thedenverpost--2020-07-22--German Marquez will be Rockies’ starter for 2020 season opener. Here’s how other Colorado pitchers h

German Marquez will be Rockies’ starter for 2020 season opener. Here’s how other Colorado pitchers have fared

Rockies manager Bud Black named German Marquez as the team ’ s opening day starter when it takes on Texas this Friday in Arlington .
In doing so , the right-hander will become the 20th pitcher to start on opening day in the Rockies ’ 28-year history .
Here ’ s a look at how the past 10 have fared : If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
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Rockies manager Bud Black named German Marquez as the team’s opening day starter when it takes on Texas this Friday in Arlington.
In doing so, the right-hander will become the 20th pitcher to start on opening day in the Rockies’ 28-year history. Here’s a look at how the past 10 have fared:
Year Pitcher Line (Opp.) — Team Result 2019 Kyle Freeland 7IP, 2H, 1ER, 1BB, 5K (at Miami) — Win Season: Promising start led to lost year as K-Free went 3-11 with 6.73 ERA and was demoted. 2018 Jon Gray 4IP, 6H, 3ER, 3BB, 4K (at Arizona) — Loss Season: Plagued by injuries, Gray went 12-9 with 5.12 ERA and was left off team’s postseason roster. 2017 Jon Gray 4IP. 6H, 5ER, 2BB, 7K (at Milwaukee) — Win Season: When healthy, Gray was Rockies’ top starter at 10-4 with 3.67 ERA and 112Ks in 110.1IP. 2016 Jorge De La Rosa 4.2IP, 8H, 5ER, 2BB, 8K (at Arizona) — Win Season: Lefty’s final year in Colorado was forgettable with 8-9 record, 5.51 ERA and 108Ks in 134IP. 2015 Kyle Kendrick 7IP, 7H, 0ER, 0BB, 6K (at Milwaukee) — Win Season: Veteran peaked on Day 1. Had team’s highest ERA among starters (6.32) with 7-13 record. 2014 Jorge De La Rosa 4.1IP, 4H, 5ER, 2BB, 6K (at Miami) — Loss Season: Steady and durable after career year, De La Rosa went 14-11 with 4.10 ERA and 139Ks in 184.1IP. 2013 Jhoulys Chacin 6.2IP, 3H, 1ER, 3BB, 6K (at Milwaukee) — Loss Season: Chacin’s best year in purple pinstripes saw him go 14-10 with 3.47 ERA and 126Ks in 197.1IP. 2012 Jeremy Guthrie 7IP, 4H, 3ER, 3BB, 1K (at Houston) — Win Season: The worst of an abysmal rotation, Guthrie went 3-9 with 6.35 ERA and disastrous 1.69 WHIP. 2011 Ubaldo Jimenez 6IP, 7H, 5ER, 1BB, 1K (Arizona) — Loss Season: This is when it all started to go wrong, as Ubaldo went 6-9 in 21 starts before being traded to Cleveland. 2010 Ubaldo Jimenez 6IP, 8H, 1ER, 1BB, 6K (at Milwaukee) — Win Season: Ubaldo’s peak year was a masterpiece: 19-8, 2.88 ERA, 214Ks, 1.16 WHIP, third in Cy Young voting.
— Matt Schubert, 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.
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thedenverpost--2020-07-22--Ask Amy: Daughter is caught in dad’s needy net

Dear Amy : I am a 30-something daughter of divorced parents with two younger siblings .
Our parents divorced 25 years ago .
Neither of my parents have healthy coping skills , but my father has really gotten extreme with his co-dependencies .
He has always needed his children to constantly shower him with love and attention , specifically by spending tons of time at his house , and prioritizing him over other family .
Of course he is particularly sensitive to any infringing time spent with my mother , since he was the better parent ( mostly true ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me , as I am the one corralling my siblings and accommodating his feelings the best I can .
However , now that I have children ( and we are in the middle of a pandemic ) , this baggage is too much for me to bear .
He had another one of his self-pitying meltdowns on Father ’ s Day because we did not plan on “ stopping by , ” despite having exposed ourselves and all of his friends and family at his house the previous weekend for his 60th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my breaking point .
His complete lack of empathy for anyone else makes it difficult to even enjoy his company .
I know he has a lot of issues ( with his own mother , alcoholism , the divorce ) , and I want to be compassionate , but at this point I feel as though I ’ m just enabling him .
When I try to talk to him about how torn I am all the time , he either blames my mother or becomes completely self-pitying .
I ’ ve tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But if he ’ s upset , I ’ m upset .
Should I approach him about coming to therapy with me ?
Cut off ties unless he completes a 12-step program ?
I love him , but I don ’ t “ like ” him , anymore .
Dear Mad : You recognize this dynamic as a codependency – and you are right !
Your father raised you in a way to guarantee that you would always meet his emotional needs .
He didn ’ t need to heal from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and didn ’ t need to deal with his drinking or other relationship problems because he always had someone ( you ) to relieve his loneliness and anxiety , and then someone to blame ( you ) when his loneliness and anxiety surfaced again .
You have ( other ) children now , and so – at 60 – it ’ s time for dad to grow up .
You could suggest joint counseling for the two of you , but my instinct is that he needs to take responsibility for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When you allow him to manipulate you , you help to keep him in his needy state ( that ’ s the “ co ” of codependency ) .
He doesn ’ t need to change , because you are carrying the burden for him .
I suggest counseling for you , and this book : “ Codependent No More : How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself , ” by Melody Beattie ( 1986 , Hazeldon ) .
Dear Amy : You suggested that a person who didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members should say : “ I just don ’ t want to do that right now , ” when pressured to attend family events .
What is the appropriate response to : “ But why ?
” This is where I get stuck .
Dear D : You could answer , honestly , “ I ’ m trying to take better care of myself , and I haven ’ t enjoyed these gatherings , so I ’ m going to stay home for a while.
” Dear Amy : “ Confused in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried that flying the American flag would be misconstrued as a politically conservative gesture .
Thirty-two years ago , my husband and I had a disagreement about displaying the flag on Memorial Day .
We had just moved into our home ( whose previous owner had left a large flag and had installed a holder ) .
I asked my taller husband to put out the flag as he wouldn ’ t require a stepladder .
He objected because he didn ’ t want our new neighbors to think we were right-wingers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had fought in World War II and we were honoring their service and that I as an American citizen felt the flag represented all of us .
Further , I said that we were demeaning the flag if we allowed its message to be co-opted by one group who wrapped themselves in it .
And that the pledge of allegiance that we had recited every day in our childhood meant something !
The flag went up that day , and I didn ’ t have to get out the stepladder .

Dear Amy: I am a 30-something daughter of divorced parents with two younger siblings. Our parents divorced 25 years ago.
Neither of my parents have healthy coping skills, but my father has really gotten extreme with his co-dependencies. He has always needed his children to constantly shower him with love and attention, specifically by spending tons of time at his house, and prioritizing him over other family.
Of course he is particularly sensitive to any infringing time spent with my mother, since he was the better parent (mostly true).
Holidays have always been a nightmare for me, as I am the one corralling my siblings and accommodating his feelings the best I can.
However, now that I have children (and we are in the middle of a pandemic), this baggage is too much for me to bear.
He had another one of his self-pitying meltdowns on Father’s Day because we did not plan on “stopping by,” despite having exposed ourselves and all of his friends and family at his house the previous weekend for his 60th birthday party.
I’m at my breaking point. His complete lack of empathy for anyone else makes it difficult to even enjoy his company.
I know he has a lot of issues (with his own mother, alcoholism, the divorce), and I want to be compassionate, but at this point I feel as though I’m just enabling him. When I try to talk to him about how torn I am all the time, he either blames my mother or becomes completely self-pitying.
I’ve tried emotionally distancing myself and stopping the accommodations. But if he’s upset, I’m upset.
Should I approach him about coming to therapy with me?
Cut off ties unless he completes a 12-step program?
I love him, but I don’t “like” him, anymore.
— Mad at Sad Dad
Dear Mad: You recognize this dynamic as a codependency – and you are right!
Your father raised you in a way to guarantee that you would always meet his emotional needs. He didn’t need to heal from the divorce (25 years ago!), and didn’t need to deal with his drinking or other relationship problems because he always had someone (you) to relieve his loneliness and anxiety, and then someone to blame (you) when his loneliness and anxiety surfaced again.
You have (other) children now, and so – at 60 – it’s time for dad to grow up.
You could suggest joint counseling for the two of you, but my instinct is that he needs to take responsibility for his own life and his own emotional needs.
When you allow him to manipulate you, you help to keep him in his needy state (that’s the “co” of codependency). He doesn’t need to change, because you are carrying the burden for him.
I suggest counseling for you, and this book: “Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself,” by Melody Beattie (1986, Hazeldon).
Dear Amy: You suggested that a person who didn’t want to spend time with family members should say: “I just don’t want to do that right now,” when pressured to attend family events.
What is the appropriate response to: “But why?”
This is where I get stuck.
— D
Dear D: You could answer, honestly, “I’m trying to take better care of myself, and I haven’t enjoyed these gatherings, so I’m going to stay home for a while.”
Dear Amy: “Confused in Kansas” was a liberal who was worried that flying the American flag would be misconstrued as a politically conservative gesture.
I loved your answer.
Thirty-two years ago, my husband and I had a disagreement about displaying the flag on Memorial Day. We had just moved into our home (whose previous owner had left a large flag and had installed a holder). I asked my taller husband to put out the flag as he wouldn’t require a stepladder.
He objected because he didn’t want our new neighbors to think we were right-wingers.
My argument was that both our fathers had fought in World War II and we were honoring their service and that I as an American citizen felt the flag represented all of us.
Further, I said that we were demeaning the flag if we allowed its message to be co-opted by one group who wrapped themselves in it. And that the pledge of allegiance that we had recited every day in our childhood meant something!
The flag went up that day, and I didn’t have to get out the stepladder.
— Proud American
Dear Proud: Well done.
(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--2020-07-22--Restaurant group sues Colorado health department over limits on dining capacity

A group of representing more than 200 Colorado bars and restaurants filed suit against the state health department Tuesday , arguing against state capacity limits set to combat the spread of COVID-19 , the owner of one member tavern said .
Chris Fuselier , owner of the Blake Street Tavern , said the Tavern League of Colorado filed the lawsuit against the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in Denver District Court and would file an amended complaint Wednesday to stop Gov .
Jared Polis ’ order that last call for alcohol shift from 2 a.m. to 10 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was filed Tuesday in Denver District Court .
It asks a judge to stop — by order of injunction — the state from enforcing capacity limits .
Colorado restaurants are currently allowed to serve at half capacity or up to 50 people , whichever is fewer .
Polis aired his frustrations with partiers drinking in social settings after a state report found that the 20-29 age group is leading the spread of infection in Colorado .
Overall virus cases and hospitalizations have about doubled in the past two weeks .
But Fuselier called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order is devastating to restaurants and said Polis “ continues to blame restaurants for COVID-19 problems without any data or science.
” The Blake Street Tavern can seat up to 900 people but under the current limits it ’ s restricted to a mere fraction of that , Fuselier said .
The state ’ s capacity limits aren ’ t a good one-size-fits-all option .
“ We ’ re getting killed , ” he said .
And now Polis ’ order will take the other leg out from underneath restaurants , Fuselier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diminished capacities but to shrink their hours as well is a bridge too far .
“ We ’ re in such bad shape , the timing couldn ’ t be worse , ” Fuselier said .
A representative for Polis could not immediately be reached for comment .
Fuselier has been active on Twitter , championing the restaurant and service industry , calling for Polis to impose a statewide mask mandate and applauding the governor when he did so last week .
But still he said more time should have been allowed after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations in place .

A group representing more than 200 Colorado bars and restaurants filed suit against the state health department Tuesday, arguing against state capacity limits set to combat the spread of COVID-19, the owner of one member tavern said.
Chris Fuselier, owner of the Blake Street Tavern, said the Tavern League of Colorado filed the lawsuit against the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in Denver District Court.
Attorney Jordan Factor confirmed that the lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Denver District Court. It asks a judge to stop — by order of injunction — the state from enforcing capacity limits.
The group then filed an amended complaint Wednesday to stop Gov. Jared Polis’ order to shift last call for alcohol from 2 a.m. to 10 p.m., said Executive Director Stephanie Fransen Hicks.
“We have yet to see any data that supports this type of drastic action. This week’s decision is an unwarranted blow to an industry already struggling to survive. You will see additional business attrition statewide should this order remain in place,” Fransen Hicks said in a written statement.
@CDPHE My Restaurant is a member of the Tavern League, a group of 200 CO Restaurants and today we filed a Complaint re capacity limits. Tomorrow, we are filing an Amended Complaint + Motion for Temporary Restraining Order re @GovofCO arbitrary Order re 10 pm last call for drinks! pic.twitter.com/8jHk2WpuER — Chris Fuselier (@ChrisJFuselier) July 21, 2020
Colorado restaurants are currently allowed to serve at half capacity or up to 50 people, whichever is fewer.
Polis aired his frustrations with partiers drinking in social settings after a state report found that the 20-29 age group is leading the spread of infection in Colorado. Overall virus cases and hospitalizations have about doubled in the past two weeks.
But Fuselier called the new order arbitrary. He said the order is devastating to restaurants and said Polis “continues to blame restaurants for COVID-19 problems without any data or science.”
The Blake Street Tavern can seat up to 900 people but under the current limits it’s restricted to a mere fraction of that, Fuselier said. The state’s capacity limits aren’t a good one-size-fits-all option.
“We’re getting killed,” he said.
And now Polis’ order will take the other leg out from underneath restaurants, Fuselier said. Already they’re at diminished capacities but to shrink their hours as well is a bridge too far.
“We’re in such bad shape, the timing couldn’t be worse,” Fuselier said.
Conor Cahill, a spokesperson for Polis said the governor believes these steps are critical to keep the economy reopening and to prevent the virus from gaining ground in Colorado.
“These are challenging times and no one wants Colorado’s small businesses to bounce back stronger more than the Governor,” Cahill said.
“The fate of our state in both virus suppression and economic recovery is largely in the hands of Coloradans,” Cahill added. “It’s important to reduce our social interactions, remain six feet from others whenever possible, and wear facial masks when we’re in public.”
Fuselier has been active on Twitter, championing the restaurant and service industry, calling for Polis to impose a statewide mask mandate and applauding the governor when he did so last week. But still he said more time should have been allowed after imposing the mask mandate before putting new regulations in place.


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--Denver Public Schools releases more information about virtual classes

Denver Public Schools officials say they are preparing three scenarios for the upcoming fall semester covering a virtual and two in-person possibilities as the country ’ s coronavirus pandemic rages on .
Enrollment , also called annual family update , begins next week and parents and guardians will have until school begins Aug. 24 to decide whether they want their children to attend classes in-person or virtually , said district spokesperson Michael Vaughn .
However , in-person classes won ’ t start until early September at the earliest and even then it ’ s unclear what form they might take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virtual program will remain there until at least the end of December , according to the district ’ s website .
While the rest of the students would either split their class time online and in-person or attend school fully in person .
“ Parents who want in-person instruction would wait to hear from the district in terms of what that looks like , either full in-person instruction for all students or a mix of in-person and removed , ” Vaughn said .
Parents have been frustrated by a lack of information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a survey asking them to specify their preference for entirely online or entirely in-person classes .
The newest information online provides slightly more details but still omits others .
Students in the virtual program will typically be assigned to teachers from their schools , though in some cases they ’ ll be fitted with a teacher in a different school , depending on class size and staffing availability , Vaughn said .
The goal is to make virtual classrooms as similar to in-person ones as possible , the site says .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have specific times to speak directly with their teachers and classmates .
Schools will work with students on individualized education programs , also known as IEP or 504 programs — to see whether and how those services can be provided virtually , the site says .
Those learning English will receive support services .
Virtual students will also still have access to the district ’ s psychologists , social workers , counselors and more , the site says .
Then , the in-person options that district officials will choose from later in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance from experts , Vaughn said .
With the hybrid option , schools will open at half capacity on alternating days , Vaughn said .
Students would be in class one day and then learning virtually the next .
Students with extra needs will be allowed an extra in-person day and siblings would share the same schedule .
“ At no point would a school have more than 50 % of its enrollment , ” Vaughn said .
Or schools could open entirely to in-person learning , he said .
But that decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .

Denver Public Schools officials say they are preparing three scenarios for the upcoming fall semester covering a virtual and two in-person possibilities as the country’s coronavirus pandemic rages on.
Enrollment, also called annual family update, begins next week and parents and guardians will have until school begins Aug. 24 to decide whether they want their children to attend classes in-person or virtually, said district spokesperson Michael Vaughn. However, in-person classes won’t start until early September at the earliest and even then it’s unclear what form they might take.
At that point, students in the virtual program will remain there until at least the end of December, according to the district’s website. While the rest of the students would either split their class time online and in-person or attend school fully in person.
“Parents who want in-person instruction would wait to hear from the district in terms of what that looks like, either full in-person instruction for all students or a mix of in-person and remote,” Vaughn said.
Parents have been frustrated by a lack of information from the district, which recently pushed out a survey asking them to specify their preference for entirely online or entirely in-person classes. The newest information online provides slightly more details but still omits others.
Students in the virtual program will typically be assigned to teachers from their schools, though in some cases they’ll be fitted with a teacher in a different school, depending on class size and staffing availability, Vaughn said.
The goal is to make virtual classrooms as similar to in-person ones as possible, the site says. Most classes will be held live so students will have specific times to speak directly with their teachers and classmates.
Schools will work with students on individualized education programs, also known as IEP or 504 programs — to see whether and how those services can be provided virtually, the site says. Those learning English will receive support services.
Virtual students will also still have access to the district’s psychologists, social workers, counselors and more, the site says.
Then, the in-person options that district officials will choose from later in the year depend on health conditions and guidance from experts, Vaughn said.
With the hybrid option, schools will open at half capacity on alternating days, Vaughn said. Students would be in class one day and then learning virtually the next. Students with extra needs will be allowed an extra in-person day and siblings would share the same schedule.
“At no point would a school have more than 50% of its enrollment,” Vaughn said.
Or schools could open entirely to in-person learning, he said. But that decision depends on many factors in the coming months.


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--Jim Hilliard, battling ALS, will get to watch son, Sam, play for Rockies Friday night

COVID-19 will keep most fans out of Globe Life Field this season .
But thanks to the efforts of Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and his staff , one very special family was in attendance Tuesday night in a comfy , safe place .
Jim and Tamara Hilliard , the parents of Rockies rookie outfielder Sam Hilliard , were at the brand-new ballpark in Arlington , Texas to watch their son play the Rangers in an exhibition game .
They plan to be back Friday night when the Rockies open their 2020 season .
Jim Hilliard is battling ALS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
“ He ’ s doing good , ” said his son , who was a Rangers fan while growing up in nearby Mansfield , Texas .
“ He ’ s still the same guy , great sense of humor , very positive .
He ’ s keeping the family spirits up and still loves to see his family and his friends .
“ The conversation I had with him and my mom was just kind of , ‘ I can ’ t believe that it ’ s going to happen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us do this.
’ It was a conversation of cries and just relief .
We haven ’ t seen each other for a while .
We ’ re all really happy to reunite.
” After making his debut in the majors last August , Hilliard began using his high profile to raise money for ALS research .
His mom , a former Miss Texas , business owner and commercial actor , has been the driving force behind Team Hilliard and its website ( Twitter handle @ TeamHilliardALS ) .
Jim Hilliard , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was officially diagnosed with ALS in 2018 .
Although his son prefers not to talk about his dad ’ s situation very often , it ’ s clear that this is a very big deal .
“ It ’ s part of what makes this game great , for his family to be a part of their son coming back home and playing against the team he grew up rooting for , ” Rockies manager Bud Black said .
“ We all know his dad ’ s situation .
It ’ s rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment .
It ’ s really cool.
” Moving satellite .
The coronavirus is forcing the Rockies into a major change of plans .
After discussions with New Mexico ’ s government about the pandemic , the club decided to move its “ satellite camp ” from Albuquerque to Denver .
Albuquerque is home to the Rockies ’ Triple-A team and seemed like the perfect place to train pool players who are not on the 30-man roster or three-man taxi squad .
COVID-19 , however , altered those plans .
Instead , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Metropolitan State University of Denver .
The Rockies will use the Pepsi Center as a clubhouse .
The Pepsi Center is available because the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche will compete out of state in so-called bubble environments .
Footnotes .
Late-game reliever Scott Oberg , who ’ s dealing with a strained back , remains in injury limbo .
Black said the club hasn ’ t decided if Oberg will pitch in Wednesday night ’ s exhibition game against the Rangers .
Rosters for opening day are due at 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a decision on Oberg will “ come down to the 11th hour.
” … Antonio Senzatela , the fourth starter , will start Wednesday night and could hike his pitch count up to 75 .
Senzatela will likely start at Oakland next Tuesday .
… Lefty Jake McGee , released by the Rockies last Friday , signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday and was added to their 40-man roster .
McGee , who signed a three-year , $ 27 million deal with Colorado prior to the 2018 season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season in which he posted a 4.35 ERA and gave up 2.4 home runs per nine innings .

COVID-19 will keep most fans out of Globe Life Field this season.
Most fans.
But thanks to the efforts of Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and his staff, one very special family was in attendance Tuesday night in a comfy, safe place.
Jim and Tamara Hilliard, the parents of Rockies rookie outfielder Sam Hilliard, were at the brand-new ballpark in Arlington, Texas to watch their son play the Rangers in an exhibition game. They plan to be back Friday night when the Rockies open their 2020 season.
Jim Hilliard is battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“He’s doing good,” said his son, who was a Rangers fan while growing up in nearby Mansfield, Texas. “He’s still the same guy, great sense of humor, very positive. He’s keeping the family spirits up and still loves to see his family and his friends.
“The conversation I had with him and my mom was just kind of, ‘I can’t believe that it’s going to happen. They’re really going to let us do this.’ It was a conversation of cries and just relief. We haven’t seen each other for a while. We’re all really happy to reunite.”
After making his debut in the majors last August, Hilliard began using his high profile to raise money for ALS research. His mom, a former Miss Texas, business owner and commercial actor, has been the driving force behind Team Hilliard and its website (Twitter handle @TeamHilliardALS).
Jim Hilliard, a retired orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon, was officially diagnosed with ALS in 2018. Although his son prefers not to talk about his dad’s situation very often, it’s clear that this is a very big deal.
“It’s part of what makes this game great, for his family to be a part of their son coming back home and playing against the team he grew up rooting for,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “We all know his dad’s situation. It’s rough. But it’s a gentle moment. It’s really cool.”
Moving satellite. The coronavirus is forcing the Rockies into a major change of plans. After discussions with New Mexico’s government about the pandemic, the club decided to move its “satellite camp” from Albuquerque to Denver. Albuquerque is home to the Rockies’ Triple-A team and seemed like the perfect place to train pool players who are not on the 30-man roster or three-man taxi squad.
COVID-19, however, altered those plans. Instead, the camp will be held at Coors Field and Metropolitan State University of Denver. The Rockies will use the Pepsi Center as a clubhouse. The Pepsi Center is available because the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche will compete out of state in so-called bubble environments.
Footnotes. Late-game reliever Scott Oberg, who’s dealing with a strained back, remains in injury limbo. Black said the club hasn’t decided if Oberg will pitch in Wednesday night’s exhibition game against the Rangers. Rosters for opening day are due at 11 a.m. Thursday (MDT) and Black said a decision on Oberg will “come down to the 11th hour.” … Antonio Senzatela, the fourth starter, will start Wednesday night and could hike his pitch count up to 75. Senzatela will likely start at Oakland next Tuesday. … Lefty Jake McGee, released by the Rockies last Friday, signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday and was added to their 40-man roster. McGee, who signed a three-year, $27 million deal with Colorado prior to the 2018 season, is coming off of a difficult 2019 season in which he posted a 4.35 ERA and gave up 2.4 home runs per nine innings.


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--Keeler: Embrace Nolan Arenado. Embrace weird. Embrace asterisks. 2020 Rockies season is gift horse y

Keeler: Embrace Nolan Arenado. Embrace weird. Embrace asterisks. 2020 Rockies season is gift horse you don’t look in the mouth.

Look on the bright side .
Thanks to Mookie Betts , that ’ s now $ 365 million less that the Dodgers have in toy money to plop , like a pirate chest , at the feet of Nolan Arenado .
Hey , it ’ s Opening Day .
We ’ re trying .
Over 60 games , those straws you ’ ve been clutching might somehow be enough to keep things afloat .
On one hand , we ’ re thrilled .
Thrilled that the Rockies are even here , bravely pushing the boat out into the swell and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , we ’ ve learned to wake up every day to the threat of a rainout , beholden to storm clouds you never see coming .
Until it ’ s too late .
We ’ re grateful , because if we ’ ve learned anything from 2020 , it ’ s that when it comes to positives , you take what you can get , when you can get it .
Come here , you gift horse .
Big hug .
Because none of us know how long any of it gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand , we ’ re wary .
Wary because the fates , or a sneeze , could conspire to pull the curtain down on this production at any time .
Wary because the 2020 Rockies , on paper , remain largely as we left them in March : flawed , dysfunctional , top-heavy in talent and a crap shoot after the seventh inning .
If it ’ s Kyle Freeland circa 2018 ?
The Rockies , not the Padres , will be the NL West surprise that keeps nipping at the Dodgers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go as far the top three guys in the rotation and the three guys on the back end of the bullpen can take them .
Same as it ever was .
Then again , there ’ s nothing conventional about the moment .
Or about what we ’ re diving into .
Remember when Arenado vs. Bridich was supposed to dominate the headlines ?
When Nolan vs. Jeff was the most emotional topic of 2020 ?
Those were the days , my friend .
We don ’ t know how deep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world has bigger , much bigger , problems now .
Here ’ s to rolling out the red carpet .
And rolling the dice .
Ten weeks .
A universal DH .
Extra innings that open with a runner on second .
Locked gates in LoDo .
Cardboard placeholders where hearts should be .
Because manager Bud Black , in Year 4 , is playing with house money .
According to BetMGM , only the Miami Marlins have longer odds of winning a National League pennant than the 2020 Rockies .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins at 26.5 , or the equivalent of 71.5 victories over 162 contests .
We won ’ t do a Full Monfort , but we ’ ll meet him halfway .
This roster isn ’ t 20-games-under .500 bad .
The floor is high enough , if everyone ’ s healthy/available/present , to avoid a repeat of last August ’ s capitulation tour .
It ’ s the ceiling that gives you pause .
The ceiling and depth .
Shedding bloated bullpen salaries is noble , but it doesn ’ t atone for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tent poles such as Arenado , Trevor Story , Charlie Blackmon and German Marquez , while you ’ ve got them .
You don ’ t produce four All-Stars in a season and lose 90 games or more unless the supporting cast is a dumpster fire .
With roughly a third of the usual rope to play with , if Black manages this sprint like it ’ s a marathon , he ’ ll be left eating everyone else ’ s dust .
“ You might have to make some hard decisions ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t wait for guys to potentially come out of a hitting slump or come out of a pitching slump , ” the Rockies manager admitted earlier this month .
“ You don ’ t have the luxury of six months for a guy to come out of it … you have to really know your players , really know how they ’ re playing and how they ’ re going about it .
And then some hard decisions , personally , might have to be made.
” In 2020 , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for egos , no time for pity , no time for favorites , no time for trust .
With a schedule this brief , with a pandemic serving as the Joker card in everybody ’ s deck , every lineup card is precious .
Every day , too .

Look on the bright side. Thanks to Mookie Betts, that’s now $365 million less that the Dodgers have in toy money to plop, like a pirate chest, at the feet of Nolan Arenado.
Hey, it’s Opening Day. We’re trying. Over 60 games, those straws you’ve been clutching might somehow be enough to keep things afloat.
On one hand, we’re thrilled. Thrilled that the Rockies are even here, bravely pushing the boat out into the swell and the fog. In the age of COVID-19, we’ve learned to wake up every day to the threat of a rainout, beholden to storm clouds you never see coming. Until it’s too late.
We’re grateful, because if we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that when it comes to positives, you take what you can get, when you can get it.
Come here, you gift horse. Big hug.
Embrace Nolan.
Embrace the asterisks.
Embrace the masks.
Embrace the weird.
Because none of us know how long any of it gets to stick around.
On the other hand, we’re wary. Wary because the fates, or a sneeze, could conspire to pull the curtain down on this production at any time.
Wary because the 2020 Rockies, on paper, remain largely as we left them in March: flawed, dysfunctional, top-heavy in talent and a crap shoot after the seventh inning.
If it’s Kyle Freeland circa 2018? The Rockies, not the Padres, will be the NL West surprise that keeps nipping at the Dodgers’ heels.
Kyle Freeland 2019? Shield your eyes.
Wade Davis 2018? Let’s watch a pennant race!
Wade Davis 2019? Let’s watch election commercials!
Conventional wisdom says the Rox will go as far the top three guys in the rotation and the three guys on the back end of the bullpen can take them. Then again, there’s nothing conventional about the moment. Or about what we’re diving into.
Remember when Arenado vs. Bridich was supposed to dominate the headlines? When Nolan vs. Jeff was the most emotional topic of 2020?
Those were the days, my friend.
We don’t know how deep the hatchet has been buried. We know the world has bigger, much bigger, problems now.
Here’s to rolling out the red carpet. And rolling the dice.
Ten weeks. A universal DH. Extra innings that open with a runner on second. Locked gates in LoDo. Cardboard placeholders where hearts should be.
Embrace Nolan.
Embrace the asterisks.
Embrace the masks.
Embrace the weird.
Because manager Bud Black, in Year 4, is playing with house money. According to BetMGM, only the Miami Marlins have longer odds of winning a National League pennant than the 2020 Rockies. Those same bookies set the over-under on Colorado wins at 26.5, or the equivalent of 71.5 victories over 162 contests.
We won’t do a Full Monfort, but we’ll meet him halfway. This roster isn’t 20-games-under .500 bad. The floor is high enough, if everyone’s healthy/available/present, to avoid a repeat of last August’s capitulation tour.
It’s the ceiling that gives you pause. The ceiling and depth. Shedding bloated bullpen salaries is noble, but it doesn’t atone for failing to slot complementary pieces around franchise tent poles such as Arenado, Trevor Story, Charlie Blackmon and German Marquez, while you’ve got them. You don’t produce four All-Stars in a season and lose 90 games or more unless the supporting cast is a dumpster fire.
With roughly a third of the usual rope to play with, if Black manages this sprint like it’s a marathon, he’ll be left eating everyone else’s dust.
“You might have to make some hard decisions (based on) performance, because you can’t wait for guys to potentially come out of a hitting slump or come out of a pitching slump,” the Rockies manager admitted earlier this month. “You don’t have the luxury of six months for a guy to come out of it … you have to really know your players, really know how they’re playing and how they’re going about it. And then some hard decisions, personally, might have to be made.”
In 2020, there’s simply no time. No time for egos, no time for pity, no time for favorites, no time for trust. With a schedule this brief, with a pandemic serving as the Joker card in everybody’s deck, every lineup card is precious. Every day, too.


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--Nuggets’ Bol Bol shines in unofficial NBA debut: “I’ve been waiting a long time” for this moment

The debut of Nuggets rookie Bol Bol was as fascinating as the NBA ’ s bubble experiment itself .
That it came under ridiculous circumstances – no fans and a severely compromised Nuggets roster – made no difference .
The 7-foot-2 forward balled out in his first real competition against NBA talent , validating the whispers that had trickled out of Nuggets training camp .
It was easily the biggest storyline after the Nuggets took down the Wizards 89-82 in their first organized scrimmage in 133 days .
There were the blocks – six , to be exact – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a guard or galloped down it like a wing .
He finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes in what could best be described as an endlessly intriguing entrance into the NBA .
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he didn ’ t intend to play him so long , but his impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable .
Bol , whose postgame media session was delayed by a randomly scheduled drug test from the NBA , joked about how he ’ d never started a game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been the biggest lineup in NBA history , ” Malone said .
Down to just eight men against the Wizards , Bol started alongside Nikola Jokic ( point guard ) , Mason Plumlee ( center ) , Jerami Grant ( shooting guard ) and Paul Millsap ( power forward ) .
No one in the starting lineup came in under 6-foot-8 .
“ That was kind of unusual , but we just made it work with our spacing , ” said Bol , who played just eight games in the G League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Nuggets a handful of times .
“ That was our plan at the beginning of the game .
We all discussed that we were all really tall , but as long as we kept our spacing , then everything was going to work .
And that ’ s what happened.
” Jokic finished with 16 points and eight turnovers , while newcomer Troy Daniels had a team-high 22 points .
Malone lamented his team ’ s carelessness ( 25 turnovers ; Bol added five ) , but was pleased with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just as Malone did with celebrated rookie Michael Porter Jr. earlier this season , Denver ’ s veteran coach tried his best to tamp down the hype and check expectations .
Before the game , Malone acknowledged he was much more comfortable playing Bol after two weeks of practices than he would ’ ve been otherwise .
But he still didn ’ t want to add any undue pressure to Bol ’ s debut .
“ Being around him every day , him opening up , you can see his personality getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malone said .
“ He ’ s played very well .
Let ’ s not forget .
He ’ s still , in essence , a rookie .
Let ’ s not put the expectations way up there .
Let ’ s let him grow and develop .
But he ’ s shown me that he has a tremendous amount of talent .
He has things , as I ’ ve mentioned quite a bit , that I can ’ t teach as a coach .
I can ’ t teach 7-foot-2 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wingspan , and I sure as hell can ’ t teach a really soft touch all the way out to the NBA 3-point line.
” The secret was up only minutes into the first quarter when Bol erased a Wizards shot on one end , casually dribbled up the court past Jokic , the emergency point guard , and drilled a transition 3-pointer .
Denver ’ s ( dispersed ) bench unit celebrated his arrival accordingly .
Playing a zone defense , the Nuggets funneled Washington ’ s ballhandlers toward Bol , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shots he actually connected with .
Because the Nuggets were without Jamal Murray ( precautionary ) , Will Barton ( knee soreness ) , and Gary Harris and Torrey Craig , who recently cleared quarantine , they were able to trot out ridiculous lineups that were as much about preserving everyone ’ s health as they were about having fun .
But within those lineups , Bol shined .
His one-handed halfcourt pass to forward Noah Vonleh showed precision usually reserved for Jokic , and it ’ s clear the Nuggets might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replicated .
Later , he and Jokic ran a seamless pick-and-roll , which left the Wizards helpless to defend .
“ He has really good IQ , ” Bol said of Jokic .
“ He ’ s the one that actually told me to set the screen , and I just noticed someone smaller was on me , so I decided to slip.
” In the fourth quarter , the two connected when Jokic whipped an outlet pass to Bol , who dribbled , gathered and polished a miss off with an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-footers don ’ t move like him .
“ Bol is young , ” Malone said .
“ Every minute he gets on the court is going to allow him to grow and learn .
And everything he does is a positive , because it ’ s really good , or it ’ s something where he may not have done the right thing but he ’ s going to learn from it.
” Asked to pick his favorite moment from Wednesday ’ s debut , Bol paused and considered his impressive night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after so long , because I ’ ve been waiting a long time , just working hard and waiting for this moment , ” he said .

The debut of Nuggets rookie Bol Bol was as fascinating as the NBA’s bubble experiment itself.
That it came under ridiculous circumstances – no fans and a severely compromised Nuggets roster – made no difference. The 7-foot-2 forward balled out in his first real competition against NBA talent, validating the whispers that had trickled out of Nuggets training camp. It was easily the biggest storyline after the Nuggets took down the Wizards 89-82 in their first organized scrimmage in 133 days.
There were the blocks – six, to be exact – and other moments where he perused the court like a guard or galloped down it like a wing. He finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes in what could best be described as an endlessly intriguing entrance into the NBA. Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he didn’t intend to play him so long, but his impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable.
Bol, whose postgame media session was delayed by a randomly scheduled drug test from the NBA, joked about how he’d never started a game alongside other seven-footers.
“Tonight might have been the biggest lineup in NBA history,” Malone said.
Down to just eight men against the Wizards, Bol started alongside Nikola Jokic (point guard), Mason Plumlee (center), Jerami Grant (shooting guard) and Paul Millsap (power forward). No one in the starting lineup came in under 6-foot-8.
“That was kind of unusual, but we just made it work with our spacing,” said Bol, who played just eight games in the G League this year and only got to practice with the Nuggets a handful of times. “That was our plan at the beginning of the game. We all discussed that we were all really tall, but as long as we kept our spacing, then everything was going to work. And that’s what happened.”
Jokic finished with 16 points and eight turnovers, while newcomer Troy Daniels had a team-high 22 points. Malone lamented his team’s carelessness (25 turnovers; Bol added five), but was pleased with his team’s fortitude under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Just as Malone did with celebrated rookie Michael Porter Jr. earlier this season, Denver’s veteran coach tried his best to tamp down the hype and check expectations. Before the game, Malone acknowledged he was much more comfortable playing Bol after two weeks of practices than he would’ve been otherwise. But he still didn’t want to add any undue pressure to Bol’s debut.
“Being around him every day, him opening up, you can see his personality getting more comfortable, more confident,” Malone said. “He’s played very well. Let’s not forget. He’s still, in essence, a rookie. Let’s not put the expectations way up there. Let’s let him grow and develop. But he’s shown me that he has a tremendous amount of talent. He has things, as I’ve mentioned quite a bit, that I can’t teach as a coach. I can’t teach 7-foot-2, I can’t teach a 7-foot-9 wingspan, and I sure as hell can’t teach a really soft touch all the way out to the NBA 3-point line.”
The secret was up only minutes into the first quarter when Bol erased a Wizards shot on one end, casually dribbled up the court past Jokic, the emergency point guard, and drilled a transition 3-pointer. Denver’s (dispersed) bench unit celebrated his arrival accordingly.
Playing a zone defense, the Nuggets funneled Washington’s ballhandlers toward Bol, whose 7-9 wingspan disrupted far more than just the shots he actually connected with.
Because the Nuggets were without Jamal Murray (precautionary), Will Barton (knee soreness), and Gary Harris and Torrey Craig, who recently cleared quarantine, they were able to trot out ridiculous lineups that were as much about preserving everyone’s health as they were about having fun. But within those lineups, Bol shined. His one-handed halfcourt pass to forward Noah Vonleh showed precision usually reserved for Jokic, and it’s clear the Nuggets might have another seven-footer whose skillset is rarely replicated.
Later, he and Jokic ran a seamless pick-and-roll, which left the Wizards helpless to defend.
“He has really good IQ,” Bol said of Jokic. “He’s the one that actually told me to set the screen, and I just noticed someone smaller was on me, so I decided to slip.”
In the fourth quarter, the two connected when Jokic whipped an outlet pass to Bol, who dribbled, gathered and polished a miss off with an easy dunk. Across the NBA, most seven-footers don’t move like him.
“Bol is young,” Malone said. “Every minute he gets on the court is going to allow him to grow and learn. And everything he does is a positive, because it’s really good, or it’s something where he may not have done the right thing but he’s going to learn from it.”
Asked to pick his favorite moment from Wednesday’s debut, Bol paused and considered his impressive night.
“Really just getting to play after so long, because I’ve been waiting a long time, just working hard and waiting for this moment,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--Denver police union president says SWAT lieutenant ignored commander’s retreat order during Sunday’s

Denver police union president says SWAT lieutenant ignored commander’s retreat order during Sunday’s dueling rallies

The president of Denver ’ s police union on Wednesday called on police leadership to apologize for failing to protect pro-police demonstrators who rallied in Civic Center on Sunday and were overrun by counter-protesters .
“ We as police officers , we ’ re not able to root for one side or the other , like the Broncos and the Raiders , ” Nick Rogers , president of the Denver Police Protective Association , told radio talk show host Peter Boyles on KNUS Wednesday morning .
“ We don ’ t get to root for one side or the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let one side win .
But guess what ?
We did on Sunday .
And for that , we were wrong .
And for that , an apology should be made to… every person who was there.
” Rogers also asserted that police were ordered to withdraw from the amphitheater where the counter-protesters and pro-police demonstrators were clashing — at times violently — but that one Denver SWAT lieutenant refused to leave .
“ This lieutenant said , ‘ These people are going to get killed if we don ’ t stay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show , which also featured conservative commentator Michelle Malkin , who attended the rally .
“ So he kept his group there .
And that ’ s the only reason this thing didn ’ t get worse , because somebody broke ranks .
And decided not to retreat .
And they stayed so they could provide some assistance.
” Denver police spokesman Doug Schepman declined to comment on Rogers ’ statements Wednesday because the “ chronology of the incident ” is still being reviewed .
He said no officers are currently facing discipline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Efforts to reach Rogers on Wednesday were unsuccessful .
Rogers ’ call for an apology comes as conservatives criticize Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen for how the department handled the pro-police rally , suggesting that Pazen failed to adequately protect the crowd because he had previously marched with Black Lives Matter demonstrators .
“ As far as Chief Pazen apologizing , no , I think Chief Pazen should resign , ” said Randy Corporon , an attorney who organized the pro-police rally .
“ An apology is not even close to adequate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace-loving , lawfully assembled supporters of the good men and women in law enforcement.
” Sunday ’ s dueling rallies devolved into chaos and scattered outbursts of violence when a small rally to support police was flooded by counter-protesters who aimed to shut down the event by banging pots , blowing whistles , shouting and clapping .
A few scuffles broke out between the opposed demonstrators , with two women at one point getting into a fight that was broken up by police , and several others throwing punches .
Denver police made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caryn Sodaro , 55 , for assault .
Corporon said members of his group were spit on as they tried to leave and said police at times seemed to be watching the counter-protesters without intervening .
A lawsuit against the police department is “ extremely likely , ” he said .
“ They were able to get away with some things that should never be allowed to happen , ” Corporon said .
During the conflict , police and Colorado state troopers attempted to form lines to separate the two groups , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour , nearly all of the pro-police demonstrators left the amphitheater and then police also retreated .
It was at that point , as the counter-protesters marched and shouted beside retreating Denver police officers , that at least one officer deployed pepper spray on the crowd and others used less-than-lethal weapons in an attempt to disperse the crowd and clear a path for officers to retreat .
Lillian House , with Denver ’ s Party for Socialism and Liberation , which organized the counter-demonstration , said Wednesday that most demonstrators did not engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The majority of the crowd was simply making noise and making verbal resistance to their pro-police celebration , ” she said .
“ To act like the physical confrontations that happened were initiated primarily by us is just absurd.
” She said the conservative backlash this week against the counter-protesters and against Denver police was predictable .
“ Quite clearly the people on the right came with the expectation that if we showed up , the police were going to crack down on us violently — and they didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think that speaks really clearly to who is really the violent side .
”

The president of Denver’s police union on Wednesday called on police leadership to apologize for failing to protect pro-police demonstrators who rallied in Civic Center on Sunday and were overrun by counter-protesters.
“We as police officers, we’re not able to root for one side or the other, like the Broncos and the Raiders,” Nick Rogers, president of the Denver Police Protective Association, told radio talk show host Peter Boyles on KNUS Wednesday morning. “We don’t get to root for one side or the other. We’re not allowed to let one side win. But guess what? We did on Sunday. And for that, we were wrong. And for that, an apology should be made to… every person who was there.”
Rogers also asserted that police were ordered to withdraw from the amphitheater where the counter-protesters and pro-police demonstrators were clashing — at times violently — but that one Denver SWAT lieutenant refused to leave.
“This lieutenant said, ‘These people are going to get killed if we don’t stay,’” Rogers said on the radio show, which also featured conservative commentator Michelle Malkin, who attended the rally. “So he kept his group there. And that’s the only reason this thing didn’t get worse, because somebody broke ranks. And decided not to retreat. And they stayed so they could provide some assistance.”
Denver police spokesman Doug Schepman declined to comment on Rogers’ statements Wednesday because the “chronology of the incident” is still being reviewed. He said no officers are currently facing discipline in connection with Sunday’s events. Efforts to reach Rogers on Wednesday were unsuccessful.
Rogers’ call for an apology comes as conservatives criticize Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen for how the department handled the pro-police rally, suggesting that Pazen failed to adequately protect the crowd because he had previously marched with Black Lives Matter demonstrators.
“As far as Chief Pazen apologizing, no, I think Chief Pazen should resign,” said Randy Corporon, an attorney who organized the pro-police rally. “An apology is not even close to adequate for what was allowed to happen to peace-loving, lawfully assembled supporters of the good men and women in law enforcement.”
Sunday’s dueling rallies devolved into chaos and scattered outbursts of violence when a small rally to support police was flooded by counter-protesters who aimed to shut down the event by banging pots, blowing whistles, shouting and clapping.
A few scuffles broke out between the opposed demonstrators, with two women at one point getting into a fight that was broken up by police, and several others throwing punches. Denver police made one arrest, booking longtime local protester Caryn Sodaro, 55, for assault.
Corporon said members of his group were spit on as they tried to leave and said police at times seemed to be watching the counter-protesters without intervening. A lawsuit against the police department is “extremely likely,” he said.
“They were able to get away with some things that should never be allowed to happen,” Corporon said.
During the conflict, police and Colorado state troopers attempted to form lines to separate the two groups, but were largely unsuccessful. After about an hour, nearly all of the pro-police demonstrators left the amphitheater and then police also retreated.
It was at that point, as the counter-protesters marched and shouted beside retreating Denver police officers, that at least one officer deployed pepper spray on the crowd and others used less-than-lethal weapons in an attempt to disperse the crowd and clear a path for officers to retreat.
Lillian House, with Denver’s Party for Socialism and Liberation, which organized the counter-demonstration, said Wednesday that most demonstrators did not engage in violence during Sunday’s event.
“The majority of the crowd was simply making noise and making verbal resistance to their pro-police celebration,” she said. “To act like the physical confrontations that happened were initiated primarily by us is just absurd.”
She said the conservative backlash this week against the counter-protesters and against Denver police was predictable.
“Quite clearly the people on the right came with the expectation that if we showed up, the police were going to crack down on us violently — and they didn’t get that,” she said. “I think that speaks really clearly to who is really the violent side.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--Mookie Betts gets $365M, 12-year deal with Dodgers through 2032

LOS ANGELES — Even before Mookie Betts played his first game in Dodger Blue , the superstar outfielder decided his future is in Los Angeles .
Betts and the Dodgers have struck baseball ’ s first big-money deal since the coronavirus pandemic decimated the sport ’ s economics , with Betts agreeing Wednesday to a $ 365 million , 12-year contract through 2032 .
The massive deal removes the top offensive player from next offseason ’ s free-agent class and puts the longtime Boston Red Sox slugger in the middle of LA ’ s lineup for what he thinks will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Dodgers only acquired Betts in a trade Feb. 10 , but he eagerly bypassed the uncertainties of free agency for a secure future with an organization that already feels like home .
“ I just love being here , ” Betts said in a video conference call from Dodger Stadium , where he will make his Dodgers debut Thursday against San Francisco .
“ I love everything about here .
I ’ m here to win some rings and bring championships back to LA .
That ’ s all I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is baseball ’ s second-largest in total dollars behind the $ 426.5 million , 12-year contract for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout covering 2019-30 .
Trout and Betts are arguably the top two outfielders in the game , and now they ’ ve both got deals that should keep them playing 32 miles apart for at least the next decade .
“ I ’ m excited for him , ” said Trout , who texted his congratulations to Betts .
“ We kind of went through the same situation .
I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to take , because mine lasted about 10 hours .
Being so close to him now , it ’ s pretty cool to have him out here .
Southern California is great.
” Betts , who turns 28 in October , was acquired along with pitcher David Price for three promising Dodgers prospects in a blockbuster trade that signaled Los Angeles ’ determination to win the World Series after claiming the NL pennants in 2017 and 2018 .
While Price opted out of the current season because of family health concerns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dodgers ’ lineup as they pursue their first championship in 32 years as a World Series favorite .
The deep-pocketed Dodgers have run their payroll with remarkable discipline under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman , even when he occasionally frustrated fans with his caution .
Friedman had no such concerns about handing this massive commitment to the 5-foot-9 Betts , the 2018 AL MVP and one of the majors ’ top all-around players .
“ It was front of mind for us , ” Friedman said .
“ It was something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were hopeful that he ’ d get here , fall in love with it , go out there and win a bunch of games.
” Friedman began discussing a long-term deal with Betts ’ representatives in March before the coronavirus pandemic upended the season .
They picked up discussions again last week , and a deal was reached rapidly .
“ Our desire to get something done didn ’ t change at all , ” Friedman said .
“ It helps when both sides are coming at it from a standpoint of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Betts had agreed to a $ 27 million , one-year deal with the Red Sox , a salary that has been reduced to $ 10 million in prorated pay because of the shortened season .
Betts ’ average salary of $ 30.42 million trails Gerrit Cole ( $ 36 million ) , Trout ( $ 35.5 million ) , Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon ( $ 35 million each ) , Zack Greinke ( $ 34.4 million ) , Justin Verlander $ 31.3 million ) , and new teammates Price and Clayton Kershaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A four-time Gold Glove winner , Betts won the MVP award en route to Boston ’ s World Series title .
He hit .295 with 29 homers and 80 RBIs last year , down from a major league-leading .346 average with 32 homers and 80 RBIs in his MVP season .
The Red Sox enraged a large portion of their fan base when they traded their homegrown superstar instead of working for a long-term deal .
When Betts was asked whether he would have agreed to a similar deal with Boston , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very valid question.
” “ I think I just want to stick with I ’ m here in LA , ” Betts said .
His agreement leaves catcher JT Realmuto , outfielder George Springer , shortstop Marcus Semien and pitchers Trevor Bauer and Marcus Stroman as the top players headed toward free agency

LOS ANGELES — Even before Mookie Betts played his first game in Dodger Blue, the superstar outfielder decided his future is in Los Angeles.
Betts and the Dodgers have struck baseball’s first big-money deal since the coronavirus pandemic decimated the sport’s economics, with Betts agreeing Wednesday to a $365 million, 12-year contract through 2032.
The massive deal removes the top offensive player from next offseason’s free-agent class and puts the longtime Boston Red Sox slugger in the middle of LA’s lineup for what he thinks will be the rest of his career. The Dodgers only acquired Betts in a trade Feb. 10, but he eagerly bypassed the uncertainties of free agency for a secure future with an organization that already feels like home.
“I just love being here,” Betts said in a video conference call from Dodger Stadium, where he will make his Dodgers debut Thursday against San Francisco. “I love everything about here. I’m here to win some rings and bring championships back to LA. That’s all I’m focused on.”
Betts’ new deal is baseball’s second-largest in total dollars behind the $426.5 million, 12-year contract for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout covering 2019-30. Trout and Betts are arguably the top two outfielders in the game, and now they’ve both got deals that should keep them playing 32 miles apart for at least the next decade.
“I’m excited for him,” said Trout, who texted his congratulations to Betts. “We kind of went through the same situation. I was laughing because of the physical he probably had to take, because mine lasted about 10 hours. Being so close to him now, it’s pretty cool to have him out here. Southern California is great.”
Betts, who turns 28 in October, was acquired along with pitcher David Price for three promising Dodgers prospects in a blockbuster trade that signaled Los Angeles’ determination to win the World Series after claiming the NL pennants in 2017 and 2018.
While Price opted out of the current season because of family health concerns, Betts will be at the heart of the Dodgers’ lineup as they pursue their first championship in 32 years as a World Series favorite.
The deep-pocketed Dodgers have run their payroll with remarkable discipline under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, even when he occasionally frustrated fans with his caution. Friedman had no such concerns about handing this massive commitment to the 5-foot-9 Betts, the 2018 AL MVP and one of the majors’ top all-around players.
“It was front of mind for us,” Friedman said. “It was something we really wanted to do. … We were hopeful that he’d get here, fall in love with it, go out there and win a bunch of games.”
Friedman began discussing a long-term deal with Betts’ representatives in March before the coronavirus pandemic upended the season. They picked up discussions again last week, and a deal was reached rapidly.
“Our desire to get something done didn’t change at all,” Friedman said. “It helps when both sides are coming at it from a standpoint of wanting to get a deal done.”
Betts had agreed to a $27 million, one-year deal with the Red Sox, a salary that has been reduced to $10 million in prorated pay because of the shortened season.
Betts’ average salary of $30.42 million trails Gerrit Cole ($36 million), Trout ($35.5 million), Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon ($35 million each), Zack Greinke ($34.4 million), Justin Verlander $31.3 million), and new teammates Price and Clayton Kershaw ($31 million each).
A four-time Gold Glove winner, Betts won the MVP award en route to Boston’s World Series title. He hit .295 with 29 homers and 80 RBIs last year, down from a major league-leading .346 average with 32 homers and 80 RBIs in his MVP season.
The Red Sox enraged a large portion of their fan base when they traded their homegrown superstar instead of working for a long-term deal. When Betts was asked whether he would have agreed to a similar deal with Boston, he paused and smiled, calling it “a very valid question.”
“I think I just want to stick with I’m here in LA,” Betts said.
His agreement leaves catcher JT Realmuto, outfielder George Springer, shortstop Marcus Semien and pitchers Trevor Bauer and Marcus Stroman as the top players headed toward free agency
___
AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--Congress passes Cory Gardner’s public lands bill

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a major public lands bill introduced by Sen. Cory Gardner , a Republican from Yuma .
The Great American Outdoors Act passed by a vote of 310-107 .
It previously had passed the Senate , so it now goes to President Donald Trump , who has said he will sign it .
“ By fixing and repairing our public lands and national parks , we not only have the chance to improve the roads , hiking trails , campsites and visitor centers for generations to enjoy , ” Gardner said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also to create thousands of job opportunities in Colorado and across the nation at a time when our country needs them most.
” Gardner has highlighted the bill often as he fights for re-election against John Hickenlooper , a Denver Democrat .
The Gardner campaign released a TV ad about his work on the Great American Outdoors Act on Tuesday .
The legislation permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund , which has been chronically underfunded for decades .
The fund uses oil and gas revenue to expand public lands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites in every state across the country .
“ For over five decades , the Land and Water Conservation Fund has invested approximately $ 278.6 million in the state of Colorado , ” said Frisco Mayor Hunter Mortensen .
The bill also addresses a $ 20 billion backlog of deferred maintenance in national parks .
The Great American Outdoors Act has had significant bipartisan support since Trump announced in March that he likes it .
Sen. Michael Bennet , a Denver Democrat , was a cosponsor of the legislation .
But in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes were split along party lines .
The state ’ s four House Democrats voted in favor and the three Colorado Republicans voted against .
“ One of our country ’ s most popular national parks , Rocky Mountain National Park , faces a significant maintenance backlog of $ 84 million , ” said Rep. Joe Neguse , a Lafayette Democrat , during a speech on the House floor .
“ Our park employees are working incredibly hard , but they can ’ t do it alone.
” Ivanka Trump , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlight the Great American Outdoors Act in remarks Thursday morning at Rocky Mountain National Park .

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a major public lands bill introduced by Sen. Cory Gardner, a Republican from Yuma.
The Great American Outdoors Act passed by a vote of 310-107. It previously had passed the Senate, so it now goes to President Donald Trump, who has said he will sign it.
“By fixing and repairing our public lands and national parks, we not only have the chance to improve the roads, hiking trails, campsites and visitor centers for generations to enjoy,” Gardner said in a statement after the House vote, “but also to create thousands of job opportunities in Colorado and across the nation at a time when our country needs them most.”
Gardner has highlighted the bill often as he fights for re-election against John Hickenlooper, a Denver Democrat. The Gardner campaign released a TV ad about his work on the Great American Outdoors Act on Tuesday.
The legislation permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has been chronically underfunded for decades. The fund uses oil and gas revenue to expand public lands, safeguard natural areas and protect cultural heritage sites in every state across the country.
“For over five decades, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has invested approximately $278.6 million in the state of Colorado,” said Frisco Mayor Hunter Mortensen.
The bill also addresses a $20 billion backlog of deferred maintenance in national parks. The Great American Outdoors Act has had significant bipartisan support since Trump announced in March that he likes it. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Denver Democrat, was a cosponsor of the legislation.
But in the House on Wednesday, Colorado’s votes were split along party lines. The state’s four House Democrats voted in favor and the three Colorado Republicans voted against.
“One of our country’s most popular national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park, faces a significant maintenance backlog of $84 million,” said Rep. Joe Neguse, a Lafayette Democrat, during a speech on the House floor. “Our park employees are working incredibly hard, but they can’t do it alone.”
Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and adviser, will highlight the Great American Outdoors Act in remarks Thursday morning at Rocky Mountain National Park.


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--MLB allows Black Lives Matter, social justice jersey patches

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball players have the option of having a patch with “ Black Lives Matter ” or “ United For Change ” on a jersey sleeve on opening day of the pandemic-delayed season .
Teams have the option of stenciling an inverted MLB logo with “ BLM ” or “ United for Change ” on the back of the pitcher ’ s mound during opening weekend games .
After discussions among the commissioner ’ s office and the Major League Baseball Players Association , The Players Alliance and individual players , each player may use a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the silhouetted batter is black , the first use of such a logo .
Each player also may use a Black Lives Matter batting practice T-shirt or a T-shirt designed or obtained by the player or his team .
MLB is lifting cleat restrictions for this season , giving players the ability to put messages for social justice and causes on their spikes .
Jersey patches would go on the left sleeve unless a team has an existing patch there , in which case the new one would go on the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used Thursday and Friday .
The initiatives that start Thursday were designed to allow players to show support for social justice generally , and diversity and inclusion in baseball .
They were deliberately made flexible , allowing players to make individual decisions .
T-shirts with the messages and the special wristbands may be used for the entire season .
When the English Premier League resumed last month , player names were replaced with “ Black Lives Matter ” during the opening games .
In addition , the World Series champion Washington Nationals will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with “ D.C. ” in the middle starting with Thursday night ’ s MLB season opener against the New York Yankees .
The heart is meant to show support for the D.C. community , the Nationals said .
MLB said that since the death of George Floyd on May 25 it had enhanced existing partnerships with the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and also made new investments in the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and launched a Diverse Business Partners Recovery Project .

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball players have the option of having a patch with “Black Lives Matter” or “United For Change” on a jersey sleeve on opening day of the pandemic-delayed season.
Teams have the option of stenciling an inverted MLB logo with “BLM” or “United for Change” on the back of the pitcher’s mound during opening weekend games.
After discussions among the commissioner’s office and the Major League Baseball Players Association, The Players Alliance and individual players, each player may use a wristband with an inverted MLB logo in which the silhouetted batter is black, the first use of such a logo.
Each player also may use a Black Lives Matter batting practice T-shirt or a T-shirt designed or obtained by the player or his team.
MLB is lifting cleat restrictions for this season, giving players the ability to put messages for social justice and causes on their spikes.
Jersey patches would go on the left sleeve unless a team has an existing patch there, in which case the new one would go on the right sleeve. The special patches will be used Thursday and Friday.
The initiatives that start Thursday were designed to allow players to show support for social justice generally, and diversity and inclusion in baseball. They were deliberately made flexible, allowing players to make individual decisions.
T-shirts with the messages and the special wristbands may be used for the entire season.
When the English Premier League resumed last month, player names were replaced with “Black Lives Matter” during the opening games.
In addition, the World Series champion Washington Nationals will have a black heart in center field with “D.C.” in the middle starting with Thursday night’s MLB season opener against the New York Yankees. The heart is meant to show support for the D.C. community, the Nationals said.
MLB said that since the death of George Floyd on May 25 it had enhanced existing partnerships with the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and also made new investments in the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and launched a Diverse Business Partners Recovery Project.


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--Cale Makar absence spotlights Avalanche’s defensive depth in training camp

Day 3 of “ Cale Makar Watch ” concluded at Pepsi Center on Wednesday with still no sign of Colorado ’ s NHL rookie-of-the-year finalist at Avalanche training camp .
The Avs designated Makar as simply “ unfit ” to play — under a new NHL policy designed to protect player ’ s medical privacy amid the coronavirus pandemic — after a Saturday practice in which Makar skated off after the first session and did not return .
Makar has now missed three consecutive workouts , including two scrimmages , with the Avalanche nearing its first game back Aug. 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Avs coach Jared Bednar told reporters on a Wednesday video call : “ I don ’ t have an update on his status.
” What ’ s become clear , though , is Colorado ’ s need to flex defensive depth in case Makar is unable to rejoin the team when play resumes .
“ I think Cale will be healthy soon , he should be ready to go , ” forward Nathan MacKinnon said , “ but it ’ s good to have options.
” Makar ’ s role anchoring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been given to defenseman Sam Girard , whose skating ability and offensive skillset mirrors much of what makes Makar special .
Girard , 22 , enters the NHL restart with 34 points ( four goals ) and heightened expectations .
“ I ’ ve really liked ( Girard ) , ” Bednar said .
“ He ’ s come back in really good shape and he ’ s skating well .
He stands out to me in the scrimmages as a productive player , both on the offensive side and the defensive side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s probably made in his development is his ability to defend top players.
” The dominoes from Makar ’ s absence would also lead to a shakeup on Colorado ’ s bottom defensive pairings , likely adding Kevin Connauton into the mix .
The seventh-year NHL defenseman was acquired in 2019 via trade from the Arizona Coyotes with a third-round pick in exchange for center Carl Soderberg .
Connauton played primarily with the AHL Colorado Eagles this season outside of four Avalanche game appearances .
But he ’ s drawn strong reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He ’ s a solid player , likes to jump into the rush and a great team guy , which is important.
” Bednar has few doubts his defensemen , up and down the roster , are ready if Makar ’ s absence is prolonged .
“ There are more options and depth there than we ’ ve had in years past , ” Bednar said .
MVP talk .
MacKinnon was announced this week as one of three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy , given annually to the NHL ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the honor as a team achievement but recognized that “ it ’ s nice to get voted by your peers and it ’ s always really cool to have their respect.
” Ask MacKinnon ’ s teammates for a more direct MVP endorsement .
“ You don ’ t have to say too much when you watch him play , ” Rantanen said .
“ With the injuries we had this year , we had a lot of key players out of the lineup .
… It ’ s tough when you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are usually in the lineup .
You have to kind of carry the team .
Obviously , guys did a very good job stepping in , but he was the horse leading the army .
“ For sure , he ’ s my pick for the MVP and he should win it.
” Up next .
Avalanche training camp 2.0 resumes Thursday with a team practice inside Pepsi Center .

Day 3 of “Cale Makar Watch” concluded at Pepsi Center on Wednesday with still no sign of Colorado’s NHL rookie-of-the-year finalist at Avalanche training camp.
The Avs designated Makar as simply “unfit” to play — under a new NHL policy designed to protect player’s medical privacy amid the coronavirus pandemic — after a Saturday practice in which Makar skated off after the first session and did not return.
Makar has now missed three consecutive workouts, including two scrimmages, with the Avalanche nearing its first game back Aug. 2 in Edmonton against the St. Louis Blues.
Avs coach Jared Bednar told reporters on a Wednesday video call: “I don’t have an update on his status.”
What’s become clear, though, is Colorado’s need to flex defensive depth in case Makar is unable to rejoin the team when play resumes.
“I think Cale will be healthy soon, he should be ready to go,” forward Nathan MacKinnon said, “but it’s good to have options.”
Makar’s role anchoring the team’s top power-play unit has been given to defenseman Sam Girard, whose skating ability and offensive skillset mirrors much of what makes Makar special. Girard, 22, enters the NHL restart with 34 points (four goals) and heightened expectations.
“I’ve really liked (Girard),” Bednar said. “He’s come back in really good shape and he’s skating well. He stands out to me in the scrimmages as a productive player, both on the offensive side and the defensive side of things. The biggest step he’s probably made in his development is his ability to defend top players.”
The dominoes from Makar’s absence would also lead to a shakeup on Colorado’s bottom defensive pairings, likely adding Kevin Connauton into the mix. The seventh-year NHL defenseman was acquired in 2019 via trade from the Arizona Coyotes with a third-round pick in exchange for center Carl Soderberg.
Connauton played primarily with the AHL Colorado Eagles this season outside of four Avalanche game appearances. But he’s drawn strong reviews through training camp. Mackinnon said: “He’s a solid player, likes to jump into the rush and a great team guy, which is important.”
Bednar has few doubts his defensemen, up and down the roster, are ready if Makar’s absence is prolonged.
“There are more options and depth there than we’ve had in years past,” Bednar said.
MVP talk. MacKinnon was announced this week as one of three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy, given annually to the NHL’s most valuable player. He downplayed the honor as a team achievement but recognized that “it’s nice to get voted by your peers and it’s always really cool to have their respect.”
Ask MacKinnon’s teammates for a more direct MVP endorsement.
“You don’t have to say too much when you watch him play,” Rantanen said. “With the injuries we had this year, we had a lot of key players out of the lineup. … It’s tough when you’re missing six or seven guys who are usually in the lineup. You have to kind of carry the team. Obviously, guys did a very good job stepping in, but he was the horse leading the army.
“For sure, he’s my pick for the MVP and he should win it.”
Up next. Avalanche training camp 2.0 resumes Thursday with a team practice inside Pepsi Center.


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--Aurora police officer fired over Elijah McClain photos sues city, interim chief

Jason Rosenblatt , one of three Aurora police officers fired over photos mocking the death of Elijah McClain , has sued the city and interim Chief Vanessa Wilson over his dismissal .
Rosenblatt , who was one of the officers who restrained McClain before he died , had received the pictures taken by three other cops and replied “ ha ha , ” according to Wilson .
Rosenblatt was not disciplined for his role in the death but was terminated July 3 after an investigation into the pictures .
Two officers who appeared in the photos also were fired , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired .
The lawsuit , first reported Wednesday by Fox31 , was filed July 2 after Wilson had told Rosenblatt she planned to fire him .
City Manager Jim Twombly also is a defendant .
In the complaint , Rosenblatt argued that Wilson wrongfully denied his request to take the disciplinary decision to the city ’ s Independent Review Board .
The board , which has four civilian members and four police members , advises the police chief on officer discipline and is part of the city ’ s human resources department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the firings , Wilson said she had the discretion to deny a review board request and that she was within her powers as chief to terminate the officers .
The lawsuit requested the judge make a quick decision in the case , but it has not been adjudicated .
There ’ s no way to know whether an independent review board investigation would change the outcome of Rosenblatt ’ s tenure at the department but it most likely would have delayed a decision by months .

Jason Rosenblatt, one of three Aurora police officers fired over photos mocking the death of Elijah McClain, has sued the city and interim Chief Vanessa Wilson over his dismissal.
Rosenblatt, who was one of the officers who restrained McClain before he died, had received the pictures taken by three other cops and replied “ha ha,” according to Wilson. Rosenblatt was not disciplined for his role in the death but was terminated July 3 after an investigation into the pictures. Two officers who appeared in the photos also were fired, and a third resigned before he was fired.
The lawsuit, first reported Wednesday by Fox31, was filed July 2 after Wilson had told Rosenblatt she planned to fire him. City Manager Jim Twombly also is a defendant.
In the complaint, Rosenblatt argued that Wilson wrongfully denied his request to take the disciplinary decision to the city’s Independent Review Board. The board, which has four civilian members and four police members, advises the police chief on officer discipline and is part of the city’s human resources department.
During a July 3 news conference announcing the firings, Wilson said she had the discretion to deny a review board request and that she was within her powers as chief to terminate the officers.
The lawsuit requested the judge make a quick decision in the case, but it has not been adjudicated. There’s no way to know whether an independent review board investigation would change the outcome of Rosenblatt’s tenure at the department but it most likely would have delayed a decision by months.


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--Rockies reliever Scott Oberg starting season on injured list due to back strain

In the mad dash that is the 60-game 2020 season , a deep and talented bullpen is critical for a team to get out of the gate swiftly .
Unfortunately for the Rockies , right-hander Scott Oberg , arguably their best reliever , will begin the season on the 10-day injured list with a strained lower back .
Manager Bud Black made the announcement Wednesday , just two days before the Rockies open the season at the Texas Rangers .
“ It ’ s a little bit of a blow for the first week of the season , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Oberg ’ s stint on the IL can be back-dated to Tuesday , so there is a chance he could pitch in the Rockies ’ home opener on July 31 vs. the San Diego Padres at Coors Field .
“ We ’ re hopeful that I will continue to progress and be ready for the home opener but we will continue to assess things on a daily basis , ” said Oberg , who ’ s had back stiffness and soreness for about two weeks .
The soreness is primarily on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was 6-1 with a 2.25 ERA and five saves in 49 games for the Rockies last season .
He is 18-8 with a 3.85 ERA and seven saves in 259 career games with Colorado .
He received a three-year , $ 13 million contract last winter .
He ’ s being counted on in late innings and could be Colorado ’ s closer if veteran Wade Davis falters in that role .
“ It ’ s definitely disappointing not to be able to start on the opening day roster , ” Oberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we want to make sure the back is strong and stable enough to compete and help this club get back to playing October baseball.
” Oberg threw on flat ground Wednesday and Black said he hopes to get him back on the mound in a few days .
Oberg briefly took over as the closer last year after Davis struggled and eventually finished the season with an 8.65 ERA .
Oberg was pitching well until a blood clot in his right shoulder forced him to miss the final six weeks of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitchers will likely be limited to 75 to 85 pitches early in the season as they build up arm strength , so a deep bullpen will be important .
Black has consistently said that he expects Davis to bounce back and he also believes that young right-handers Carlos Estevez , 27 , and Jairo Diaz , 28 , can be reliable late in games .
“ I like the emergence of Estevez and Diaz as guys that we can really count on , ” Black said .
“ They had solid years last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that again.
” Estevez posted a career-best 3.75 ERA with a career-high 71 appearances and Diaz posted a 4.53 ERA and saved five games in six chances in September .
As for Davis , Black said he thinks he ’ ll see Davis ’ “ real stuff ” when the regular season begins .
“ His arm feels good , ” Black said .
“ Physically , he looked great in Scottsdale ( during spring training ) and the arm is moving freely .
So we ’ ll see how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Wade , when we get into the regular season.
” Diaz makes team .
Black confirmed that veteran catcher Elias Diaz will be on the 30-man roster .
The Rockies could enter the season with three catchers , the others being starter Tony Wolters and Drew Butera .
Black , however , would not say if the club plans to start the season with three catchers .
Diaz was late reporting to summer camp in Denver due to COVID-19 protocol , but he impressed the Rockies during their initial spring training .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting acclimated , getting to know our pitchers , was obviously important for him , ” Black said .
Diaz appeared in a career-high 102 games with the Pirates last season , slashing .241/.296/.307 with two home runs and 28 RBIs .
The Rockies must have their 30-man roster set by 11 a.m. Thursday .

In the mad dash that is the 60-game 2020 season, a deep and talented bullpen is critical for a team to get out of the gate swiftly.
Unfortunately for the Rockies, right-hander Scott Oberg, arguably their best reliever, will begin the season on the 10-day injured list with a strained lower back. Manager Bud Black made the announcement Wednesday, just two days before the Rockies open the season at the Texas Rangers.
“It’s a little bit of a blow for the first week of the season, but he’ll be back,” Black said.
Oberg’s stint on the IL can be back-dated to Tuesday, so there is a chance he could pitch in the Rockies’ home opener on July 31 vs. the San Diego Padres at Coors Field.
“We’re hopeful that I will continue to progress and be ready for the home opener but we will continue to assess things on a daily basis,” said Oberg, who’s had back stiffness and soreness for about two weeks. The soreness is primarily on his left side.
Oberg, 30, was 6-1 with a 2.25 ERA and five saves in 49 games for the Rockies last season. He is 18-8 with a 3.85 ERA and seven saves in 259 career games with Colorado. He received a three-year, $13 million contract last winter. He’s being counted on in late innings and could be Colorado’s closer if veteran Wade Davis falters in that role.
“It’s definitely disappointing not to be able to start on the opening day roster,” Oberg said. “But this is something where we want to make sure the back is strong and stable enough to compete and help this club get back to playing October baseball.”
Oberg threw on flat ground Wednesday and Black said he hopes to get him back on the mound in a few days.
Oberg briefly took over as the closer last year after Davis struggled and eventually finished the season with an 8.65 ERA. Oberg was pitching well until a blood clot in his right shoulder forced him to miss the final six weeks of the season and required offseason surgery.
Starting pitchers will likely be limited to 75 to 85 pitches early in the season as they build up arm strength, so a deep bullpen will be important. Black has consistently said that he expects Davis to bounce back and he also believes that young right-handers Carlos Estevez, 27, and Jairo Diaz, 28, can be reliable late in games.
“I like the emergence of Estevez and Diaz as guys that we can really count on,” Black said. “They had solid years last year and I think they are poised to do that again.”
Estevez posted a career-best 3.75 ERA with a career-high 71 appearances and Diaz posted a 4.53 ERA and saved five games in six chances in September.
As for Davis, Black said he thinks he’ll see Davis’ “real stuff” when the regular season begins.
“His arm feels good,” Black said. “Physically, he looked great in Scottsdale (during spring training) and the arm is moving freely. So we’ll see how it plays out for our bullpen, and for Wade, when we get into the regular season.”
Diaz makes team. Black confirmed that veteran catcher Elias Diaz will be on the 30-man roster. The Rockies could enter the season with three catchers, the others being starter Tony Wolters and Drew Butera. Black, however, would not say if the club plans to start the season with three catchers.
Diaz was late reporting to summer camp in Denver due to COVID-19 protocol, but he impressed the Rockies during their initial spring training.
“Coming to a new team and getting acclimated, getting to know our pitchers, was obviously important for him,” Black said.
Diaz appeared in a career-high 102 games with the Pirates last season, slashing .241/.296/.307 with two home runs and 28 RBIs.
The Rockies must have their 30-man roster set by 11 a.m. Thursday.
Solid start. Right-hander Antonio Senzatela, who will start at the Oakland A’s on Tuesday, pitched five solid innings in Colorado’s 7-3 victory over the Rangers in Wednesday’s exhibition game. He was perfect for four innings but faltered in the fifth, giving up a three-run homer to Todd Frazier. Senzatela, who threw 80 pitches, allowed two hits, struck out three and walked one.
“I feel really confident right now because of all the work I have put in on my body,” said Senzatela, who lost 15 pounds and grew more muscular during the offseason.


thedenverpost--2020-07-22--New COVID-19 outbreaks reported at two Colorado prisons, Boulder County Jail

Seven staff members and 24 residents at the Colorado State Penitentiary near Cañon City have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday , according to the state ’ s weekly outbreak report .
Arrowhead Correctional Facility , also near Cañon City , had a smaller outbreak , with four cases , and the Boulder County Jail had two inmates test positive , according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .
The state defines an outbreak as at least two cases linked to a common place or event within a two-week period .
Colorado had 23 new outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks were declared over .
Other than the state penitentiary , the only other outbreak with 10 or more cases was at a Denver copy machine company , where 17 people tested positive .
Outbreaks also were reported in three nursing facilities , three restaurants , the Ameristar casino in Black Hawk , the Englewood Police Department and an office belonging to the city of Woodland Park .
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in Colorado in March , 10,685 cases , or about one-quarter of the state ’ s total , have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 995 deaths , or more than half of Colorado ’ s total coronavirus fatalities .
Growth in both cases and deaths has slowed since May , as the centers of outbreaks shifted from long-term care facilities , where dozens or hundreds of vulnerable people got sick , to workplaces and gathering spots in the general community .
To view the full list of Colorado outbreaks , visit covid19.colorado.gov/data/outbreak-data .

Seven staff members and 24 residents at the Colorado State Penitentiary near Cañon City have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday, according to the state’s weekly outbreak report.
Arrowhead Correctional Facility, also near Cañon City, had a smaller outbreak, with four cases, and the Boulder County Jail had two inmates test positive, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The state defines an outbreak as at least two cases linked to a common place or event within a two-week period.
Colorado had 23 new outbreaks since the previous Wednesday, and 26 outbreaks were declared over. Other than the state penitentiary, the only other outbreak with 10 or more cases was at a Denver copy machine company, where 17 people tested positive.
Outbreaks also were reported in three nursing facilities, three restaurants, the Ameristar casino in Black Hawk, the Englewood Police Department and an office belonging to the city of Woodland Park.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in Colorado in March, 10,685 cases, or about one-quarter of the state’s total, have been linked to outbreaks. Known outbreaks resulted in 995 deaths, or more than half of Colorado’s total coronavirus fatalities.
Growth in both cases and deaths has slowed since May, as the centers of outbreaks shifted from long-term care facilities, where dozens or hundreds of vulnerable people got sick, to workplaces and gathering spots in the general community.