected in his commitment to equity work in DPS , ” the board said in a news release .
Over the course of his career in education , Jones served as Colorado ’ s Commissioner of Education from 2007 to 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clark County School District , Nevada , from 2010 to 2013 .
“ Dwight has shared that he does not intend to seek the role beyond his time as interim , and the board will be conducting a national search , ” the release said .
Jones is expected to begin his interim term on Jan. 1 .
Superintendent Susana Cordova will serve DPS until the end of the year .
“ We are extremely grateful for Susana ’ s strong and caring leadership as our superintendent and for all of the lasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city and our schools as an educator , a leader , and a cherished community member , ” the release said .
Cordova has accepted a position with the Dallas Independent School District .

Dwight Jones, senior deputy superintendent for equity with Denver Public Schools, has been named interim superintendent of DPS.
The announcement came at Wednesday night’s DPS Board of Education meeting. Jones has agreed to take the job through the end of July 2021.
“His heart and passion for strong public schools is reflected in his commitment to equity work in DPS,” the board said in a news release.
Over the course of his career in education, Jones served as Colorado’s Commissioner of Education from 2007 to 2010. He was the superintendent of the Clark County School District, Nevada, from 2010 to 2013.
“Dwight has shared that he does not intend to seek the role beyond his time as interim, and the board will be conducting a national search,” the release said.
Jones is expected to begin his interim term on Jan. 1. Superintendent Susana Cordova will serve DPS until the end of the year.
“We are extremely grateful for Susana’s strong and caring leadership as our superintendent and for all of the lasting contributions she’s made to our city and our schools as an educator, a leader, and a cherished community member,” the release said.
Cordova has accepted a position with the Dallas Independent School District.


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Rockies non-tender OF David Dahl, catcher Tony Wolters and RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez

If David Dahl ever stays healthy and fulfills his enormous potential , he could be a star .
But he won ’ t shine wearing a Rockies uniform .
The 26-year-old outfielder , along with starting catcher Tony Wolters and right-handed starter Chi Chi Gonzalez , was not tendered a contract by the Rockies Wednesday .
All three players are now free agents .
General manager Jeff Bridich , making it clear that the Rockies are tightening their belt following the pandemic-shortened 2020 season played without fans in the stands , said the decision to cut ties with Dahl was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injury history and Colorado ’ s depth in the outfield .
“ There ’ s a number of good outfielders that we currently have on our roster , some of whom we would like to get , obviously , some more playing time , ” Bridich said .
“ Then there ’ s financial decisions , and then there ’ s a health part of it too , which has been a struggle for David at times with us .
“ So this might be a new opportunity , or will be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefully , a great opportunity somewhere else.
” While the club ’ s decision to non-tender Dahl , who ’ s rehabbing from shoulder surgery , was a surprise , the decision to non-tender Wolters and Gonzalez was not .
There had been speculation that starting pitcher Jon Gray , eligible to become a free agent after the 2021 season , might not receive a contract offer from Colorado , but he has .
On Tuesday , the Rockies announced they had agreed to terms on one-year contracts to avoid arbitration with catcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Elias Díaz will make $ 1.2 million with $ 300,000 available through incentives , while Jairo Díaz agreed to a one-year , $ 1.1 million deal .
Wednesday was the deadline for teams to decide whether to tender contracts to players with less than six years of service time , including arbitration-eligible players who could receive a significant salary raise if tendered a contract .
Following is the full list of the Rockies ’ remaining arbitration-eligible players who have yet to agree to contract , with projected salaries , according to MLB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated

If David Dahl ever stays healthy and fulfills his enormous potential, he could be a bright star. But he won’t shine while wearing a Rockies uniform.
The Rockies’ apparent budget constraints have ended Dahl’s time in Colorado.
The 26-year-old outfielder, as well starting catcher Tony Wolters and right-handed starter Chi Chi Gonzalez, were not tendered contracts by the Rockies Wednesday. All three players are now free agents.
General manager Jeff Bridich, making it clear that the Rockies are tightening their belt following the pandemic-shortened 2020 season played without fans in the stands, said the decision to cut ties with Dahl was based on finances, Dahl’s injury history and Colorado’s depth in the outfield.
“There’s a number of good outfielders that we currently have on our roster, some of whom we would like to get, obviously, some more playing time,” Bridich said. “There’s financial decisions, and then there’s a health part of it too, which has been a struggle for David at times with us.
“So this might be a new opportunity, or will be an opportunity for him to find out, hopefully, a great opportunity somewhere else.”
Dahl, a first-time all-star in 2019, was projected to make $2.6 million in his second year of arbitration.
As it stands now, the Rockies will head into the meat of the offseason with Charlie Blackmon, Raimel Tapia, Sam Hilliard, Garrett Hampson, Jonathan Daza and Ian Desmond as their outfielders. Desmond, who opted out of the 2020 season, is scheduled to make $8 million in 2021.
The Rockies might consider re-signing Kevin Pillar, who played well for half a season with Colorado after being traded from Boston.
“I’m thankful for the Rockies drafting me and giving me the opportunity to live out a dream of playing in the big leagues,” Dahl said Wednesday night. “I will miss my teammates, and of course, the fans. I’m sorry it didn’t work out here in Denver but I’m really looking forward to a new opportunity and a fresh start.”
Dahl’s 2020 season was marred by an oblique strain and a right shoulder injury that required surgery. He played in only 24 games with just 99 plate appearances, hitting .183 (17-for-93) with no home runs, two doubles and two triples.
Bridich talked to Dahl Wednesday night and was told that Dahl’s shoulder was feeling strong and healthy.
The 2019 season showcased Dahl’s talents. He appeared in a career-high 100 games, hit .302 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs, and posted a .877 OPS and a 100 OPS+. A high-ankle sprain suffered while chasing down a line drive in center field ended his season Aug. 3.
While the club’s decision to non-tender Dahl, who’s rehabbing from shoulder surgery, was a surprise, the decision to non-tender Wolters and Gonzalez was not. Wolters’ 283 2/3 innings caught in 2020 ranked ninth in the National League but he hit just .230 with a .550 OPS and only four extra-base hits (all doubles).
The Rockies have frequently praised Wolters for his defense and ability to work with pitchers, but the Rockies signed Elias Díaz for $1.2 million (with $300,000 in incentives) on Tuesday. Wolters was projected to make $2 million as an arbitration-eligible player.
Bridich, again, pointed to the club’s finances as the basis of the decision.
“This falls under the category of ‘this is not business as usual.’ Sometimes, you have to make difficult decisions,” he said. “Are there financial decisions at play? Yeah, That’s part of it. And I think we also feel good about having somebody like Dom Nunez, who is banging at the major league door to become part of a major league catching rotation. And we came to an agreement with Elias Diaz, as well.”
Bridich said the team would explore “bringing other catchers into the fold.”
There had been speculation that starting pitcher Jon Gray — coming off a bad 2020 season that ended prematurely because of a sore shoulder, and eligible to become a free agent after the 2021 season — might be non-tendered. Bridich, however, called the idea of Gray’s departure “all speculation.”
“I spoke with Jon tonight and assured him that that was all just rumors,” Bridich said. “I wanted to talk to him personally, since his name had been out there so much. That wasn’t coming from us. It was all coming from outside the organization.”
On Tuesday, the Rockies announced they had agreed to terms on a one-year contract with right-hander Jairo Díaz, who agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million deal. Following is a list of the Rockies remaining arbitration-eligible players who have yet to agree to contracts, with projected salaries, according to MLB Trade Rumors:
* RHP Daniel Bard ($1.7 million)
* RHP Carlos Estevez ($1.5 million)
* LHP Kyle Freeland ($3.9 million)
* RHP Mychal Givens ($3.6 million)
* RHP Jon Gray ($5.9 million)
* INF Ryan McMahon ($1.7 million)
* RHP Antonio Senzatela ($2.2 million)
* OF Raimel Tapia ($1.5 million)


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Colorado participated in a federal vaccine-delivery simulation, but 1 of 2 shipments ended up in dif

Colorado participated in a federal vaccine-delivery simulation, but 1 of 2 shipments ended up in different state

Colorado ’ s health department this week said the vaccine readiness test it recently ran with the federal government was “ successful , ” but there was a hiccup as one of the two shipments — a mock kit of medical supplies — ended up in another state .
The pilot program , which tested the logistics of distributing a COVID-19 vaccine , was led by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ’ Operation Warp Speed .
Colorado was one of 10 jurisdictions to participate in the test last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the state Department of Public Health and Environment .
On Tuesday night , about a week after declaring the test “ successful , ” the state health department announced in a news release that it did not receive a mock ancillary kit containing supplies such as syringes , needles , alcohol prep pads , surgical masks , face shields and COVID-19 vaccination cards .
“ These materials were not critical for the test and did not cause any problems , ” the state Department of Public Health and Environment said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion of the simulation successfully and learned along the way .
Situations like this allow the state to be prepared for ‘ real life scenarios ’ that we might face as the vaccine is distributed in order to effectively deal with them.
” The kit was delivered to Kentucky , according to the health department .
“ This error in shipment was due to a label printing error with the manufacturer , ” state health officials said in a news release , adding , “ Although the ancillary kits were not received , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed and successful.
” The Denver Post requested the summary report of the test , along with any other documents related to the simulation , under the Colorado Open Records Act .
Simulations , and any subsequent reports , can provide information on how the health department is preparing to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine and any potential issues that could arise .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment told The Post on Wednesday that it has no records pertaining to the test it ran last week .
The goal of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ability to coordinate and share information across agencies .
Local public health officials have said the state could receive the first doses of Pfizer ’ s yet-to-be-approved COVID-19 vaccine between Dec. 11 and Dec. 14 .
During the simulation , state health officials were expected to identify a provider location to receive the test vaccine shipment ; to ensure orders were submitted to the CDC ’ s vaccine tracking system ; and receive two shipments : a thermal shipper without a vaccine and mock ancillary kits , according to the news release @

Colorado’s health department this week said the vaccine readiness test it recently ran with the federal government was “successful,” but there was a hiccup as one of the two shipments — a mock kit of medical supplies — ended up in another state.
The pilot program, which tested the logistics of distributing a COVID-19 vaccine, was led by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Operation Warp Speed.
Colorado was one of 10 jurisdictions to participate in the test last week, according to a news release from the state Department of Public Health and Environment.
On Tuesday night, about a week after declaring the test “successful,” the state health department announced in a news release that it did not receive a mock ancillary kit containing supplies such as syringes, needles, alcohol prep pads, surgical masks, face shields and COVID-19 vaccination cards.
“These materials were not critical for the test and did not cause any problems,” the state Department of Public Health and Environment said in an email. “The state completed its portion of the simulation successfully and learned along the way. Situations like this allow the state to be prepared for ‘real life scenarios’ that we might face as the vaccine is distributed in order to effectively deal with them.”
The kit was delivered to Kentucky, according to the health department.
“This error in shipment was due to a label printing error with the manufacturer,” state health officials said in a news release, adding, “Although the ancillary kits were not received, the rest of the end-to-end simulation was completed and successful.”
The Denver Post requested the summary report of the test, along with any other documents related to the simulation, under the Colorado Open Records Act. Simulations, and any subsequent reports, can provide information on how the health department is preparing to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine and any potential issues that could arise.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment told The Post on Wednesday that it has no records pertaining to the test it ran last week.
The goal of the simulation was to evaluate the state’s ability to coordinate and share information across agencies. Local public health officials have said the state could receive the first doses of Pfizer’s yet-to-be-approved COVID-19 vaccine between Dec. 11 and Dec. 14.
During the simulation, state health officials were expected to identify a provider location to receive the test vaccine shipment; to ensure orders were submitted to the CDC’s vaccine tracking system; and receive two shipments: a thermal shipper without a vaccine and mock ancillary kits, according to the news release.


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Bettman: NHL players have to decide to pay now or later

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman warned players Wednesday they are likely going to have to pay one way or another to make up for the league ’ s projected lost revenue whenever the 2020-21 season gets underway .
Speaking on a Sports Business Journal panel , Bettman stressed the NHL is not attempting to reopen the collective bargaining agreement some five months after it was extended .
Instead , he said , the fiscal realities amid the pandemic mean the 50-50 revenue-sharing split between owners and players will be affected for at least the near future .
And that means players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any shortfall to owners .
The question then becomes , Bettman said , whether it ’ s in their best interest to pay the money back in the short-term — by deferring a higher percentage of their salaries as the NHL has raised in discussions — or face the potential of having the salary cap stay flat over the remainder of the six-year deal .
“ If we have to pay out lots of cash , two-thirds of which is going to come back to us , that may cause some stress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same token , if the players owe us more money than anybody imagined , the salary cap could well be flat or close to flat for the next five or six years , and players into the future will be repaying what we ’ re owed.
” When it comes to a flat cap , which would have the potential of restricting future pay increases for players , Bettman said : “ ( Players ) have to ask themselves , ` Does this make sense ?
‘ ” The NHL ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defer 10 % of their salary for the upcoming season and it puts a cap on how much money will be kept in escrow over the length of the deal .
Without calling it a formal proposal , the league has raised the possibility of having players increase salary deferrals to 20 % or 26 % and increasing the escrow caps , according to a person with knowledge of the discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side is publicly announcing details of negotiations .
The National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to a message seeking comment .
Players and several agents have privately grumbled at the developments , and accused the league of attempting to renege on the deal reached in July that led to the resumption of play and the completion of last season .
Bettman refuted the criticism , calling it “ unfortunate ” and “ inaccurate , ” and said the agreement at the time was based on collective assumptions that are no longer applicable .
The NHL now has to factor in a shortfall in gate revenue because fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attend games , at least initially .
Another issue is the likelihood of a one-time realignment due to cross-border travel restrictions , which will likely result in Canada ’ s seven teams competing in one division .
U.S.-based teams might be required to play in hub cities , as opposed to their own arenas .
The league is also expected to play a shortened season , which could feature as few as 48 games , such as what happened in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign .
In an email to The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ as of right now , ” the NHL is still targeting Jan. 1 to start the season , before adding : “ That is obviously subject to change.
” It ’ s becoming increasingly unlikely the NHL will meet that target date .
Players have not yet been asked to travel to their home cities .
When they do , they will be potentially required to spend up to two weeks in self-quarantine before teams can even be allowed to open training camp .
Another issue are local health regulations .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , relocated to Arizona this week after Santa Clara County banned contact sports teams from holding games and practices for at least the next three weeks .
The San Jose Sharks are based in the same county .

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman warned players Wednesday they are likely going to have to pay one way or another to make up for the league’s projected lost revenue whenever the 2020-21 season gets underway.
Speaking on a Sports Business Journal panel, Bettman stressed the NHL is not attempting to reopen the collective bargaining agreement some five months after it was extended. Instead, he said, the fiscal realities amid the pandemic mean the 50-50 revenue-sharing split between owners and players will be affected for at least the near future.
And that means players will have to bear the brunt of any shortfall to owners.
The question then becomes, Bettman said, whether it’s in their best interest to pay the money back in the short-term — by deferring a higher percentage of their salaries as the NHL has raised in discussions — or face the potential of having the salary cap stay flat over the remainder of the six-year deal.
“If we have to pay out lots of cash, two-thirds of which is going to come back to us, that may cause some stress,” Bettman said. “And by the same token, if the players owe us more money than anybody imagined, the salary cap could well be flat or close to flat for the next five or six years, and players into the future will be repaying what we’re owed.”
When it comes to a flat cap, which would have the potential of restricting future pay increases for players, Bettman said: “(Players) have to ask themselves, `Does this make sense?‘”
The NHL’s new CBA currently calls for players to defer 10% of their salary for the upcoming season and it puts a cap on how much money will be kept in escrow over the length of the deal.
Without calling it a formal proposal, the league has raised the possibility of having players increase salary deferrals to 20% or 26% and increasing the escrow caps, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side is publicly announcing details of negotiations.
The National Hockey League Players’ Association did not respond to a message seeking comment.
Players and several agents have privately grumbled at the developments, and accused the league of attempting to renege on the deal reached in July that led to the resumption of play and the completion of last season.
Bettman refuted the criticism, calling it “unfortunate” and “inaccurate,” and said the agreement at the time was based on collective assumptions that are no longer applicable. The NHL now has to factor in a shortfall in gate revenue because fans aren’t expected to be allowed to attend games, at least initially.
Another issue is the likelihood of a one-time realignment due to cross-border travel restrictions, which will likely result in Canada’s seven teams competing in one division. U.S.-based teams might be required to play in hub cities, as opposed to their own arenas.
The league is also expected to play a shortened season, which could feature as few as 48 games, such as what happened in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign.
In an email to The Associated Press, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said “as of right now,” the NHL is still targeting Jan. 1 to start the season, before adding: “That is obviously subject to change.”
It’s becoming increasingly unlikely the NHL will meet that target date. Players have not yet been asked to travel to their home cities. When they do, they will be potentially required to spend up to two weeks in self-quarantine before teams can even be allowed to open training camp.
Another issue are local health regulations. The NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, for example, relocated to Arizona this week after Santa Clara County banned contact sports teams from holding games and practices for at least the next three weeks.
The San Jose Sharks are based in the same county.


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--NBA: 48 players positive for coronavirus as testing resumes

NEW YORK — The NBA said Wednesday that 48 players have tested positive for the coronavirus since testing resumed last week .
The league and National Basketball Players Association said 546 players were tested between Nov. 24-30 in the initial phase of testing after returning to team markets .
That means about 9 % of the tests were positive .
Any player with a confirmed positive test is isolated until cleared by rules established by the league and union , in accordance with CDC guidance .
The league ’ s health and safety protocols for this season say that anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase “ must receive medical clearance from a team-designated physician and a league-designated physician prior to entering a team facility , participating in in-person team-organized activities , or interacting in-person with other ” members of their team .
The league , in its preseason guidance to teams sent late last week , made clear that some players testing positive was to be expected .
“ During this pandemic , all this stuff is going to be different this season , ” Dallas All-Star Luka Doncic said Tuesday .
“ Some players might get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to be with the team for 10 days .
So , I think that ’ s going to be a big part — which team is not going to have positive people .
It ’ s going to be a lot of time together .
I think that ’ s going to be key.
” Players needed three negative PCR tests between Nov. 24-30 before they could be cleared to start individual workouts , which will last throughout this week .
A handful of teams are expected to be cleared to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most others on Sunday and Golden State will on Monday .
Anyone with a confirmed positive test will also need to successfully complete a cardiac exam before being able to return to play .
It ’ s a possibility that some of the 48 positive players would not be cleared before the NBA ’ s preseason schedule starts Dec. 11 .
The regular season begins on Dec. 22 .
“ I ’ m confident that the league is going to do everything in their power to do things the right way and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the staffs .
Then , who the hell knows ?
” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said Tuesday , prior to the Warriors revealing that two players had positive tests .
“ I mean , it ’ s 2020 .
I think we just have to go into it with an open mind and do our best and see what happens.
” The NBA had no players test positive once they entered the bubble at Walt Disney World for the season restart near Orlando , Florida last July .
A very small number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disney but before they were released from quarantine and into the bubble , a sign that the NBA pointed to as proof that its system worked .

NEW YORK — The NBA said Wednesday that 48 players have tested positive for the coronavirus since testing resumed last week.
The league and National Basketball Players Association said 546 players were tested between Nov. 24-30 in the initial phase of testing after returning to team markets. That means about 9% of the tests were positive.
Any player with a confirmed positive test is isolated until cleared by rules established by the league and union, in accordance with CDC guidance. The league’s health and safety protocols for this season say that anyone with a positive test in this pre-camp phase “must receive medical clearance from a team-designated physician and a league-designated physician prior to entering a team facility, participating in in-person team-organized activities, or interacting in-person with other” members of their team.
The league, in its preseason guidance to teams sent late last week, made clear that some players testing positive was to be expected.
“During this pandemic, all this stuff is going to be different this season,” Dallas All-Star Luka Doncic said Tuesday. “Some players might get corona, get sick, not be able to be with the team for 10 days. So, I think that’s going to be a big part — which team is not going to have positive people. It’s going to be a lot of time together. I think that’s going to be key.”
Players needed three negative PCR tests between Nov. 24-30 before they could be cleared to start individual workouts, which will last throughout this week. A handful of teams are expected to be cleared to start group sessions or 5-on-5 practices Friday, most others on Sunday and Golden State will on Monday.
Anyone with a confirmed positive test will also need to successfully complete a cardiac exam before being able to return to play. It’s a possibility that some of the 48 positive players would not be cleared before the NBA’s preseason schedule starts Dec. 11. The regular season begins on Dec. 22.
“I’m confident that the league is going to do everything in their power to do things the right way and to protect us, protect the players and the staffs. Then, who the hell knows?” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said Tuesday, prior to the Warriors revealing that two players had positive tests. “I mean, it’s 2020. I think we just have to go into it with an open mind and do our best and see what happens.”
The NBA had no players test positive once they entered the bubble at Walt Disney World for the season restart near Orlando, Florida last July. A very small number of individuals tested positive after arriving at Disney but before they were released from quarantine and into the bubble, a sign that the NBA pointed to as proof that its system worked.


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Letters: Hancock’s DPS blame-game is misplaced (12/2/20)

I was shocked to read about Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s attack on the Denver Public School Board and the district ’ s educators , and I did not see any attempt to correct the falsehoods and misrepresentations he presented in his statement with former Mayor Federico Peña .
As a DPS educator for eight years , I was immediately taken aback by the mayors ’ complete rewriting of the teacher strike in 2019 .
To simplify the situation and claim that the teacher strike was based on Superintendent Susana Cordova ’ s heritage is incorrect and dangerous .
Cordova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was told in spring of 2018 , after many months of him refusing to bargain in good faith , that a strike was on the table .
Instead of doing his job , he chose to extend the negotiations until January 2019 , giving him time to walk away and leave the situation for Cordova .
Where was Mayor Hancock during this time ?
Was he working to encourage the district to come to the bargaining table with the teachers ’ association ?
He was nowhere to be seen .
It is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of political power to mislead his constituents and delegitimatize the DPS School Board .
Instead of attacking the hardworking educators of Denver , he should instead use his position and power to help support the students , families , and educators who desperately need it as we enter the winter and holiday season with a pandemic still spreading .
Don ’ t play politics with our schools , Mayor Hancock .
Instead , support us for once .
In a lame-duck rush to implement a warped agenda , the Trump administration plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska .
The lease sale could be held just four days before the inauguration .
Because of the rush , this process severely squanders the value of any lease revenues , the taxpayers ’ money , primarily because it pre-empts acquisition of vital technical data , guaranteeing low bid prices .
Once again , Trump shows his lack of business acumen , which is one reason more than 78 million true Americans voted against a second term .
Please take a moment to comment on this sham of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildest place for oil we will never need .
Farhad Manjoo ’ s editorial on how terrible it is that some billionaires are getting richer during the pandemic completely misses why this is happening .
He rails agianst Jeff Bezos , Bill Gates , Elon Musk , and Mark Zuckerberg as if they are evil and amassing wealth because of some rigged system .
No , they become richer only because people like Farad buy their services and products .
It ’ s that simple .
If Farad and others don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop using Zoom , typing on Microsoft Word , driving a Tesla , and ordering from Amazon .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Hancock’s DPS blame-game is misplaced
Re: “Mayors blame ‘dysfunctional’ board for resignation,” Nov. 24 news story
I was shocked to read about Mayor Michael Hancock’s attack on the Denver Public School Board and the district’s educators, and I did not see any attempt to correct the falsehoods and misrepresentations he presented in his statement with former Mayor Federico Peña. As a DPS educator for eight years, I was immediately taken aback by the mayors’ complete rewriting of the teacher strike in 2019. To simplify the situation and claim that the teacher strike was based on Superintendent Susana Cordova’s heritage is incorrect and dangerous.
Cordova’s predecessor, Tom Boasberg, was told in spring of 2018, after many months of him refusing to bargain in good faith, that a strike was on the table. Instead of doing his job, he chose to extend the negotiations until January 2019, giving him time to walk away and leave the situation for Cordova. Where was Mayor Hancock during this time? Was he working to encourage the district to come to the bargaining table with the teachers’ association? He was nowhere to be seen.
It is clear that Mayor Hancock is using his position of political power to mislead his constituents and delegitimatize the DPS School Board. Instead of attacking the hardworking educators of Denver, he should instead use his position and power to help support the students, families, and educators who desperately need it as we enter the winter and holiday season with a pandemic still spreading. Don’t play politics with our schools, Mayor Hancock. Instead, support us for once.
Joel Mollman, Denver
The rush to drill
Re: “White House moves to sell oil rights,” Nov. 17 news story
In a lame-duck rush to implement a warped agenda, the Trump administration plans to sell oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The lease sale could be held just four days before the inauguration. Because of the rush, this process severely squanders the value of any lease revenues, the taxpayers’ money, primarily because it pre-empts acquisition of vital technical data, guaranteeing low bid prices. Once again, Trump shows his lack of business acumen, which is one reason more than 78 million true Americans voted against a second term. Please take a moment to comment on this sham of a process to destroy America’s wildest place for oil we will never need.
Greg Scott, Evergreen
Where the wealth falls
Re: “Even in a pandemic, the billionaires win,” Nov. 27 commentary
Farhad Manjoo’s editorial on how terrible it is that some billionaires are getting richer during the pandemic completely misses why this is happening. He rails agianst Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg as if they are evil and amassing wealth because of some rigged system. No, they become richer only because people like Farad buy their services and products. It’s that simple. If Farad and others don’t like this reality, then they should stop using Zoom, typing on Microsoft Word, driving a Tesla, and ordering from Amazon.
Larry Harmsen, Englewood
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-12-02--Westminster woman arrested crossing Mexico border with $3.2 million of methamphetamine

A Colorado woman driving an SUV across the Texas border with Mexico was stopped , and arrested , after authorities found more than $ 3.2 million of suspected methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle ’ s tires .
The arrest happened on Monday at the Anzalduas International Bridge , which crosses the Rio Grande and connects Mission , Texas , with Reynosa , Tamaulipas , Mexico .
The 34-year-old suspect is from Westminster , according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release .
Authorities did not release the suspect ’ s name .
“ Our officers intercepted these hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commitment to the CBP mission of keeping dangerous drugs out of our communities , ” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez , in the release .
The woman , driving a Chevrolet Suburban , arrived on the bridge from Reynosa when a CBP officer referred the vehicle for a “ more thorough inspection.
” Officers then found 24 packages of alleged meth weighing 164 pounds “ concealed within the SUV ’ s tires , ” according to the release .
The vehicle , and the suspected drugs , were seized and the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations .

A Colorado woman driving an SUV across the Texas border with Mexico was stopped, and arrested, after authorities found more than $3.2 million of suspected methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle’s tires.
The arrest happened on Monday at the Anzalduas International Bridge, which crosses the Rio Grande and connects Mission, Texas, with Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
The 34-year-old suspect is from Westminster, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release. Authorities did not release the suspect’s name.
“Our officers intercepted these hard narcotics due to great observational techniques and the commitment to the CBP mission of keeping dangerous drugs out of our communities,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, in the release.
The woman, driving a Chevrolet Suburban, arrived on the bridge from Reynosa when a CBP officer referred the vehicle for a “more thorough inspection.” Officers then found 24 packages of alleged meth weighing 164 pounds “concealed within the SUV’s tires,” according to the release.
The vehicle, and the suspected drugs, were seized and the woman arrested. She was placed in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations.
An investigation is ongoing.