thedenverpost--2020-05-11--Trump faces coronavirus at White House amid push to “reopen” US

WASHINGTON — As he encourages the country to “ reopen , ” President Donald Trump is confronting cases of the coronavirus in the White House itself , spotlighting the challenge he faces in instilling confidence in a nation still reeling from the pandemic .
Two known cases of COVID-19 among staffers in one of the most-protected complexes in America have sent three of the nation ’ s top medical experts into quarantine and Vice President Mike Pence into “ self-isolation.
” The scare comes as the White House this week is emphasizing to the American people the steps being taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will coax them to resume normal activities .
“ This week – you ’ ll hear the @ WhiteHouse talk about preparedness & confidence , ” tweeted Alyssa Farah , the White House director of strategic communications .
“ The Trump Admin is working around the clock to build our testing capacity , grow our PPE stockpiles , distribute therapeutics , & get $ to states to SAFELY reopen in a way Americans can have CONFIDENCE in.
” Yet , that message was undercut by the exposure of senior government officials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and new protective measures implemented to keep Trump safe .
A memo to staff Monday directed “ everyone who enters the West Wing to wear a mask or facial covering.
” Staff will be allowed to remove their face coverings if they sit at least six feet apart from their colleagues .
Trump himself is still not expected to wear a mask .
Pence on Monday led the White House ’ s weekly call with governors from an isolated room , after his press secretary tested positive Friday .
Dr. Deborah Birx and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference room in the Situation Room , Pence said , explaining the “ slightly different circumstance.
” “ We are taking the appropriate countermeasures to protect the president ’ s health , ” Pence added , according to a recording obtained by the AP .
The White House was moving to daily testing of some staff members to detect the disease .
The stepped-up protective measures comes as Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the CDC , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drug Administration , Dr. Stephen Hahn , were all quarantining after exposure to the White House staffer .
The three experts are scheduled to testify before a Senate panel Tuesday on “ Safely Getting Back to Work and Back to School.
” However , they , along with committee chairman Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , will all participate remotely .
Alexander is quarantining after a staff member of his own tested positive for COVID-19 .
The images of top administration officials taking such precautions come as states seek to loosen economic restrictions put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread .
Trump on Monday was complaining that Democratic governors were too slow in lifting restrictions in their states .
“ The great people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now , and they are fully aware of what that entails , ” he tweeted .
“ The Democrats are moving slowly , all over the USA , for political purposes .
They would wait until November 3rd if it were up to them .
Don ’ t play politics .
Be safe , move quickly !
” Trump was scheduled to travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisories from the Federal Aviation Administration .
Alongside Trump ’ s encouragement to reopen , the administration moved Monday to address significant death rates in nursing homes and other senior care facilities .
On the call with governors , Pence and Birx recommended that every occupant and staffer be tested for COVID-19 in the next two weeks , with vigilant monitoring going forward , especially of staff .
Decisions about how fast to reopen are being made with the general election less than six months away , and Trump and other incumbents facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and economic crisis .
“ If we do this carefully , working with the governors , I don ’ t think there ’ s a considerable risk , ” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on “ Fox News Sunday.
” “ Matter of fact , I think there ’ s a considerable risk of not reopening .
You ’ re talking about what would be permanent economic damage to the American public.
” Mnuchin was one of several economic advisers the White House dispatched on Sunday to place the focus on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet attention to possible risks of infection also turned to how the virus even found its way into the White House .
Fauci ’ s institute said he was “ taking appropriate precautions ” to mitigate the risk to others while still carrying out his duties , teleworking from home but willing to go to the White House if called .
Officials said both Redfield and Hahn will be self-quarantining for two weeks .
Pence ’ s press secretary , Katie Miller , tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House complex known to test positive for the virus in the past week .
A military service member who acts as a valet to the president tested positive on Thursday , the first known instance for a person in close proximity to Trump at the White House .
The announced precautions contrast with a president who has declined to wear a face covering in meetings at the White House or at his public events .
Kevin Hassett , an adviser to Trump and the former chairman of the Council of Economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ scary to go to work ” in the White House , calling the West Wing a “ small , crowded place .
It ’ s , you know , a little bit risky.
” Hassett said he wears a mask when necessary and practices “ aggressive social distancing.
” Appearing on CBS ’ “ Face the Nation , ” he said any fears are tempered by frequent testing , access to an excellent medical team and his belief that this is a time “ when people have to step up and serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get health news sent straight to your inbox .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

WASHINGTON — As he encourages the country to “reopen,” President Donald Trump is confronting cases of the coronavirus in the White House itself, spotlighting the challenge he faces in instilling confidence in a nation still reeling from the pandemic.
Two known cases of COVID-19 among staffers in one of the most-protected complexes in America have sent three of the nation’s top medical experts into quarantine and Vice President Mike Pence into “self-isolation.” The scare comes as the White House this week is emphasizing to the American people the steps being taken to assure their safety — in hopes that will coax them to resume normal activities.
“This week – you’ll hear the @WhiteHouse talk about preparedness & confidence,” tweeted Alyssa Farah, the White House director of strategic communications. “The Trump Admin is working around the clock to build our testing capacity, grow our PPE stockpiles, distribute therapeutics, & get $ to states to SAFELY reopen in a way Americans can have CONFIDENCE in.”
Yet, that message was undercut by the exposure of senior government officials to positive cases at the White House itself and new protective measures implemented to keep Trump safe.
A memo to staff Monday directed “everyone who enters the West Wing to wear a mask or facial covering.” Staff will be allowed to remove their face coverings if they sit at least six feet apart from their colleagues. Trump himself is still not expected to wear a mask.
Pence on Monday led the White House’s weekly call with governors from an isolated room, after his press secretary tested positive Friday. Dr. Deborah Birx and other staffers participated as usual from a conference room in the Situation Room, Pence said, explaining the “slightly different circumstance.”
“We are taking the appropriate countermeasures to protect the president’s health,” Pence added, according to a recording obtained by the AP. The White House was moving to daily testing of some staff members to detect the disease.
The stepped-up protective measures comes as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, and the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Stephen Hahn, were all quarantining after exposure to the White House staffer.
The three experts are scheduled to testify before a Senate panel Tuesday on “Safely Getting Back to Work and Back to School.” However, they, along with committee chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., will all participate remotely. Alexander is quarantining after a staff member of his own tested positive for COVID-19.
The images of top administration officials taking such precautions come as states seek to loosen economic restrictions put in place to mitigate the virus’ spread.
Trump on Monday was complaining that Democratic governors were too slow in lifting restrictions in their states.
“The great people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now, and they are fully aware of what that entails,” he tweeted. “The Democrats are moving slowly, all over the USA, for political purposes. They would wait until November 3rd if it were up to them. Don’t play politics. Be safe, move quickly!”
Trump was scheduled to travel to the state on Thursday, according to advisories from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Alongside Trump’s encouragement to reopen, the administration moved Monday to address significant death rates in nursing homes and other senior care facilities. On the call with governors, Pence and Birx recommended that every occupant and staffer be tested for COVID-19 in the next two weeks, with vigilant monitoring going forward, especially of staff.
Decisions about how fast to reopen are being made with the general election less than six months away, and Trump and other incumbents facing it in the midst of a public health and economic crisis.
“If we do this carefully, working with the governors, I don’t think there’s a considerable risk,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on “Fox News Sunday.” “Matter of fact, I think there’s a considerable risk of not reopening. You’re talking about what would be permanent economic damage to the American public.”
Mnuchin was one of several economic advisers the White House dispatched on Sunday to place the focus on the merits of loosening restrictions on the economy. Yet attention to possible risks of infection also turned to how the virus even found its way into the White House.
Fauci’s institute said he was “taking appropriate precautions” to mitigate the risk to others while still carrying out his duties, teleworking from home but willing to go to the White House if called. Officials said both Redfield and Hahn will be self-quarantining for two weeks.
Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, making her the second person who works at the White House complex known to test positive for the virus in the past week. A military service member who acts as a valet to the president tested positive on Thursday, the first known instance for a person in close proximity to Trump at the White House.
The announced precautions contrast with a president who has declined to wear a face covering in meetings at the White House or at his public events.
Kevin Hassett, an adviser to Trump and the former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, acknowledged Sunday it’s “scary to go to work” in the White House, calling the West Wing a “small, crowded place. It’s, you know, a little bit risky.”
Hassett said he wears a mask when necessary and practices “aggressive social distancing.” Appearing on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” he said any fears are tempered by frequent testing, access to an excellent medical team and his belief that this is a time “when people have to step up and serve their country.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--Coloradans rank fourth in nation for their amount of debt. Here’s how you can seek relief.

Colorado consumers carry some of the heaviest debt burdens in the country , rivaling those found in expensive states like Hawaii and California .
With historic job losses from the pandemic causing incomes to evaporate , that debt now risks becoming an anchor that sinks many households .
“ The great unknown is how long this will continue to affect people ’ s income , ” Christina Tetreault , manager of financial policy at Consumer Reports , said during a “ Protecting Your Finances ” webinar on Monday .
Going into the crisis , about four in 10 U.S. households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tetreault said .
For those who had built emergency reserves , a majority had less than two months ’ worth of living expenses available .
That ’ s about how long the pandemic has sidelined economic activity .
The CARES Act includes several provisions that allow borrowers to defer mortgage and student loan payments , and auto lenders and credit card providers are showing a willingness to work with struggling borrowers , according to Consumer Reports .
Borrowers who can ’ t stay current on a federally backed mortgage because of COVID-19 disruptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with another six months available if they still are struggling .
Nearly 4 million U.S. mortgages , or 7.9 % of home loans outstanding , were involved in a forbearance plan as of May 3 , according to the Mortgage Bankers Association .
And while the pace of people signing up for relief had slowed , it will likely pick back up again as May payments come due , predicts Mike Fratantoni , chief economist at MBA .
Some mortgage servicers have told borrowers who ask for forbearance that any missed payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sum , but that isn ’ t the only option .
Typically , they can also be tacked on as an extension of the mortgage or stretched out over several payments .
About seven in 10 mortgages in the U.S. are federally backed , so most homeowners who need relief can find it .
For those with a mortgage not covered under the CARES Act , it is worth calling the servicer to see what options are available .
Most likely , they won ’ t be as generous as the federal ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay your mortgage , you should .
If you are struggling , you should seek help , ” Tetreault said .
Just as it did during the last recession , mortgage relief has drawn in scammers .
Those who need mortgage relief should contact a HUD-approved housing counselor , she said .
Federal student loans , which represent about three-quarters of all student debt , were placed in an “ administrative forbearance ” that halted interest and principal payments until Sept. 30 , said Penny Wang , a deputy editor with Consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but if not , they can find out if a loan qualifies at studentaid.gov .
Automobile loans and credit card debt aren ’ t included in the CARES Act , but most lenders appear willing to provide help there as well .
Borrowers need to be proactive in seeking out that relief .
“ The good news is that there are accommodations being made by lenders .
Most are allowing borrowers to reduce payments , waive annual fees or they are suspending or reducing interest rate charges , ” Wang said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a case-by-case basis , she said .
As with anything else , expect long wait times if calling by phone .
And be sure to document all conversations , like those detailing what fees are being waived and how soon the missed payments must be made up .
The New York Federal Reserves estimates U.S. consumers had $ 3.9 trillion in borrowing capacity on their credit cards , of which they had drawn $ 893 billion heading into the crisis .
That might make it tempting to pull out the plastic to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes of a quick rebound .
Bad move , Wang said .
Instead , consumers who have lost income should cut spending as much as possible and work out relief plans with creditors .
“ Try to avoid using them as an emergency fund .
It will backfire in the end , ” Wang said of credit cards .
The CARES Act allows those with retirement savings to take out up to $ 100,000 in some cases without the usual 10 % penalty charged on those under 59 1/2 years of age .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are no other alternatives .
In that case , she favors taking out a loan against a retirement plan .
Tetreault said those who haven ’ t lost income and see others struggling may feel another urge — to pay down debt as quickly as possible .
She and Wang advise against that approach too , given all the unknowns .
“ Beef up that emergency fund now , ” Wang said .

Colorado consumers carry some of the heaviest debt burdens in the country, rivaling those found in expensive states like Hawaii and California. With historic job losses from the pandemic causing incomes to evaporate, that debt now risks becoming an anchor that sinks many households.
“The great unknown is how long this will continue to affect people’s income,” Christina Tetreault, manager of financial policy at Consumer Reports, said during a “Protecting Your Finances” webinar on Monday.
Going into the crisis, about four in 10 U.S. households were already living paycheck to paycheck, Tetreault said. For those who had built emergency reserves, a majority had less than two months’ worth of living expenses available. That’s about how long the pandemic has sidelined economic activity.
The CARES Act includes several provisions that allow borrowers to defer mortgage and student loan payments, and auto lenders and credit card providers are showing a willingness to work with struggling borrowers, according to Consumer Reports.
Borrowers who can’t stay current on a federally backed mortgage because of COVID-19 disruptions can request a six-month deferral of payments, with another six months available if they still are struggling.
Nearly 4 million U.S. mortgages, or 7.9% of home loans outstanding, were involved in a forbearance plan as of May 3, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. And while the pace of people signing up for relief had slowed, it will likely pick back up again as May payments come due, predicts Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at MBA.
Some mortgage servicers have told borrowers who ask for forbearance that any missed payments must be made up in one lump sum, but that isn’t the only option. Typically, they can also be tacked on as an extension of the mortgage or stretched out over several payments.
About seven in 10 mortgages in the U.S. are federally backed, so most homeowners who need relief can find it. For those with a mortgage not covered under the CARES Act, it is worth calling the servicer to see what options are available. Most likely, they won’t be as generous as the federal ones.
“If you are still able to pay your mortgage, you should. If you are struggling, you should seek help,” Tetreault said.
Just as it did during the last recession, mortgage relief has drawn in scammers. Those who need mortgage relief should contact a HUD-approved housing counselor, she said.
Federal student loans, which represent about three-quarters of all student debt, were placed in an “administrative forbearance” that halted interest and principal payments until Sept. 30, said Penny Wang, a deputy editor with Consumer Reports. Borrowers should have seen relief, but if not, they can find out if a loan qualifies at studentaid.gov.
Automobile loans and credit card debt aren’t included in the CARES Act, but most lenders appear willing to provide help there as well. Borrowers need to be proactive in seeking out that relief.
“The good news is that there are accommodations being made by lenders. Most are allowing borrowers to reduce payments, waive annual fees or they are suspending or reducing interest rate charges,” Wang said.
Plans are worked out are done so on a case-by-case basis, she said. As with anything else, expect long wait times if calling by phone. And be sure to document all conversations, like those detailing what fees are being waived and how soon the missed payments must be made up.
The New York Federal Reserves estimates U.S. consumers had $3.9 trillion in borrowing capacity on their credit cards, of which they had drawn $893 billion heading into the crisis. That might make it tempting to pull out the plastic to support a pre-crisis level of spending in hopes of a quick rebound.
Bad move, Wang said. Instead, consumers who have lost income should cut spending as much as possible and work out relief plans with creditors.
“Try to avoid using them as an emergency fund. It will backfire in the end,” Wang said of credit cards.
The CARES Act allows those with retirement savings to take out up to $100,000 in some cases without the usual 10% penalty charged on those under 59 1/2 years of age. Wang advises against withdrawing retirement funds unless there are no other alternatives. In that case, she favors taking out a loan against a retirement plan.
Tetreault said those who haven’t lost income and see others struggling may feel another urge — to pay down debt as quickly as possible. She and Wang advise against that approach too, given all the unknowns.
“Beef up that emergency fund now,” Wang said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--UFC, table tennis dominate first week of Colorado sports betting

Colorado ’ s sports betting industry launched May 1 in the absence of most major league play , but the unprecedented circumstances didn ’ t stop fans from wagering on the limited offerings available .
According to DraftKings , the most popular sport to gamble on among Coloradans is table tennis , which has raked in the most bets by volume and dollar amount so far this month .
The second most popular sport by both metrics is the Ultimate Fighting Championship , which hosted its first fights since March over the weekend , followed by Korean baseball and Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Saturday ’ s UFC 249 matchups , headlined by lightweight contenders Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje , also boosted wagers among Coloradans using the BetRivers and FanDuel online sportsbooks .
“ We don ’ t have previous Colorado data to compare it to , but in our other markets , we received more betting action on this event than any regular season NFL game , ” said Mattias Stetz , chief operating officer of BetRivers parent company Rush Street Interactive .
“ It was even 33 % more popular than Conor McGregor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January.
” The match was also FanDuel ’ s most popular event so far in the Centennial State , said director of publicity Kevin Hennessy , followed by table tennis , and bets on future NFL games and NASCAR races .
DraftKings , FanDuel and BetRivers declined to specify the monetary value of wagers placed in Colorado .
The state ’ s Division of Gaming , part of the Department of Revenue , expects to release a monthly report detailing aspects of the industry , but didn ’ t have any figures available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suzi Karrer , communications manager .
Chris Altruda , national sports betting industry analyst for PennBets.com , said the UFC ’ s draw isn ’ t surprising given it was a high-profile event happening in the United States and featuring familiar athletes that could attract even casual bettors .
More obscure sports , such as Korean baseball and table tennis , could increasingly gain traction the longer competition lasts , he said ; however , the handle , or dollar amount wagered , won ’ t likely be impressive compared to mainstream leagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was never going to be a ‘ bad ’ launch date ” because of regulations that allow players to sign up with an app remotely without having to go to a casino .
“ The legislation still provides an excellent beta testing grounds for the regulatory agencies to make sure everything works and for the sportsbooks to learn about the new market , ” Altruda said .
Dan Hartman , director of Colorado ’ s Division of Gaming , agreed , calling the first days of sports betting “ successful.
” “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential of sports betting in Colorado once additional operators come online , and more sporting events return in the weeks and months ahead , ” Hartman said .

Colorado’s sports betting industry launched May 1 in the absence of most major league play, but the unprecedented circumstances didn’t stop fans from wagering on the limited offerings available.
According to DraftKings, the most popular sport to gamble on among Coloradans is table tennis, which has raked in the most bets by volume and dollar amount so far this month.
The second most popular sport by both metrics is the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which hosted its first fights since March over the weekend, followed by Korean baseball and Belarus Premier League Soccer, the sportsbook reported.
Saturday’s UFC 249 matchups, headlined by lightweight contenders Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje, also boosted wagers among Coloradans using the BetRivers and FanDuel online sportsbooks.
“We don’t have previous Colorado data to compare it to, but in our other markets, we received more betting action on this event than any regular season NFL game,” said Mattias Stetz, chief operating officer of BetRivers parent company Rush Street Interactive. “It was even 33% more popular than Conor McGregor’s return to UFC this past January.”
The match was also FanDuel’s most popular event so far in the Centennial State, said director of publicity Kevin Hennessy, followed by table tennis, and bets on future NFL games and NASCAR races.
DraftKings, FanDuel and BetRivers declined to specify the monetary value of wagers placed in Colorado. The state’s Division of Gaming, part of the Department of Revenue, expects to release a monthly report detailing aspects of the industry, but didn’t have any figures available about its first 10 days, said Suzi Karrer, communications manager.
Chris Altruda, national sports betting industry analyst for PennBets.com, said the UFC’s draw isn’t surprising given it was a high-profile event happening in the United States and featuring familiar athletes that could attract even casual bettors. More obscure sports, such as Korean baseball and table tennis, could increasingly gain traction the longer competition lasts, he said; however, the handle, or dollar amount wagered, won’t likely be impressive compared to mainstream leagues.
Still, Altruda believes “there was never going to be a ‘bad’ launch date” because of regulations that allow players to sign up with an app remotely without having to go to a casino.
“The legislation still provides an excellent beta testing grounds for the regulatory agencies to make sure everything works and for the sportsbooks to learn about the new market,” Altruda said.
Dan Hartman, director of Colorado’s Division of Gaming, agreed, calling the first days of sports betting “successful.”
“We’re excited to see the full potential of sports betting in Colorado once additional operators come online, and more sporting events return in the weeks and months ahead,” Hartman said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--Broncos Mailbag: Should Denver be more worried about Ja’Wuan James or Garett Bolles up front?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason .
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here .
Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter .
Once the draft ended , I assumed ( wrongly thus far ) that the Broncos must ’ ve had a backup plan to sign a veteran tackle to at least push Garett Bolles and Ja ’ Wuan James .
Do you still see that as a strong possibility ?
Or are we really going forward with two shaky starting options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Plan A at offensive tackle for the Broncos became official after the draft , when none of their 10 picks were used to add depth/competition/future starter .
They are hoping — with fingers undoubtedly crossed — James ( 63 snaps in 2019 ) gets and stays healthy .
And they are hoping — with fingers undoubtedly crossed — Bolles or Wilkinson establish themselves as the left tackle starter .
Talk about a dice roll .
Signing veteran Jason Peters at this date would be surprising , so the Broncos are going with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackles in the next question … In your opinion do the offensive tackles look good enough to protect Drew Lock this coming year ?
I know Bolles will want to prove the Broncos wrong for not picking up his fifth-year option , but I am more worried about the right side .
James seems content to stay on the sideline and just collect a paycheck .
Can any of the new linemen be put in on the right side if needed ?
Del echoes what I ’ ve been saying and writing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more concerned about right tackle ( James ) than left tackle ( Bolles/Wilkinson ) .
Bolles enters the most important year of his pro career and his goal should be proving to another interested team he ’ s worth a shot in 2021 instead of trying to prove the Broncos wrong .
Wilkinson played better in second half of last year at right tackle , but we ’ ll see him get a shot at left tackle in camp .
I ’ m in believe-it-when-I-see-it mode regarding James .
I simply haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form an opinion .
There is some talk of games without fans present .
Is that even an option ?
How can the owners support salaries without game-day revenue from tickets , concessions and merchandise ?
The NFL is the best-equipped of the major sports to survive playing in 2020 minus regular crowds .
Last July , the Green Bay Packers ’ books revealed their share of league revenue was $ 274.3 million ; the other 31 teams received the same amount .
The television contracts are so gigantic , the league will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season played , even if a small number of fans are allowed to attend in September and then gradually increasing that total .
Will teams lose money from game-day sales for parking , tickets , beer , nachos , etc.
?
Absolutely , but the TV money makes it manageable in the short term .
I think with the speed of our draft picks and the potential of the new starters , Denver ’ s offense should be able to open up the scoring and win 11 games and make the playoffs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years of Peyton Manning , the Broncos averaged a league-best 32.7 points per game and went 38-10 .
From 2015-19 , the Broncos averaged 19.9 points per game ( 28th in the league ) and went 39-41 .
Can this Drew Lock-led offense average somewhere in the middle — 25 points ?
An extra touchdown per game is a big ask , but fans should be intrigued about Lock playing a full season , the continued rise of receiver Courtland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant , and the potential of receivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big ask is winning 11 games , but if the Broncos can improve from seven to nine victories , it should be good enough for a wild card spot .
If you had the chance to swap the Broncos ’ first two draft picks ( Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler ) with either the Raiders first-round picks ( Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette ) or the Cowboys ( CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs ) , which would you see as better and why would you do the swap or not ?
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders ’ Ruggs/Arnette ( both of whom were first-round picks ) .
It would have been interesting to see the Broncos ’ plan had Las Vegas took Jeudy .
Trade down or stay put and take Ruggs or Lamb ?
A trade down is my guess .
Diggs , a cornerback from Alabama , would have been good fit for the Broncos , but they went with Hamler at No .
46 , allowing Dallas to take Diggs at 51 .
I would have been fine with a second-round cornerback ( maybe even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in round 3 with a receiver .
• Kiszla vs. O ’ Halloran : How will shutdown impact learning curve for Broncos ’ young offense ?
• How I got hooked on sports : Coming of age during the greatest decade in Colorado sports • Broncos Journal : Declined option almost always equals parting of ways Anyone who hasn ’ t watched the tape on Netane Muti is missing quite a show .
Yikes !
He ’ s wicked strong and a hyper-aggressive bully who mauls anyone in his way .
The havoc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , do you see a path forward for him to crack , or push , his way onto the starting lineup ?
You mentioned Muti ’ s main issue and it ’ s a big issue : Health .
His tape may be eye-popping , but it is a limited sample size .
He played all 14 games at left guard in 2017 , but only two games at left tackle in ’ 18 ( Achilles ) and three games at left guard last year ( foot ) .
The medical chart is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the sixth round .
There is no immediate path to starting because the Broncos are committed to Graham Glasgow ( right guard ) and Dalton Risner ( left guard ) .
Muti should take advantage of this year to get back to full health and listen to every single word uttered by offensive line coach Mike Munchak .
Hi Ryan , I was just wondering what you think about moving Dalton Risner out to right tackle and Muti starting at right guard ?
I think that would be an awesome line and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Go Broncos !
Who would have thought I ’ d get more questions about Netane Muti than Drew Lock ?
Any kind of shuffling for the Broncos ’ offensive line this year will be due to a crisis of injuries or poor performance .
Risner is only a second-year player — leave him at left guard .
Muti is coming off consecutive season-ending injuries — let him learn the pro game while getting healthy .
And James was signed to big money just 14 months ago — give him one last shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
All bets are off .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason.
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.
Once the draft ended, I assumed (wrongly thus far) that the Broncos must’ve had a backup plan to sign a veteran tackle to at least push Garett Bolles and Ja’Wuan James. Do you still see that as a strong possibility? Or are we really going forward with two shaky starting options and a middling backup in Elijah Wilkinson?
— Mike C., Los Angeles
Plan A at offensive tackle for the Broncos became official after the draft, when none of their 10 picks were used to add depth/competition/future starter. They are hoping — with fingers undoubtedly crossed — James (63 snaps in 2019) gets and stays healthy. And they are hoping — with fingers undoubtedly crossed — Bolles or Wilkinson establish themselves as the left tackle starter. Talk about a dice roll. Signing veteran Jason Peters at this date would be surprising, so the Broncos are going with the aforementioned trio. More about the tackles in the next question …
In your opinion do the offensive tackles look good enough to protect Drew Lock this coming year? I know Bolles will want to prove the Broncos wrong for not picking up his fifth-year option, but I am more worried about the right side. James seems content to stay on the sideline and just collect a paycheck. Can any of the new linemen be put in on the right side if needed?
— Del, Lamar
Del echoes what I’ve been saying and writing the last few weeks: The Broncos should be more concerned about right tackle (James) than left tackle (Bolles/Wilkinson). Bolles enters the most important year of his pro career and his goal should be proving to another interested team he’s worth a shot in 2021 instead of trying to prove the Broncos wrong. Wilkinson played better in second half of last year at right tackle, but we’ll see him get a shot at left tackle in camp. I’m in believe-it-when-I-see-it mode regarding James. I simply haven’t seen enough of him to form an opinion.
There is some talk of games without fans present. Is that even an option? How can the owners support salaries without game-day revenue from tickets, concessions and merchandise?
— TD2HOF, Denver
The NFL is the best-equipped of the major sports to survive playing in 2020 minus regular crowds. Last July, the Green Bay Packers’ books revealed their share of league revenue was $274.3 million; the other 31 teams received the same amount. The television contracts are so gigantic, the league will exhaust every avenue to get a full season played, even if a small number of fans are allowed to attend in September and then gradually increasing that total. Will teams lose money from game-day sales for parking, tickets, beer, nachos, etc.? Absolutely, but the TV money makes it manageable in the short term.
I think with the speed of our draft picks and the potential of the new starters, Denver’s offense should be able to open up the scoring and win 11 games and make the playoffs. Thoughts?
— Michael Bockh, Costa Rica
From 2012-14, the first three years of Peyton Manning, the Broncos averaged a league-best 32.7 points per game and went 38-10. From 2015-19, the Broncos averaged 19.9 points per game (28th in the league) and went 39-41. Can this Drew Lock-led offense average somewhere in the middle — 25 points? An extra touchdown per game is a big ask, but fans should be intrigued about Lock playing a full season, the continued rise of receiver Courtland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant, and the potential of receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Also a big ask is winning 11 games, but if the Broncos can improve from seven to nine victories, it should be good enough for a wild card spot.
If you had the chance to swap the Broncos’ first two draft picks (Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler) with either the Raiders first-round picks (Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette) or the Cowboys (CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs), which would you see as better and why would you do the swap or not?
— Geoff Folland, Sydney, Australia
I wouldn’t swap Jeudy/Hamler for the Raiders’ Ruggs/Arnette (both of whom were first-round picks). It would have been interesting to see the Broncos’ plan had Las Vegas took Jeudy. Trade down or stay put and take Ruggs or Lamb? A trade down is my guess. Diggs, a cornerback from Alabama, would have been good fit for the Broncos, but they went with Hamler at No. 46, allowing Dallas to take Diggs at 51. I would have been fine with a second-round cornerback (maybe even Diggs) and then circle back early in round 3 with a receiver.
Anyone who hasn’t watched the tape on Netane Muti is missing quite a show. Yikes! He’s wicked strong and a hyper-aggressive bully who mauls anyone in his way. The havoc he creates is stunning. If healthy, do you see a path forward for him to crack, or push, his way onto the starting lineup?
— Christopher, Berthoud
You mentioned Muti’s main issue and it’s a big issue: Health. His tape may be eye-popping, but it is a limited sample size. He played all 14 games at left guard in 2017, but only two games at left tackle in ’18 (Achilles) and three games at left guard last year (foot). The medical chart is why Muti was available to the Broncos in the sixth round. There is no immediate path to starting because the Broncos are committed to Graham Glasgow (right guard) and Dalton Risner (left guard). Muti should take advantage of this year to get back to full health and listen to every single word uttered by offensive line coach Mike Munchak.
Hi Ryan, I was just wondering what you think about moving Dalton Risner out to right tackle and Muti starting at right guard? I think that would be an awesome line and love your work, by the way. Go Broncos!
— Nikian Harvey, Tampa, Fla.
Who would have thought I’d get more questions about Netane Muti than Drew Lock? Any kind of shuffling for the Broncos’ offensive line this year will be due to a crisis of injuries or poor performance. Risner is only a second-year player — leave him at left guard. Muti is coming off consecutive season-ending injuries — let him learn the pro game while getting healthy. And James was signed to big money just 14 months ago — give him one last shot at right tackle. After this season? All bets are off.


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--Some Denver retailers that reopened over the weekend saw only light traffic

For many retailers in Denver , this weekend marked an occasion that was both joyful and nerve-racking .
They were allowed to reopen their doors to customers for the first time since March 23 , provided they abided by coronavirus social distancing guidelines and capped the capacity of their shops at no more than 10 people at a time .
If the Cherry Creek North shopping district in the southeast part of the city is a barometer for Denver ’ s broader retail scene , it may be a while yet before people are fully comfortable browsing racks of merchandise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Aaron LaPedis , the owner of Fascination St. Fine Art and Frame , which has two locations in the district .
“ I think people are still scared.
” Stretching from University Boulevard east to Steele Street along East First , Second and Third avenues , Cherry Creek North is home to 260 retail and service businesses , according to a spokeswoman .
More than 175 of those are independent retailers .
The Cherry Creek Shopping Center , located just to the south of the district , remains closed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside are offering curbside pickup .
Nick LeMasters , the president and CEO of the property tax-fed Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District , said he believes the roughly 20-block area is the densest business district in the American intermountain west .
But just 20 % of businesses in the district had committed to reopening over the weekend , LeMasters said on Friday , citing a survey conducted by his organization .
The area is home to some of the highest retail rents in the city .
On Monday , district officials went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” with gloves , hand sanitizer , public health posters and tape for use in making social distancing floor markers to businesses in the area .
Bunches of red balloons were placed outside businesses that have reopened , but there were plenty of quiet spots in the neighborhood .
LaPedis has been in business for 30 years and has a strong online sales presence .
He worries about the businesses that aren ’ t as web-friendly .
“ The businesses that have reopened have really stepped up their game on taking people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s important that people do come back or some of your favorite places may not be open the next time you want to go out and buy something , ” he said .
Miriam Willard , the stylist for Third Avenue women ’ s boutique Perch , spent some of her time Monday morning steaming garments that had been tried on by shoppers .
Perch , which plans to remain closed on Sundays through May , saw 40 visitors Saturday , Willard said .
New cleaning protocols at the shop include steaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales floor for at least 24 hours and disinfecting the dressing rooms between uses .
The business is offering private shopping appointments .
Asked if she thought the new way of doing business was sustainable , Williard said , “ Honestly , I think we just need to take things one day at a time and see how they unfold .
Pray for a vaccine every day.
” Cherry Creek area resident Wayne Hutchens stopped in Show of Hands , a locally focused art gallery and gift shop on Columbine Street , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had his eye on through the window .
At 75 , Hutchens knows he is considered a high risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19 , but he felt comfortable Monday .
He had already been to the dentist and had a haircut scheduled later in the day .
Show of Hands was slow for a Mother ’ s Day weekend , owner Katie Friedland said , but she was still excited to be open and see some regular customers .
Everyone who came through the doors bought something .
Friedland , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inviting space , has taken special measures , including asking all customers to put on disposable gloves when they come in the door .
The pandemic has forced Friedland and her staff to focus on the store ’ s online presence , something she says is a silver lining , but the single mom wants customers to know her store is clean and safe .
“ I ’ m coming in every day and going home to my child so you better believe it ’ s a safe as it can be , @ @ @ @

For many retailers in Denver, this weekend marked an occasion that was both joyful and nerve-racking.
They were allowed to reopen their doors to customers for the first time since March 23, provided they abided by coronavirus social distancing guidelines and capped the capacity of their shops at no more than 10 people at a time.
If the Cherry Creek North shopping district in the southeast part of the city is a barometer for Denver’s broader retail scene, it may be a while yet before people are fully comfortable browsing racks of merchandise.
“It was a light crowd,” said Aaron LaPedis, the owner of Fascination St. Fine Art and Frame, which has two locations in the district. “I think people are still scared.”
Stretching from University Boulevard east to Steele Street along East First, Second and Third avenues, Cherry Creek North is home to 260 retail and service businesses, according to a spokeswoman. More than 175 of those are independent retailers. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center, located just to the south of the district, remains closed to shoppers for now, though some retailers inside are offering curbside pickup.
Nick LeMasters, the president and CEO of the property tax-fed Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District, said he believes the roughly 20-block area is the densest business district in the American intermountain west. But just 20% of businesses in the district had committed to reopening over the weekend, LeMasters said on Friday, citing a survey conducted by his organization. The area is home to some of the highest retail rents in the city.
On Monday, district officials went around distributing “back in business kits” with gloves, hand sanitizer, public health posters and tape for use in making social distancing floor markers to businesses in the area. Bunches of red balloons were placed outside businesses that have reopened, but there were plenty of quiet spots in the neighborhood.
LaPedis has been in business for 30 years and has a strong online sales presence. He worries about the businesses that aren’t as web-friendly.
“The businesses that have reopened have really stepped up their game on taking people’s safety to heart, and it’s important that people do come back or some of your favorite places may not be open the next time you want to go out and buy something,” he said.
Miriam Willard, the stylist for Third Avenue women’s boutique Perch, spent some of her time Monday morning steaming garments that had been tried on by shoppers. Perch, which plans to remain closed on Sundays through May, saw 40 visitors Saturday, Willard said. New cleaning protocols at the shop include steaming tried-on garments and taking them off the sales floor for at least 24 hours and disinfecting the dressing rooms between uses. The business is offering private shopping appointments.
Asked if she thought the new way of doing business was sustainable, Williard said, “Honestly, I think we just need to take things one day at a time and see how they unfold. Pray for a vaccine every day.”
Cherry Creek area resident Wayne Hutchens stopped in Show of Hands, a locally focused art gallery and gift shop on Columbine Street, on Monday to pick up a sweatshirt he had his eye on through the window. At 75, Hutchens knows he is considered a high risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19, but he felt comfortable Monday. He had already been to the dentist and had a haircut scheduled later in the day.
Show of Hands was slow for a Mother’s Day weekend, owner Katie Friedland said, but she was still excited to be open and see some regular customers. Everyone who came through the doors bought something.
Friedland, who prides herself on providing an upbeat, inviting space, has taken special measures, including asking all customers to put on disposable gloves when they come in the door. The pandemic has forced Friedland and her staff to focus on the store’s online presence, something she says is a silver lining, but the single mom wants customers to know her store is clean and safe.
“I’m coming in every day and going home to my child so you better believe it’s a safe as it can be,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--Rockies’ 2020 odds in an 80-game MLB season

Major League Baseball owners on Monday approved a proposal to the players union to begin the baseball season around July 4 .
So , what does this mean for the Rockies ’ odds ?
Colorado is a longshot to win the 2020 World Series at 160-to-1 odds , according to oddsmaker SportsBettingDime , which places them 23rd among the 30 MLB teams .
The Dodgers are favored at 23/4 , slightly better than the Yankees ( 6/1 ) .
At the bottom are the Orioles at 600/1 .
The odds that there won ’ t be a World Series : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rockies have 6/1 odds , placing them 12th out of the 15 National League teams .
For win totals , Colorado has an over-under of 35.5 .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
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Subscribe to The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage for just 99¢ for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thereafter .
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+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .
Broncos Mailbag : Should Denver be more worried about Ja ’ Wuan James or Garett Bolles up front ?
Plan A at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the draft , when none of their 10 picks were used to add depth/competition/future starter .
Read more… Rapids gearing up for individual workouts with hopes of utilizing depth : “ We ’ re well-positioned for this ” What the Rapids are accomplishing during their coronavirus-caused break can be whittled down to two things .
The first is making sure everyone is ready to go for a start date that has yet to be been determined .
The second part is improving players ’ on-field awareness .
Read more… Newman : Shorter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contend for postseason The daily grind of a 162-game major league season is what separates the pretenders from the contenders .
By that logic , with an abbreviated MLB season likely — 2020 will reportedly be shortened to about 82 games due to the coronavirus pandemic — take your money to Las Vegas and put it on the underdog Rockies .
Read more… + Kiszla vs. O ’ Halloran : How will shutdown impact learning curve for Broncos ’ young offense ?
+ AHL ’ s Colorado Eagles , the Avalanche ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again in 2019-20 .
+ How I got hooked on sports : Coming of age during the greatest decade in Colorado sports .
+ MLB owners approve plan to start season in July , AP source says .
+ Budget crunch could impact how college teams opt to travel .
If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface .

Major League Baseball owners on Monday approved a proposal to the players union to begin the baseball season around July 4. So, what does this mean for the Rockies’ odds?
Colorado is a longshot to win the 2020 World Series at 160-to-1 odds, according to oddsmaker SportsBettingDime, which places them 23rd among the 30 MLB teams. The Dodgers are favored at 23/4, slightly better than the Yankees (6/1). At the bottom are the Orioles at 600/1.
The odds that there won’t be a World Series: 3/2.
To make the playoffs, the Rockies have 6/1 odds, placing them 12th out of the 15 National League teams.
For win totals, Colorado has an over-under of 35.5.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Must-Read
Plan A at offensive tackle for the Broncos became official after the draft, when none of their 10 picks were used to add depth/competition/future starter. Read more…
What the Rapids are accomplishing during their coronavirus-caused break can be whittled down to two things. The first is making sure everyone is ready to go for a start date that has yet to be been determined. The second part is improving players’ on-field awareness. Read more…
The daily grind of a 162-game major league season is what separates the pretenders from the contenders. By that logic, with an abbreviated MLB season likely — 2020 will reportedly be shortened to about 82 games due to the coronavirus pandemic — take your money to Las Vegas and put it on the underdog Rockies. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Kiszla vs. O’Halloran: How will shutdown impact learning curve for Broncos’ young offense?
+ Raiders add former Broncos running back Devontae Booker
+ As graduation nears, former Colorado youth hockey star Cale Morris awaits NHL future
+ AHL’s Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s top affiliate, won’t play again in 2019-20.
+ How I got hooked on sports: Coming of age during the greatest decade in Colorado sports.
+ MLB owners approve plan to start season in July, AP source says.
+ Budget crunch could impact how college teams opt to travel.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--Newman: Shorter season means better odds for Rockies to contend for postseason

The daily grind of a 162-game major league season is what separates the pretenders from the contenders .
By that logic , with an abbreviated MLB season likely — 2020 will reportedly be shortened to about 82 games due to the coronavirus pandemic — take your money to Las Vegas and put it on the underdog Rockies .
Per Bovada , Colorado currently checks in at 180-to-1 odds to win the World Series , 100-to-1 odds to win the pennant and 28-to-1 odds to win its first divisional title .
Long odds , yes , but worth the big payout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shortened season that , per the owners ’ reported proposal to the players ’ association Monday , would include two extra wild cards in each league for a 14-team playoff bracket .
The combination of a shorter season and an expanded postseason means less opportunity for the dominant teams to distance themselves from the mediocre ones .
It also means a team widely predicted to flounder — pre-pandemic , I picked the Rockies to finish fourth in the division , and I wasn ’ t alone in my pessimism — doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long , gut-testing summer .
Colorado has to play well for half of a typical season to stay in contention , and based off the spurts of success the team ’ s had over the past couple of years , that ’ s not out of the question .
That is especially true if the Rockies can play well at Coors Field ( should local government restrictions allow that to happen ) , as Colorado won at a .574 clip in LoDo over its 2017 and ’ 18 playoff seasons combined .
Consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played in July 2018 .
Granted , Colorado would have to sustain consistency for more than a month , even in a halved season , to make the playoffs in 2020 as they did that year .
But that month proved this year ’ s roster — much the same as two years ago — has the capability to get hot .
Of course , the Rockies have also shown the ability to go ice-cold , too , as they did in July 2019 .
In that ugly month , which dashed what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team went 6-19 — a .240 winning percentage that was the lowest for any full month in franchise history as the pitching staff put up a 6.63 ERA .
But the same team that endured that funk and ended with 91 losses in a bitterly disappointing 2019 also showed flashes of solid baseball that give hope for the team ’ s chances in a shortened 2020 .
Last year , the Rockies went 28-15 from mid-April to early June , the second-best winning percentage in the NL during that span .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 consecutive wins at Coors Field .
No , the Rockies don ’ t have the overall depth to match the Dodgers , even in an 82-game season .
And their pitching staff has to prove itself as capable after the NL-worst 5.56 ERA of a year ago .
But so long as Colorado doesn ’ t severely stumble out of the gate as it did last year , 82 games just might prove to be the perfectly shortened window for the Rockies to bring baseball magic back to LoDo as one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be a welcome Rocktober , even if it ’ s accomplished in front of an empty Coors Field .

The daily grind of a 162-game major league season is what separates the pretenders from the contenders.
By that logic, with an abbreviated MLB season likely — 2020 will reportedly be shortened to about 82 games due to the coronavirus pandemic — take your money to Las Vegas and put it on the underdog Rockies. Per Bovada, Colorado currently checks in at 180-to-1 odds to win the World Series, 100-to-1 odds to win the pennant and 28-to-1 odds to win its first divisional title.
Long odds, yes, but worth the big payout if Colorado can catch Rocktober-like fire during a shortened season that, per the owners’ reported proposal to the players’ association Monday, would include two extra wild cards in each league for a 14-team playoff bracket.
The combination of a shorter season and an expanded postseason means less opportunity for the dominant teams to distance themselves from the mediocre ones. It also means a team widely predicted to flounder — pre-pandemic, I picked the Rockies to finish fourth in the division, and I wasn’t alone in my pessimism — doesn’t have to prove itself over a long, gut-testing summer.
Colorado has to play well for half of a typical season to stay in contention, and based off the spurts of success the team’s had over the past couple of years, that’s not out of the question. That is especially true if the Rockies can play well at Coors Field (should local government restrictions allow that to happen), as Colorado won at a .574 clip in LoDo over its 2017 and ’18 playoff seasons combined.
Consider the torrid pace at which the Rockies played in July 2018. Granted, Colorado would have to sustain consistency for more than a month, even in a halved season, to make the playoffs in 2020 as they did that year. But that month proved this year’s roster — much the same as two years ago — has the capability to get hot.
Of course, the Rockies have also shown the ability to go ice-cold, too, as they did in July 2019. In that ugly month, which dashed what little playoff hopes Colorado had left, the team went 6-19 — a .240 winning percentage that was the lowest for any full month in franchise history as the pitching staff put up a 6.63 ERA.
But the same team that endured that funk and ended with 91 losses in a bitterly disappointing 2019 also showed flashes of solid baseball that give hope for the team’s chances in a shortened 2020. Last year, the Rockies went 28-15 from mid-April to early June, the second-best winning percentage in the NL during that span. At one point the team also rattled off 10 consecutive wins at Coors Field.
No, the Rockies don’t have the overall depth to match the Dodgers, even in an 82-game season. And their pitching staff has to prove itself as capable after the NL-worst 5.56 ERA of a year ago.
But so long as Colorado doesn’t severely stumble out of the gate as it did last year, 82 games just might prove to be the perfectly shortened window for the Rockies to bring baseball magic back to LoDo as one of four NL wild cards.
And it would be a welcome Rocktober, even if it’s accomplished in front of an empty Coors Field.


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--Colorado budget facing massive cuts — and next year likely to be worse

Colorado is facing a budget shortfall measured in the billions to pay for schools , roads and other state services — and history suggests next year will be even worse .
“ We are going to have to live with a new abnormal , ” said House Speaker KC Becker , D-Boulder .
“ It ’ s going to be a while.
” The public will find out just how big the immediate problem is Tuesday , as state analysts release an updated economic forecast for the 2020-21 fiscal year .
The state could be short $ 3 billion — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall , and closer to 25 % of the budget ’ s general fund , which covers core services .
Lawmakers are constitutionally obligated to pass a balanced budget , so by the beginning of June , one way or another , some significant percentage of spending will be cut .
The state ’ s Joint Budget Committee has already spent seven days rewriting , nearly line-by-line , the budget for the next fiscal year , and it ’ s been a painful exercise .
Tears have been shed on multiple occasions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daneya Esgar , D-Pueblo , said weighing cuts to services for adults with severe disabilities “ broke all of our hearts.
” Also difficult were discussions on cutting Colorado ’ s tourism marketing budget and nixing a plan to give state employees pay raises .
Those employees could soon face furloughs or layoffs .
This kind of hacking likely won ’ t be a one-time exercise .
“ Recall , ” said Carol Hedges , executive director of the Colorado Fiscal Institute , that in the last recession , “ the worst budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 , 2010 .
It ’ s the years that follow the immediate shock .
“ I think people can expect more four-day school weeks , more crumbling infrastructure .
I think we ’ ll get nowhere on roads .
I think we ’ ll see a steady increase in fees , where Colorado will become increasingly more pay-to-play .
If you ’ re middle income or poor , you ’ re going to find yourself getting nickel-and-dimed , and some basic services aren ’ t going to be available.
” Many states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prolonged contraction .
But none of them have TABOR .
TABOR , or the Taxpayer ’ s Bill of Rights , bars Colorado governments from raising taxes without voter permission .
That barrier has meant that state government spending here has , in many ways , not kept pace with the state ’ s phenomenal growth ; Colorado ’ s 47th in per-student education funding , for one , and has billions in unfunded transportation plans .
TABOR also means that Colorado does not have a “ rainy day fund ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenues to the state exceed a limit set by TABOR , the state must return the excess money to taxpayers , which has meant that Colorado can not stash away piles of cash in good years to be used during bad ones at the same level of the other 49 states .
So now , at the onset of a recession , the people running state government are weighing how to keep Colorado afloat .
Just how hard state services are hit depends in large part on three factors : In the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reserved for Colorado ’ s state government .
But that money is earmarked for new programs in response to the coronavirus .
Leaders do not believe they have the authority to use those billions on plugging leaks in the state budget .
If in fact Colorado does not receive flexible federal dollars , it ’ ll mean even tougher decisions in key areas .
Take K-12 education , for one .
It accounts for about a third of the state budget .
But that spending is complemented by significant local dollars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall K-12 spending in the state .
Property tax revenue is expected to decline next year , which means the contributions from local governments will go down , which , Becker said , will shift an even greater burden onto the state .
“ That could be huge — over $ 150 million in new shift of cost , ” she added .
And , for now , the state does not expect to be able to plug that hole with federal stimulus money .
Ditto for transportation , which receives major funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slew of fees — on car rentals and registrations , for example — that are also primed to produce much less money at least for awhile .
TABOR contains a provision that allows the legislature to pass a temporary emergency tax without seeking voter approval .
This authority has never been used before , so its application is a bit fuzzy even to fiscal policy experts and state lawmakers .
TABOR clarifies , first of all , what can not be considered an emergency : “ economic conditions , revenue shortfalls , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The phrase “ economic conditions ” is open to interpretation .
Of course , Colorado ’ s economic conditions are the reason for these present challenges .
But the reason for that reason is not economics but rather public health .
It ’ s unclear whether that ’ d be a satisfactory argument for any General Assembly moved to implement an emergency tax , and Douglas Bruce , who authored TABOR , did not respond to a phone call from The Denver Post seeking clarity on what he meant when he wrote that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged , largely by liberal fiscal policy groups , to seriously consider exercising this rare flexibility authorized by TABOR , a famously inflexible document .
“ It ’ s a conversation that needs to happen , ” said Hedges , of the Colorado Fiscal Institute .
“ If this isn ’ t the circumstance under which this can be used , it ’ s hard to contemplate when it can.
” Among the stipulations written into TABOR ’ s section on emergency taxation : A two-thirds majority of a state or local body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass .
Democrats may well be able to find two-thirds support in the House , but they have a much narrower majority in the Senate , and it appears unlikely , at the moment , that many Republicans would entertain the idea .
“ I think it ’ s incumbent on all of us as elected representatives to consider any conversation , ” said Sen. Paul Lundeen , R-Monument , who sits on the Finance Committee , “ but that ’ s not to say I ’ m inclined to seek taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting meat and bone ?
Well , the meat and bone of our economy are the businesses , the job creators .
Putting a burden on those job creators , on those workers — that , I think , would be a mistake.
” Gov .
Jared Polis , a Democrat who has at times clashed with his own party on fiscal policy , seems to agree : A recession is not the time for new taxation , he recently told reporters .
Well before the virus arrived , 2020 was shaping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxation .
Specifically , a slew of liberal groups had organized to try to place a sweeping reform on the ballot : Initiative 271 would lower the state ’ s flat income tax rate for about nine in 10 Coloradans , and raise income tax rates on people making more than $ 250,000 a year .
The ballot proposal was unveiled the day before Polis announced the state ’ s first known cases of COVID-19 .
If it passes — a big “ if , ” given that social distancing has made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualify for the ballot — it will provide an enormous boost to state government funding , with a projected $ 2 billion per year .
Half would go to educator pay raises , and the other half would go to the general fund , which covers areas such as transportation , housing and water .
That amount of money could go a long way toward offsetting expected budgetary shortfalls to come .
And the proposal is popular , according to a May survey of 600 likely voters conducted by the Democratic polling firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of respondents supported Initiative 271 ’ s plan and 18 % opposed with a 4-point margin of error .
All that support may not matter much this year , since Initiative 271 needs at least 124,632 petition signatures to qualify and the pandemic poses a huge obstacle .
“ But we don ’ t feel like it ’ s an option to stop , ” said Scott Wasserman , president of the Bell Policy Center , which backs the measure .
“ Look at what ’ s happening to our budget .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in town , in terms of a concrete proposal.
” There is another , opposite proposal for the ballot — though it ’ s not as far along .
Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg , R-Sterling , and the libertarian Independence Institute want to cut the state ’ s flat income tax rate across the board , meaning rich and poor alike get a lower rate , and meaning less revenue generated .
He said by text message that they are still moving forward .
Gov .
Polis , who seems to align neither with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxation , told reporters last week that he ’ d like to see a bipartisan solution .
There may be little space for such a thing .
It ’ s possible there is common ground to be found on cutting certain tax breaks the state doles out .
Even that won ’ t be without some controversy — one person ’ s tax loophole is another person ’ s business solvency , lawmakers note — but the House speaker said the legislature is prepared to consider cutting or perhaps capping some of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on it , ” Becker said .
“ We don ’ t have a lot of time .
”

Colorado is facing a budget shortfall measured in the billions to pay for schools, roads and other state services — and history suggests next year will be even worse.
“We are going to have to live with a new abnormal,” said House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “It’s going to be a while.”
The public will find out just how big the immediate problem is Tuesday, as state analysts release an updated economic forecast for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The state could be short $3 billion — roughly 10% of the state budget overall, and closer to 25% of the budget’s general fund, which covers core services.
Lawmakers are constitutionally obligated to pass a balanced budget, so by the beginning of June, one way or another, some significant percentage of spending will be cut. The state’s Joint Budget Committee has already spent seven days rewriting, nearly line-by-line, the budget for the next fiscal year, and it’s been a painful exercise.
Tears have been shed on multiple occasions. The committee’s chair, Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, said weighing cuts to services for adults with severe disabilities “broke all of our hearts.” Also difficult were discussions on cutting Colorado’s tourism marketing budget and nixing a plan to give state employees pay raises. Those employees could soon face furloughs or layoffs.
This kind of hacking likely won’t be a one-time exercise.
“Recall,” said Carol Hedges, executive director of the Colorado Fiscal Institute, that in the last recession, “the worst budget year was not 2008. It was 2009, 2010. It’s the years that follow the immediate shock.
“I think people can expect more four-day school weeks, more crumbling infrastructure. I think we’ll get nowhere on roads. I think we’ll see a steady increase in fees, where Colorado will become increasingly more pay-to-play. If you’re middle income or poor, you’re going to find yourself getting nickel-and-dimed, and some basic services aren’t going to be available.”
Many states will have to confront the prospect of a prolonged contraction. But none of them have TABOR.
TABOR, or the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, bars Colorado governments from raising taxes without voter permission. That barrier has meant that state government spending here has, in many ways, not kept pace with the state’s phenomenal growth; Colorado’s 47th in per-student education funding, for one, and has billions in unfunded transportation plans.
TABOR also means that Colorado does not have a “rainy day fund” in the way other states do. When revenues to the state exceed a limit set by TABOR, the state must return the excess money to taxpayers, which has meant that Colorado cannot stash away piles of cash in good years to be used during bad ones at the same level of the other 49 states.
So now, at the onset of a recession, the people running state government are weighing how to keep Colorado afloat. Just how hard state services are hit depends in large part on three factors:
Federal funding
In the federal CARES Act, about $1.7 billion was reserved for Colorado’s state government. But that money is earmarked for new programs in response to the coronavirus. Leaders do not believe they have the authority to use those billions on plugging leaks in the state budget.
Becker called this “insane.”
If in fact Colorado does not receive flexible federal dollars, it’ll mean even tougher decisions in key areas.
Take K-12 education, for one. It accounts for about a third of the state budget. But that spending is complemented by significant local dollars, which account for about a third of overall K-12 spending in the state. Property tax revenue is expected to decline next year, which means the contributions from local governments will go down, which, Becker said, will shift an even greater burden onto the state.
“That could be huge — over $150 million in new shift of cost,” she added.
And, for now, the state does not expect to be able to plug that hole with federal stimulus money. Ditto for transportation, which receives major funding from the gas tax, plus a slew of fees — on car rentals and registrations, for example — that are also primed to produce much less money at least for awhile.
Emergency tax?
TABOR contains a provision that allows the legislature to pass a temporary emergency tax without seeking voter approval.
This authority has never been used before, so its application is a bit fuzzy even to fiscal policy experts and state lawmakers. TABOR clarifies, first of all, what can not be considered an emergency: “economic conditions, revenue shortfalls, or district salary or fringe benefit increases.”
The phrase “economic conditions” is open to interpretation. Of course, Colorado’s economic conditions are the reason for these present challenges. But the reason for that reason is not economics but rather public health. It’s unclear whether that’d be a satisfactory argument for any General Assembly moved to implement an emergency tax, and Douglas Bruce, who authored TABOR, did not respond to a phone call from The Denver Post seeking clarity on what he meant when he wrote that language.
The Democrat-controlled legislature is being encouraged, largely by liberal fiscal policy groups, to seriously consider exercising this rare flexibility authorized by TABOR, a famously inflexible document.
“It’s a conversation that needs to happen,” said Hedges, of the Colorado Fiscal Institute. “If this isn’t the circumstance under which this can be used, it’s hard to contemplate when it can.”
Among the stipulations written into TABOR’s section on emergency taxation: A two-thirds majority of a state or local body must support an emergency tax for it to pass. Democrats may well be able to find two-thirds support in the House, but they have a much narrower majority in the Senate, and it appears unlikely, at the moment, that many Republicans would entertain the idea.
“I think it’s incumbent on all of us as elected representatives to consider any conversation,” said Sen. Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, who sits on the Finance Committee, “but that’s not to say I’m inclined to seek taxes from businesses. You want to talk cutting meat and bone? Well, the meat and bone of our economy are the businesses, the job creators. Putting a burden on those job creators, on those workers — that, I think, would be a mistake.”
Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat who has at times clashed with his own party on fiscal policy, seems to agree: A recession is not the time for new taxation, he recently told reporters.
Ballot measures
Well before the virus arrived, 2020 was shaping up to feature a major ballot fight over taxation. Specifically, a slew of liberal groups had organized to try to place a sweeping reform on the ballot: Initiative 271 would lower the state’s flat income tax rate for about nine in 10 Coloradans, and raise income tax rates on people making more than $250,000 a year.
The ballot proposal was unveiled the day before Polis announced the state’s first known cases of COVID-19.
If it passes — a big “if,” given that social distancing has made it very difficult to even collect signatures to qualify for the ballot — it will provide an enormous boost to state government funding, with a projected $2 billion per year. Half would go to educator pay raises, and the other half would go to the general fund, which covers areas such as transportation, housing and water.
That amount of money could go a long way toward offsetting expected budgetary shortfalls to come.
And the proposal is popular, according to a May survey of 600 likely voters conducted by the Democratic polling firm Keating Research. The survey found 69% of respondents supported Initiative 271’s plan and 18% opposed with a 4-point margin of error.
All that support may not matter much this year, since Initiative 271 needs at least 124,632 petition signatures to qualify and the pandemic poses a huge obstacle.
“But we don’t feel like it’s an option to stop,” said Scott Wasserman, president of the Bell Policy Center, which backs the measure. “Look at what’s happening to our budget. We’re frankly the only game in town, in terms of a concrete proposal.”
There is another, opposite proposal for the ballot — though it’s not as far along. Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, and the libertarian Independence Institute want to cut the state’s flat income tax rate across the board, meaning rich and poor alike get a lower rate, and meaning less revenue generated. He said by text message that they are still moving forward.
Gov. Polis, who seems to align neither with statehouse Democrats nor Republicans on matters of taxation, told reporters last week that he’d like to see a bipartisan solution.
There may be little space for such a thing. It’s possible there is common ground to be found on cutting certain tax breaks the state doles out. Even that won’t be without some controversy — one person’s tax loophole is another person’s business solvency, lawmakers note — but the House speaker said the legislature is prepared to consider cutting or perhaps capping some of these breaks.
“We’re working on it,” Becker said. “We don’t have a lot of time.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--Ask Amy: Mother-in-law can’t get a word in edgewise

She is a great match for my son and a great mom to their daughter .
We all have faults , and I accept that .
I know I may sound like a “ typical ” mother-in- law complaining about my son ’ s wife , but I ’ ll risk it in order to get your advice .
She ’ s a talker .
She doesn ’ t know how to have a conversation .
She is wonderful about keeping me in the loop ( we live in separate states ) , but she calls several times a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour each time .
I can hardly get a word in , and when I do try to tell her something , I can tell she is just waiting for me to finish so she can talk again .
She often doesn ’ t respond to my inquiries .
Additionally , most of her conversation consists of complaints about my son .
I have asked her not to do this , but her response is , “ You know him and so you understand.
” I have asked her how she would feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her daughter .
This didn ’ t help at all — and the next call was again littered with complaints .
When she is with my son , she doesn ’ t dominate the conversation as much , but if he ’ s not around — she takes over .
How can I approach this without hurting her feelings ?
She has a big heart and I would never want to damage our relationship .
Dear Tired : Realistically you will not be able to change your daughter-in-law ’ s overall behavior , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — always making sure to convey your affection for her .
The one aspect of this that you should shut down thoroughly is her complaining about your son .
Not only because he is your son , but because in doing so , she is involving you in her marriage .
I take it as a given that she is venting , and is not seeking ( nor would she listen to ) any feedback , advice or suggested solutions from you .
When this starts , you should tell her , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you don ’ t seem to have heard me .
You know I ’ m very fond of you .
But I simply CAN NOT handle venting about my son .
It is affecting the way I feel about both of you .
You ’ re going to have to find another way to deal with your problems with him .
Do you understand my need here ?
” ( Wait for her answer . )
“ Will you respect this ?
” ( Wait for her answer . )
If she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to interrupt : “ Oops .
Maybe you forgot our last conversation so let ’ s change the subject.
” And yes — otherwise , only talk to her when you have the energy for a lengthy update .
Let her leave a message and you can call her back when you ’ re ready , relaxed , and hydrated .
Dear Amy : Before we all went on “ pause ” due to the COVID-19 emergency , I needed a haircut , so I checked in at the counter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone number .
Because I get a number of unknown calls , I told them I can ’ t give them my number .
They called the manager .
After holding steadfast , they put in some other number .
A few days later at a restaurant my wife and I went to put our names on the waiting list and again they asked for my number .
I said , “ I will just sit right here and wait — you don ’ t need to call me.
” What should I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make up a number where some person in Iowa gets telemarketing calls intended for me .
Maybe we should all start refusing to give out our phone numbers to random businesses .
Dear Paul : You should ask why they need your phone number .
If this is to add you to their database , then you should say “ no.
” But if the reason is to call you when the stylist ( or your table ) is ready for you , then in my opinion — you should give it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” described the sudden change in his wife ’ s behavior , describing her “ DEFCON ” reactions .
My dear partner of many years had a similar event happen , which actually caused us to separate ( amicably ) for a while .
We then found that the issue was a brain tumor that was causing pressure on the parts of the brain that cause anger !
Thankfully , today he is doing well and is clear of cancer , and our relationship is closer and better than ever .
Dear No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extreme change in behavior , we should consider a medical cause .

Dear Amy: I have a wonderful daughter-in-law.
She is a great match for my son and a great mom to their daughter.
We all have faults, and I accept that. I know I may sound like a “typical” mother-in- law complaining about my son’s wife, but I’ll risk it in order to get your advice.
She’s a talker. She doesn’t know how to have a conversation. She is wonderful about keeping me in the loop (we live in separate states), but she calls several times a week and talks for 45 minutes to an hour each time.
I can hardly get a word in, and when I do try to tell her something, I can tell she is just waiting for me to finish so she can talk again. She often doesn’t respond to my inquiries.
Additionally, most of her conversation consists of complaints about my son.
I have asked her not to do this, but her response is, “You know him and so you understand.” I have asked her how she would feel if someone did nothing but complained about her daughter. This didn’t help at all — and the next call was again littered with complaints.
When she is with my son, she doesn’t dominate the conversation as much, but if he’s not around — she takes over.
How can I approach this without hurting her feelings?
She has a big heart and I would never want to damage our relationship.
— Tired Ears
Dear Tired: Realistically you will not be able to change your daughter-in-law’s overall behavior, but you should establish some healthy boundaries — always making sure to convey your affection for her.
The one aspect of this that you should shut down thoroughly is her complaining about your son. Not only because he is your son, but because in doing so, she is involving you in her marriage.
I take it as a given that she is venting, and is not seeking (nor would she listen to) any feedback, advice or suggested solutions from you.
When this starts, you should tell her, “I’ve asked you before, and you don’t seem to have heard me. You know I’m very fond of you. But I simply CANNOT handle venting about my son. It is affecting the way I feel about both of you. You’re going to have to find another way to deal with your problems with him. Do you understand my need here?” (Wait for her answer.) “Will you respect this?” (Wait for her answer.)
If she vents during the next call, you will have to interrupt: “Oops. Maybe you forgot our last conversation so let’s change the subject.”
And yes — otherwise, only talk to her when you have the energy for a lengthy update. Let her leave a message and you can call her back when you’re ready, relaxed, and hydrated.
Dear Amy: Before we all went on “pause” due to the COVID-19 emergency, I needed a haircut, so I checked in at the counter of a local chain.
They required my phone number. Because I get a number of unknown calls, I told them I can’t give them my number. They called the manager. After holding steadfast, they put in some other number.
A few days later at a restaurant my wife and I went to put our names on the waiting list and again they asked for my number. I said, “I will just sit right here and wait — you don’t need to call me.”
What should I do? I don’t want to make up a number where some person in Iowa gets telemarketing calls intended for me. Maybe we should all start refusing to give out our phone numbers to random businesses.
— Paul
Dear Paul: You should ask why they need your phone number. If this is to add you to their database, then you should say “no.” But if the reason is to call you when the stylist (or your table) is ready for you, then in my opinion — you should give it.
Dear Amy: “Hurting Husband” described the sudden change in his wife’s behavior, describing her “DEFCON” reactions.
My dear partner of many years had a similar event happen, which actually caused us to separate (amicably) for a while. We then found that the issue was a brain tumor that was causing pressure on the parts of the brain that cause anger!
Thankfully, today he is doing well and is clear of cancer, and our relationship is closer and better than ever.
— No Longer Hurting
Dear No Longer: Any time there is an extreme change in behavior, we should consider a medical cause.
(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--2020-05-12--Chaffee County woman missing after failing to return from bicycle ride

A 49-year-old Chaffee County woman has been reported missing after failing to return from a bike ride .
At about @ @ @ @ @ county ’ s communications center received a report that Suzanne Morphew , of Maysville , @ @ @ @ @ bike ride in the area of County Road 225 and U.S. 50 , according to @ @ @ @ @ call was made by a neighbor of Morphew .
Sheriff staffers and Chaffee County Search @ @ @ @ @ Morphew and a widespread search of the area continued Monday morning .
Tracking dogs and @ @ @ @ @ of Corrections , along with a Mesa County tactical team , also took part in @ @ @ @ @ , about 100 people joined the search effort but as of late afternoon Monday , @ @ @ @ @ , according to the sheriff ’ s office .
An investigation is ongoing .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ s whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff ’ s office at 719-539-2596 or call @ @ @ @ @ 719-539-2599 .

A 49-year-old Chaffee County woman has been reported missing after failing to return from a bike ride.
At about 5:45 p.m. Sunday, the county’s communications center received a report that Suzanne Morphew, of Maysville, failed to return from a bike ride in the area of County Road 225 and U.S. 50, according to a news release. The call was made by a neighbor of Morphew.
Sheriff staffers and Chaffee County Search and Rescue members looked for Morphew and a widespread search of the area continued Monday morning. Tracking dogs and teams from the Colorado Department of Corrections, along with a Mesa County tactical team, also took part in the search.
In all, about 100 people joined the search effort but as of late afternoon Monday, Morphew had not been found, according to the sheriff’s office.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on Morphew’s whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 719-539-2596 or call Chaffee County Crime Stoppers at 719-539-2599.


thedenverpost--2020-05-12--Raiders add former Broncos running back Devontae Booker

The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a deal Monday with former Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker .
A 2016 @ @ @ @ @ , Booker played four seasons with the Broncos and rushed for 1,103 yards over 61 @ @ @ @ @ .
Last season , the 27-year-old Booker saw his role largely reduced to special teams @ @ @ @ @ for nine yards .
Booker ’ s most productive season was his rookie campaign when @ @ @ @ @ and scored four touchdowns .
He also had 31 receptions for 265 yards and a @ @ @ @ @ 5-foot-11 , 219-pound Booker is a native of Sacramento .

The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a deal Monday with former Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker.
A 2016 fourth-round pick out of Utah, Booker played four seasons with the Broncos and rushed for 1,103 yards over 61 games that included six starts.
Last season, the 27-year-old Booker saw his role largely reduced to special teams. He had two carries for nine yards.
Booker’s most productive season was his rookie campaign when he rushed for 612 yards and scored four touchdowns. He also had 31 receptions for 265 yards and a score that season.
The 5-foot-11, 219-pound Booker is a native of Sacramento.
Las Vegas also waived linebacker Derrick Moncrief on Monday.


thedenverpost--2020-05-13--Kiszla: Will MLB help America heal, or kill 2020 season in argument over money?

Maybe , in the end , it won ’ t be coronavirus that kills the 2020 Major League Baseball season .
The more likely cause of death is the greed of players and franchise owners that could destroy any hope of a pennant race before the first pitch is thrown .
Sorry , Charlie .
The country needs food on the table .
Baseball ?
It ’ s a luxury .
While I have no doubt Blackmon loves the game , what ’ s love got to do with the Boys of Summer returning to the diamond ?
Whether we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be as much about the Benjamins as safety concerns regarding COVID-19 .
Do players and owners really want to play ball , if taking the field hits them too hard in the wallet ?
Hey , we all talk sacrifice for the greater good .
But for baseball , like the rest of us , it ’ s far harder to walk that talk when you ’ re not depositing money in the bank .
As soon as commissioner Rob Manfred allowed our stay-at-home hopes to take flight with his pie-in-the-sky plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 82-game schedule , a designated hitter at every game and expanded playoffs , union boss Tony Clark bashed franchise owners ’ proposal to split revenue 50-50 as a salary cap players will never accept .
With unemployment nationwide surging to Great Depression levels , you think a single furloughed factory worker gives a hoot about millionaire baseball players wrestling over dollars with billionaire franchise owners ?
Let me be honest .
While it would be cool to see Blackmon gallop around first base , stretching a blooper into a double , I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another nickel of his $ 21 million salary in 2020 .
Here ’ s what worries me : What happens to the livelihoods of all those ballpark workers I ’ ve seen lined up in the bowels of Coors Field , reporting to work , hours before every game ?
How can there be regular paychecks for beer vendors or ushers if there are no fans in the stands ?
But here ’ s what unexpectedly and rather deliciously might prove to be true : Baseball could miss fans more than fans miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its $ 10 billion annual business is derived from tickets , concessions and gate-related income .
Take away the fans and the dough they spend annually on everything from box seats to Dippin ’ Dots , and I ’ m not certain Rockies owner Dick Monfort can get filthy rich merely by turning on lights at the ballpark if no fans are allowed to come through the gates .
Wouldn ’ t it be just like America if what kills the baseball season is the same dysfunction we ’ ve seen COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
While the death count mounts , so does finger-pointing and name-calling about the value of money and freedom versus health and safety , with none of the screamers willing to listen or find middle ground .
Hey , I want the Rockies to play ball , because Nolan Arenado can carve poetry from the infield dirt at third base .
I ’ m rooting for Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning to beat the pants off Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady on the golf course .
I ’ m even dreaming of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Nevada desert for a Broncos game in the fall .
But as Dr. Anthony Fauci , who often sounds like the only adult in the romper room that is Washington , D.C. , has warned us : “ The coronavirus will establish the timetable for sports.
” So while I optimistically like to believe baseball can build a safe and happy bubble , it might well turn out to be a petri dish that reveals our stupid arrogance in trying to control a pandemic without a unified plan of testing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood a respectful six feet away from Rockies manager Bud Black , listening to him say , “ Everything is going to be OK , ” as spring training shut down in Arizona .
At the time , Colorado had yet to record its first death from COVID-19 , lifts were running at the state ’ s ski areas and there were 1,274 confirmed coronavirus cases in the entire United States .
Two months later , there are more than 1.4 million documented cases in this country and nearly 85,000 dead .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you also have a hot tip on when — or if — we ’ ll crown a World Series champ in 2020 .
During seasons past , on a sunny Colorado day , it was quite common to see a Rockies fan wearing a T-shirt to the ballpark that proclaimed : Baseball is life .
The rest is just details .
Try telling that to a pandemic .
If you ’ ve got a pair of scissors , the T-shirt might make a spiffy mask .
Everything baseball once took for granted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rockies middle reliever Jake McGee , to the 2.5 million paying customers who show up every summer at Coors Field , has been torn asunder .
Welcome the crazy , new world the rest of us live in , Boys of Summer .

Maybe, in the end, it won’t be coronavirus that kills the 2020 Major League Baseball season. The more likely cause of death is the greed of players and franchise owners that could destroy any hope of a pennant race before the first pitch is thrown.
“This country needs baseball,” Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon told “The Rich Eisen Show.”
Sorry, Charlie. The country needs food on the table. Baseball? It’s a luxury.
While I have no doubt Blackmon loves the game, what’s love got to do with the Boys of Summer returning to the diamond? Whether we see baseball in these strange times will be as much about the Benjamins as safety concerns regarding COVID-19.
Do players and owners really want to play ball, if taking the field hits them too hard in the wallet?
Hey, we all talk sacrifice for the greater good. But for baseball, like the rest of us, it’s far harder to walk that talk when you’re not depositing money in the bank.
As soon as commissioner Rob Manfred allowed our stay-at-home hopes to take flight with his pie-in-the-sky plan to start the season in July with an 82-game schedule, a designated hitter at every game and expanded playoffs, union boss Tony Clark bashed franchise owners’ proposal to split revenue 50-50 as a salary cap players will never accept.
With unemployment nationwide surging to Great Depression levels, you think a single furloughed factory worker gives a hoot about millionaire baseball players wrestling over dollars with billionaire franchise owners?
Let me be honest. While it would be cool to see Blackmon gallop around first base, stretching a blooper into a double, I don’t really care if he collects another nickel of his $21 million salary in 2020.
Here’s what worries me: What happens to the livelihoods of all those ballpark workers I’ve seen lined up in the bowels of Coors Field, reporting to work, hours before every game? How can there be regular paychecks for beer vendors or ushers if there are no fans in the stands?
But here’s what unexpectedly and rather deliciously might prove to be true: Baseball could miss fans more than fans miss the game.
MLB estimates 40% of its $10 billion annual business is derived from tickets, concessions and gate-related income. Take away the fans and the dough they spend annually on everything from box seats to Dippin’ Dots, and I’m not certain Rockies owner Dick Monfort can get filthy rich merely by turning on lights at the ballpark if no fans are allowed to come through the gates.
Wouldn’t it be just like America if what kills the baseball season is the same dysfunction we’ve seen COVID-19 bring out in the rest of us? While the death count mounts, so does finger-pointing and name-calling about the value of money and freedom versus health and safety, with none of the screamers willing to listen or find middle ground.
Hey, I want the Rockies to play ball, because Nolan Arenado can carve poetry from the infield dirt at third base. I’m rooting for Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning to beat the pants off Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady on the golf course. I’m even dreaming of a trip to that evil-looking Darth Raider stadium in the Nevada desert for a Broncos game in the fall.
But as Dr. Anthony Fauci, who often sounds like the only adult in the romper room that is Washington, D.C., has warned us: “The coronavirus will establish the timetable for sports.”
So while I optimistically like to believe baseball can build a safe and happy bubble, it might well turn out to be a petri dish that reveals our stupid arrogance in trying to control a pandemic without a unified plan of testing and tracing.
On March 12, I stood a respectful six feet away from Rockies manager Bud Black, listening to him say, “Everything is going to be OK,” as spring training shut down in Arizona. At the time, Colorado had yet to record its first death from COVID-19, lifts were running at the state’s ski areas and there were 1,274 confirmed coronavirus cases in the entire United States.
Two months later, there are more than 1.4 million documented cases in this country and nearly 85,000 dead. If you saw that coming, then maybe you also have a hot tip on when — or if — we’ll crown a World Series champ in 2020.
During seasons past, on a sunny Colorado day, it was quite common to see a Rockies fan wearing a T-shirt to the ballpark that proclaimed: Baseball is life. The rest is just details.
Try telling that to a pandemic. If you’ve got a pair of scissors, the T-shirt might make a spiffy mask.
Everything baseball once took for granted, from the outrageous $9.5 million salary of Rockies middle reliever Jake McGee, to the 2.5 million paying customers who show up every summer at Coors Field, has been torn asunder.
Reality bites.
Welcome the crazy, new world the rest of us live in, Boys of Summer.