thedenverpost--2020-08-05--Rockies Mailbag: Is Matt Kemp key for a Colorado run to the playoffs?

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .
Why has Josh Fuentes not gotten a chance to play .
He killed it during the summer camp .
Dean , the simple answer is that there are other players in front of him who are better and more seasoned .
Fuentes plays third base and first base , leaving him behind Nolan Arenado ( his cousin ) at third and behind Daniel Murphy and Ryan McMahon at first .
Plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a DH and as a bat off the bench Manager Bud Black indicated Monday that Fuentes will see some playing time soon .
The game plan , however , is to play the starters as much as possible during this 60-game season .
I don ’ t know if Arenado or shortstop Trevor Story will play in all 60 games , but they ’ ll come close .
Plus , Murphy is off to a hot start and looks good around the first base bag .
Bottom line : Fuentes will get some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he ’ s not going to see much action unless there is an injury or a gigantic slump by players in front of him .
What does the squiggly line on the pitcher ’ s mound say ?
Or is it just a design ?
Lena , the image you see is not actually on the pitcher ’ s mound .
It ’ s a digital advertising image on the TV picture .
The “ squiggly line , ” I believe , is for Arrow Electronics , which has its global offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using that digital space as well .
I know the season ’ s still young , but Matt Kemp looks like he was an absolute steal .
Many fans , yours truly included , were heavily critical of ( general manager ) Jeff Bridich ’ s lack of moves in the offseason .
Do you think the whole staying-the-course approach could lead us to success this year ?
Or is the Rockies ’ depth too shallow ?
Phillip , you ’ re absolutely right about Kemp , not to mention right-handed reliever Daniel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All three players have been instrumental to Colorado ’ s hot start , and all three players were signed to under-the-radar minor-league deals .
You have to tip your cap to Bridich and the front office for their excellent , cost-friendly moves .
Regarding Kemp , he hit 1-for-4 with the game-tying RBI single in the sixth inning in Colorado ’ s win over San Francisco Monday night .
He is 4-for-5 with runners in scoring position this season , and in four starts , he ’ s hit 5-for-15 ( .357 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He gives the Rockies right-handed thunder off the bench , something the team needed .
In another year , without a designated hitter in the National League , he might not have signed with Colorado , but he ’ s been a blast to watch ( pun intended ) .
I think the Rockies have more than enough position-player depth to make the playoffs .
I do have concerns about bullpen depth , especially now that Scott Oberg is likely out for the rest of the season .
If the Rockies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , trading for a late-game reliever is a possibility .
I ’ m at a loss .
At a time when the Rockies appear to be winners I can not get the broadcasts because of blackouts in Denver .
I have Roku and I am subscribing to MLB.com but the games have all been blacked out .
Is there anything besides DirecTV that would allow me to get those broadcasts ?
Herm , I ’ m no expert at any of this .
I have Comcast cable , so I know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as DirecTV .
You say you are subscribing to MLB.com , by that I think you mean MLB.TV , which is a streaming service that allows you to watch out-of-market games .
The problem is , of course , that Rockies games are blacked out to the market covered by AT & T SportsNet , which owns the rights to Rockies games .
I don ’ t have a solution for you .
Perhaps another fan can help you out .
I haven ’ t seen a list of the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the Rockies ’ expanded roster .
Who are they ?
Will they be doing this all season ?
Why have they not maxed out the number of players ?
Besides having an available pool of players , what other goals are they trying to accomplish at Metro State ?
Lots of questions .
Let ’ s start off with the list of players who are working out at the Rockies “ satellite camp ” at Metro State University : The primary reason for the 60-man player pool , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big-league team in the event of injuries or poor performance .
Without any minor league baseball this year , clubs need a pool of players that can be moved up and down during the season .
Working out at Metro also keeps players in baseball shape , allows them to play in intrasquad games and gives the coaches a chance to work with the players and evaluate them .
How will postseason eligibility be determined if some teams may not be able to play 60 games due to COVID-19 ?
Also , now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DH every game , it would be helpful to understand specific scenarios .
For example , can a DH be switched to be a position player mid-game , and then the team can appoint a different DH ?
Judy , you sure make me work , don ’ t you ?
But those are two excellent questions .
First , here is what commissioner Rob Manfred told The Associated Press about how Major League Baseball will deal with a season in which some teams are likely to play fewer games than others : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flexible on that , ” Manfred said .
“ Look , this is one of the reasons that we revisited the issue off the expanded playoffs ( to 16 teams ) .
If it turns out that some guys play 60 , some guys play 58 , they have this new thing called winning percentage .
We can sort that out.
” As for your question on the designated hitter , I am going to take the easy route and quote directly from Baseball Reference : The DH can play in the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play him on defense , the pitcher immediately takes over the batting spot of the defensive player which the DH replaced ( unless there are multiple substitutions , in which case the manager can decide where the pitcher will bat ) .
The team then forfeits the use of the DH for the rest of the game .
This happens a few times every season , and sometimes results in a pitcher being forced to bat in an AL game .
The DH spot is locked in the order .
If the DH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order , no substitution can be made to move him to fourth or sixth , or anywhere else .
Hi Patrick , when is Trevor Story due for that big contract ?
Can the Rockies afford to sign him and keep Nolan Arenado ?
So happy you ’ ve got work .
Yahoo !
Loving Rockies baseball way up north .
Thank you !
Thanks , Dan .
Alaska is on my bucket list .
If I make it to Juneau , will you buy me a beer ?
Story is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 season .
That ’ s the same time in which Arenado can opt out of the remainder of his eight-year , $ 260 million contract .
Before the coronavirus , and all of the implications it has on future baseball free agency , I was sure that Arenado would opt out and possibly clear salary space for Story .
But now , with the free-agent market likely to become less lucrative , there are questions about Arenado ’ s future .
He could still be traded and that could open up money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep both , plus pay Charlie Blackmon ?
It seems doubtful to me .
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.
Why has Josh Fuentes not gotten a chance to play. He killed it during the summer camp.
— Dean Pete, Orange County
Dean, the simple answer is that there are other players in front of him who are better and more seasoned. Fuentes plays third base and first base, leaving him behind Nolan Arenado (his cousin) at third and behind Daniel Murphy and Ryan McMahon at first. Plus, Matt Kemp is killing it as a DH and as a bat off the bench
Manager Bud Black indicated Monday that Fuentes will see some playing time soon. The game plan, however, is to play the starters as much as possible during this 60-game season. I don’t know if Arenado or shortstop Trevor Story will play in all 60 games, but they’ll come close.
Plus, Murphy is off to a hot start and looks good around the first base bag.
Bottom line: Fuentes will get some limited playing time, probably soon, but he’s not going to see much action unless there is an injury or a gigantic slump by players in front of him.
What does the squiggly line on the pitcher’s mound say? Or is it just a design?
— Lena Woods, Golden
Lena, the image you see is not actually on the pitcher’s mound. It’s a digital advertising image on the TV picture. The “squiggly line,” I believe, is for Arrow Electronics, which has its global offices in Denver. There are other advertisers using that digital space as well.
I know the season’s still young, but Matt Kemp looks like he was an absolute steal. Many fans, yours truly included, were heavily critical of (general manager) Jeff Bridich’s lack of moves in the offseason. Do you think the whole staying-the-course approach could lead us to success this year? Or is the Rockies’ depth too shallow?
— Phillip, Wichita, Kan.
Phillip, you’re absolutely right about Kemp, not to mention right-handed reliever Daniel Bard and utility player Chris Owings. All three players have been instrumental to Colorado’s hot start, and all three players were signed to under-the-radar minor-league deals.
You have to tip your cap to Bridich and the front office for their excellent, cost-friendly moves.
Regarding Kemp, he hit 1-for-4 with the game-tying RBI single in the sixth inning in Colorado’s win over San Francisco Monday night. He is 4-for-5 with runners in scoring position this season, and in four starts, he’s hit 5-for-15 (.357) with two home runs and five RBIs. He gives the Rockies right-handed thunder off the bench, something the team needed. In another year, without a designated hitter in the National League, he might not have signed with Colorado, but he’s been a blast to watch (pun intended).
I think the Rockies have more than enough position-player depth to make the playoffs. I do have concerns about bullpen depth, especially now that Scott Oberg is likely out for the rest of the season. If the Rockies are in the mix to make a playoff run, trading for a late-game reliever is a possibility.
I’m at a loss. At a time when the Rockies appear to be winners I cannot get the broadcasts because of blackouts in Denver. I have Roku and I am subscribing to MLB.com but the games have all been blacked out. Is there anything besides DirecTV that would allow me to get those broadcasts?
— Herm, Denver
Herm, I’m no expert at any of this. I have Comcast cable, so I know that Rockies games are carried on Comcast, as well as DirecTV.
You say you are subscribing to MLB.com, by that I think you mean MLB.TV, which is a streaming service that allows you to watch out-of-market games. The problem is, of course, that Rockies games are blacked out to the market covered by AT&T SportsNet, which owns the rights to Rockies games.
I don’t have a solution for you. Perhaps another fan can help you out.
I haven’t seen a list of the other 26 players that are working out as part of the Rockies’ expanded roster. Who are they? Will they be doing this all season? Why have they not maxed out the number of players? Besides having an available pool of players, what other goals are they trying to accomplish at Metro State? Lots of questions.
— Ian, Denver
Let’s start off with the list of players who are working out at the Rockies “satellite camp” at Metro State University:
Pitchers
LHP Ben Bowden
RHP Ryan Castellani
RHP Tommy Doyle
RHP Alexander Guillen
RHP Karl Kauffmann
RHP Joe Mujica
LHP Helcris Olivarez
RHP Wes Parsons
LHP Ryan Rolison
RHP Antonio Santos
RHP Jesus Tinoco
Catchers
Willie MacIver
Dom Nunez
Chris Rabago
Infielders
Tyler Nevin
Brendan Rodgers
Aaron Schunk
Eric Stamets
Michael Toglia
Alan Trejo
Ryan Vilade
Colton Welker
Outfielders
Bret Boswell
Yonathan Daza
The primary reason for the 60-man player pool, of course, is to have players available for the big-league team in the event of injuries or poor performance. Without any minor league baseball this year, clubs need a pool of players that can be moved up and down during the season.
Working out at Metro also keeps players in baseball shape, allows them to play in intrasquad games and gives the coaches a chance to work with the players and evaluate them.
How will postseason eligibility be determined if some teams may not be able to play 60 games due to COVID-19? Also, now that the Rockies are playing with a DH every game, it would be helpful to understand specific scenarios. For example, can a DH be switched to be a position player mid-game, and then the team can appoint a different DH?
— Judy Frieman, Denver
Judy, you sure make me work, don’t you? But those are two excellent questions.
First, here is what commissioner Rob Manfred told The Associated Press about how Major League Baseball will deal with a season in which some teams are likely to play fewer games than others:
“We’ve got to be flexible on that,” Manfred said. “Look, this is one of the reasons that we revisited the issue off the expanded playoffs (to 16 teams). If it turns out that some guys play 60, some guys play 58, they have this new thing called winning percentage. We can sort that out.”
As for your question on the designated hitter, I am going to take the easy route and quote directly from Baseball Reference:
The DH can play in the field, but once a manager decides to play him on defense, the pitcher immediately takes over the batting spot of the defensive player which the DH replaced (unless there are multiple substitutions, in which case the manager can decide where the pitcher will bat). The team then forfeits the use of the DH for the rest of the game. This happens a few times every season, and sometimes results in a pitcher being forced to bat in an AL game.
The DH spot is locked in the order. If the DH bats, for example, fifth in the order, no substitution can be made to move him to fourth or sixth, or anywhere else.
Hi Patrick, when is Trevor Story due for that big contract? Can the Rockies afford to sign him and keep Nolan Arenado? So happy you’ve got work. Yahoo! Loving Rockies baseball way up north. Thank you!
— Dan Gaber, Juneau, Alaska
Thanks, Dan. Alaska is on my bucket list. If I make it to Juneau, will you buy me a beer?
Story is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2021 season. That’s the same time in which Arenado can opt out of the remainder of his eight-year, $260 million contract.
Before the coronavirus, and all of the implications it has on future baseball free agency, I was sure that Arenado would opt out and possibly clear salary space for Story. But now, with the free-agent market likely to become less lucrative, there are questions about Arenado’s future. He could still be traded and that could open up money for Story. Can the Rockies afford to keep both, plus pay Charlie Blackmon? It seems doubtful to me.
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.


thedenverpost--2020-08-05--Rockies power rankings: How the national media ranks Colorado entering Week 2

The MLB season is just a little more than a week old , but this much is true : It ’ s August and the Rockies are in first place .
So what do experts think of Colorado ’ s fast start ?
Here ’ s a look at how various national publications rate the Rockies entering Week 2 of the truncated 2020 season : The Athletic ( No .
17 ) : “ For now , the Rockies are doing well .
Really well .
Trevor Story is a star .
The starting pitching has been sensational .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any parades .
Just pointing out the pattern .
This is why the last proper Opening Day hosted at Coors Field was 2011 .
They know this , too , ” The Athletic ’ s Grant Brisbee writes .
Bleacher Report ( No .
6 ) : “ The Rockies lead the majors with a 2.00 ERA from their starting rotation .
A year ago , they were dead last in that category with an unsightly 5.87 ERA from the starting staff .
Quite the turnaround .
Kyle Freeland , German Marquez , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two starts each , and all four have an ERA under 2.70 .
If they keep pitching like this , they ’ re going to be awfully dangerous , ” Bleacher Report ’ s Joel Reuter writes .
CBS Sports ( No .
6 ) : “ They are 6-2 ( entering Monday ) and Nolan Arenado has been pretty bad so far , ” CBS ’ Matt Snyder writes .
ESPN ( No .
21 ) : “ The pitching staff has carried Colorado to a nice start — Kyle Freeland has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pitcher who posted a 6.73 ERA in 2019 — and you wonder if the Rockies are the team most primed to benefit from the short season .
Playing at altitude is always a fatigue factor over 162 games , and the lack of organizational pitching depth might not be as much of a problem over 60 games .
Remember , as bad as the Rockies were last year , they were 31-29 through 60 games ( and were 40-34 before collapsing ) , ” ESPN ’ s David Schoenfield writes .
Sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Colorado boasts the lowest ERA ( 1.84 , as of Friday ) in the bigs after recording the NL ’ s highest ERA ( 5.56 ) a year ago .
They ’ ve also allowed just two homers , tied with the Rangers for the fewest in the Majors , a year after allowing the most in the league ( 270 ) .
What Coors Effect ?
” Will Laws and Nick Selbe write .
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The MLB season is just a little more than a week old, but this much is true: It’s August and the Rockies are in first place.
So what do experts think of Colorado’s fast start? Here’s a look at how various national publications rate the Rockies entering Week 2 of the truncated 2020 season:
The Athletic (No. 17): “For now, the Rockies are doing well. Really well. Trevor Story is a star. The starting pitching has been sensational. I don’t want to tinkle on any parades. Just pointing out the pattern. This is why the last proper Opening Day hosted at Coors Field was 2011. They know this, too,” The Athletic’s Grant Brisbee writes.
Bleacher Report (No. 6): “The Rockies lead the majors with a 2.00 ERA from their starting rotation. A year ago, they were dead last in that category with an unsightly 5.87 ERA from the starting staff. Quite the turnaround. Kyle Freeland, German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela and Jon Gray have made two starts each, and all four have an ERA under 2.70. If they keep pitching like this, they’re going to be awfully dangerous,” Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter writes.
CBS Sports (No. 6): “They are 6-2 (entering Monday) and Nolan Arenado has been pretty bad so far,” CBS’ Matt Snyder writes.
ESPN (No. 21): “The pitching staff has carried Colorado to a nice start — Kyle Freeland has looked more like the 2018 Freeland than the pitcher who posted a 6.73 ERA in 2019 — and you wonder if the Rockies are the team most primed to benefit from the short season. Playing at altitude is always a fatigue factor over 162 games, and the lack of organizational pitching depth might not be as much of a problem over 60 games. Remember, as bad as the Rockies were last year, they were 31-29 through 60 games (and were 40-34 before collapsing),” ESPN’s David Schoenfield writes.
Sports Illustrated (No. 15): “Colorado boasts the lowest ERA (1.84, as of Friday) in the bigs after recording the NL’s highest ERA (5.56) a year ago. They’ve also allowed just two homers, tied with the Rangers for the fewest in the Majors, a year after allowing the most in the league (270). What Coors Effect?” Will Laws and Nick Selbe write.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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thedenverpost--2020-08-05--Denver weather: Possible storms Wednesday with drier weather on the way

Stormy afternoon weather on Wednesday could be severe in areas along the Front Range and over the Eastern Plains .
Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop Wednesday and track to the east through the afternoon and into the evening , according to the National Weather Service forecast .
In Denver there ’ s a 50 % chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 1 p.m. , according to the weather service .
Skies will be partly sunny and the high temperature will hit 89 degrees .
On Thursday in Denver there ’ s a 20 % chance of afternoon showers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the high temperature will be 92 degrees , the weather service said .
Drier air from the west starts moving into northeastern Colorado on Thursday , setting up dry conditions on Friday and through the weekend , according to the weather service .
A few weak , high-based scattered showers and thunderstorms may linger , producing gusty winds and light rain , but for the most part skies will be sunny and dry .
Denver ’ s weekend weather will be sunny , with a high temperature of about 94 degrees on @ @ @ @ @ @

Stormy afternoon weather on Wednesday could be severe in areas along the Front Range and over the Eastern Plains.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop Wednesday and track to the east through the afternoon and into the evening, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
In Denver there’s a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 1 p.m., according to the weather service. Skies will be partly sunny and the high temperature will hit 89 degrees.
On Thursday in Denver there’s a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Skies will be sunny and the high temperature will be 92 degrees, the weather service said.
Drier air from the west starts moving into northeastern Colorado on Thursday, setting up dry conditions on Friday and through the weekend, according to the weather service. A few weak, high-based scattered showers and thunderstorms may linger, producing gusty winds and light rain, but for the most part skies will be sunny and dry.
Denver’s weekend weather will be sunny, with a high temperature of about 94 degrees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Facebook deletes Trump post citing virus misinformation

Facebook has deleted a post by President Donald Trump for the first time , saying it violated its policy against spreading misinformation about the coronavirus .
The post in question featured a link to a Fox News video in which Trump says children are “ virtually immune ” to the virus .
Facebook said Wednesday that the “ video includes false claims that a group of people is immune from COVID-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful COVID misinformation.
” A tweet from Trump with the same video remained up on Twitter as of Wednesday afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been quicker than Facebook in recent months in labeling posts from the president that violate its policies against misinformation and abuse .
Twitter did not have an immediate comment .
This is the first time that Facebook has removed a post from Trump entirely , rather than labeling it , as it has done in the past .
Several studies suggest , but don ’ t prove , that children are less likely to become infected than adults and more likely to have only mild symptoms .
But this is not the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
A CDC study involving 2,500 children published in April found that about 1 in 5 infected children were hospitalized versus 1 in 3 adults ; three children died .
The study lacks complete data on all the cases , but it also suggests that many infected children have no symptoms , which could allow them to spread the virus to others .
Associated Press Writer Amanda Seitz contributed to this story .

Facebook has deleted a post by President Donald Trump for the first time, saying it violated its policy against spreading misinformation about the coronavirus.
The post in question featured a link to a Fox News video in which Trump says children are “virtually immune” to the virus.
Facebook said Wednesday that the “video includes false claims that a group of people is immune from COVID-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful COVID misinformation.”
A tweet from Trump with the same video remained up on Twitter as of Wednesday afternoon. That’s even though Twitter has been quicker than Facebook in recent months in labeling posts from the president that violate its policies against misinformation and abuse. Twitter did not have an immediate comment.
This is the first time that Facebook has removed a post from Trump entirely, rather than labeling it, as it has done in the past.
Several studies suggest, but don’t prove, that children are less likely to become infected than adults and more likely to have only mild symptoms. But this is not the same as being “virtually immune” to the virus.
A CDC study involving 2,500 children published in April found that about 1 in 5 infected children were hospitalized versus 1 in 3 adults; three children died. The study lacks complete data on all the cases, but it also suggests that many infected children have no symptoms, which could allow them to spread the virus to others.
Associated Press Writer Amanda Seitz contributed to this story.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Nuggets “cornerstone” Michael Porter Jr. after another offensive outburst: “It is not a surprise to

Nuggets “cornerstone” Michael Porter Jr. after another offensive outburst: “It is not a surprise to me”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone had a 6-foot-10 gripe he had to get off his chest .
After rookie Michael Porter Jr. erupted for his second straight game of 30 points or more Wednesday , downing the Spurs for Denver ’ s second consecutive win , Malone aired a grievance that had evidently been brewing since the end of January .
“ The funny thing is , I thought about this today thinking about Michael Porter , ” Malone said , his resolve building .
“ Michael Porter was not selected to play in the Rising Stars game this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of whether Porter was justified in that honor , it was a hilarious detour for Malone that could ’ ve easily been buried with the first portion of the NBA season .
But Malone , who immediately walked off the postgame interview set emboldened by his surging rookie , couldn ’ t help himself .
The moment was too sweet for a team that had been besieged by injuries , and for a rookie who ’ d taken his fair share of lumps .
To get two wins in a row down three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out .
Porter , himself , said he hadn ’ t even thought about the rising star snub .
Why would he ?
“ I ’ m a different player right now than I was at that point even though some people argued that I should have been in the game , ” Porter said .
“ I worked really hard during the break when we were off , and I think I came back a better player.
” It ’ s better that he doesn ’ t dwell on what happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him months to gain a foothold in the rotation and then had his momentum stunted by an ankle injury .
It is worth noting , though , that the night he rolled his ankle in Milwaukee was the same night news broke about Porter ’ s snub .
And for reasons that had nothing to do with basketball , it was also one of the highlights of his season .
“ I ’ m gon na be playing in the playoffs , and that ’ s worth a lot more to me than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said then , both confident and astute .
Fast-forward six months , and Porter is doing things that can change the trajectory of the Nuggets this season .
On Wednesday , he buried five 3-pointers , snatched a career-high 15 rebounds and created all kinds of matchup problems for the undersized Spurs .
Most importantly to Malone , he crashed the glass with vengeance .
“ That ’ s why I was so upset after the Miami game , ” Malone said .
“ Michael only had one rebound in that game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from him .
When he ’ s gotten a chance to play extended minutes , he always rebounds .
His per-36 minutes are off the charts .
… Michael ’ s going to be a very good defensive player as he continues to get more and more game experience .
But the shooting , the scoring and the ability to rebound are just phenomenal for such a young player , who ’ s still in his rookie season.
” Before Wednesday ’ s game , even with starting small forward Will Barton sidelined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to commit to Porter ’ s playing time moving forward .
It would be allocated on a day-by-day basis .
He wanted , he said , to see more consistency from someone with his obvious physical talents .
After the game , responding to a question about Nikola Jokic and Porter ’ s budding chemistry , Malone changed his tune .
“ ( Jokic ) makes everybody better , no matter who ’ s on the floor with him , ” Malone said .
“ And Michael Porter is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
The sooner those two create that on-court chemistry , the better off we ’ re going to be , not only in the moment , but looking forward .
Those are two cornerstones to our franchise.
” What had been obvious was asserted .
With all due respect to Jamal Murray , whose hamstring has kept him off the court thus far in Orlando , there might not be a more important on-court pairing in the organization moving forward .
“ If you know me , the Nuggets drafted me as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my big strengths , ” Porter said .
“ Playing with a superstar who would rather pass the ball than shoot the ball , obviously is going to work out for both of us .
Jok obviously can be dominant scoring , but I think he is kind of like LeBron in the fact that he would rather facilitate .
So for me , I am always ready to shoot , I can always get my shot off .
Staying open and staying in his vision , it works out.
” Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malone has reiterated dozens of times that consistency will determine how good they become .
One-off performances are great , but can Malone bank on the scoring or the rebounding on a nightly basis ?
“ To follow up a really good game against Oklahoma City with a performance of 30 and 15 shows you the talent he has and his understanding of , ‘ I have to bring it every night.
’ ” Malone said .
“ Great players bring it every single night.
” It ’ s a small sample size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best two games of Porter ’ s young career .
“ It is not a surprise to me , ” Porter said .
“ I know it is a surprise to a lot of people .
”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone had a 6-foot-10 gripe he had to get off his chest.
After rookie Michael Porter Jr. erupted for his second straight game of 30 points or more Wednesday, downing the Spurs for Denver’s second consecutive win, Malone aired a grievance that had evidently been brewing since the end of January.
“The funny thing is, I thought about this today thinking about Michael Porter,” Malone said, his resolve building. “Michael Porter was not selected to play in the Rising Stars game this year. Are you kidding me?”
Regardless of whether Porter was justified in that honor, it was a hilarious detour for Malone that could’ve easily been buried with the first portion of the NBA season. But Malone, who immediately walked off the postgame interview set emboldened by his surging rookie, couldn’t help himself. The moment was too sweet for a team that had been besieged by injuries, and for a rookie who’d taken his fair share of lumps. To get two wins in a row down three starters? Malone was going to air it out.
Porter, himself, said he hadn’t even thought about the rising star snub. Why would he?
“I’m a different player right now than I was at that point even though some people argued that I should have been in the game,” Porter said. “I worked really hard during the break when we were off, and I think I came back a better player.”
It’s better that he doesn’t dwell on what happened earlier this season, when it took him months to gain a foothold in the rotation and then had his momentum stunted by an ankle injury. It is worth noting, though, that the night he rolled his ankle in Milwaukee was the same night news broke about Porter’s snub. And for reasons that had nothing to do with basketball, it was also one of the highlights of his season.
“I’m gonna be playing in the playoffs, and that’s worth a lot more to me than playing in that game,” Porter said then, both confident and astute.
Fast-forward six months, and Porter is doing things that can change the trajectory of the Nuggets this season. On Wednesday, he buried five 3-pointers, snatched a career-high 15 rebounds and created all kinds of matchup problems for the undersized Spurs. Most importantly to Malone, he crashed the glass with vengeance.
“That’s why I was so upset after the Miami game,” Malone said. “Michael only had one rebound in that game, and I’ve never seen that from him. When he’s gotten a chance to play extended minutes, he always rebounds. His per-36 minutes are off the charts. … Michael’s going to be a very good defensive player as he continues to get more and more game experience. But the shooting, the scoring and the ability to rebound are just phenomenal for such a young player, who’s still in his rookie season.”
Before Wednesday’s game, even with starting small forward Will Barton sidelined by a knee injury, Malone didn’t want to commit to Porter’s playing time moving forward. It would be allocated on a day-by-day basis. He wanted, he said, to see more consistency from someone with his obvious physical talents.
After the game, responding to a question about Nikola Jokic and Porter’s budding chemistry, Malone changed his tune.
“(Jokic) makes everybody better, no matter who’s on the floor with him,” Malone said. “And Michael Porter is a huge part of our present and our future. The sooner those two create that on-court chemistry, the better off we’re going to be, not only in the moment, but looking forward. Those are two cornerstones to our franchise.”
What had been obvious was asserted. With all due respect to Jamal Murray, whose hamstring has kept him off the court thus far in Orlando, there might not be a more important on-court pairing in the organization moving forward.
“If you know me, the Nuggets drafted me as a scorer and knew that was one of my big strengths,” Porter said. “Playing with a superstar who would rather pass the ball than shoot the ball, obviously is going to work out for both of us. Jok obviously can be dominant scoring, but I think he is kind of like LeBron in the fact that he would rather facilitate. So for me, I am always ready to shoot, I can always get my shot off. Staying open and staying in his vision, it works out.”
Both for Murray and now for Porter, Malone has reiterated dozens of times that consistency will determine how good they become. One-off performances are great, but can Malone bank on the scoring or the rebounding on a nightly basis?
“To follow up a really good game against Oklahoma City with a performance of 30 and 15 shows you the talent he has and his understanding of, ‘I have to bring it every night.’” Malone said. “Great players bring it every single night.”
It’s a small sample size, but the past two games marked the best two games of Porter’s young career.
“It is not a surprise to me,” Porter said. “I know it is a surprise to a lot of people.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Pine Gulch fire burning north of Grand Junction grows to about 9,200 acres

The Pine Gulch fire , burning on the Western Slope about 18 miles north of Grand Junction , has grown @ @ @ @ @ fire officials said on Wednesday afternoon .
First reported on Friday , the wildfire is @ @ @ @ @ terrain , of pinyon , juniper , oak , and sage brush in Mesa and @ @ @ @ @ , fire crews on the south side of the fire worked to keep the blaze @ @ @ @ @ 910 Road , said Troy Hagan , incident commander , on the website InciWeb .
@ @ @ @ @ of the blaze worked on structure protection and removing fuels along the 200 Road .
@ @ @ @ @ % containment , fire officials said .
The fire has been burning north and northeast @ @ @ @ @ heavy and extremely dry vegetation , including a strong fuel-driven run uphill on Tuesday onto @ @ @ @ @ 200 firefighters are battling the blaze .

The Pine Gulch fire, on the Western Slope about 18 miles north of Grand Junction, has grown to about 9,200 acres, fire officials said Wednesday afternoon.
First reported Friday, the wildfire is burning in remote, rough terrain of piñon, juniper, oak and sage brush in Mesa and Garfield counties.
On Wednesday, fire crews on the south side of the fire worked to keep the blaze from moving south of 910 Road, said Troy Hagan, incident commander, on the website InciWeb. Firefighters on the north side of the blaze worked on structure protection and removing fuels along 200 Road.
The fire remains at 5% containment, fire officials said. The fire has been burning north and northeast through areas of thick, heavy and extremely dry vegetation, including a strong fuel-driven run uphill Tuesday onto Horse Mountain. More than 200 firefighters are battling the blaze.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Body of swimmer who drowned in Chatfield Reservoir is recovered

The body of an 18-year-old man who drowned in Chatfield Reservoir was recovered on Wednesday .
The victim drowned Friday while swimming at Chatfield State Park and his body was located at about 8:20 a.m. Wednesday with the use of sonar , according to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife news release .
A remote-operated vehicle confirmed the sonar finding .
The body was discovered about 50 yards off the shoreline in 17-feet of water .
Dive teams from South Metro Fire Rescue and the Denver Fire Department assisted with the recovery of the body and the investigation has been turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office .
Other agencies involved in the search and recovery include park rangers , CPW ’ s Marine Evidence Recovery Team , West Metro Fire Rescue , Arapahoe Rescue Patrol , Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Office , and the Summit County Sheriff ’ s Office .
“ We offer our deepest condolences to the family , ” said Kris Wahlers , park manager , in the release .
“ We are thankful to all the rescue crews who aided in this extensive search and we hope that the recovery of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
” The Jefferson County coroner will positively identify the victim and determine an official cause of death .
The victim ’ s family was at the park during the recovery .
At about 3:25 p.m. Friday the victim was swimming in the Catfish Flats area , south of the swim beach on the west side of the park .
He was one of two people seen struggling in the water , a nearby boat rescued the other swimmer but was unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coordinated effort , had been probing the water since Friday looking for the body .
“ What was making the area so difficult to search is we go from one-foot , one-and-a-half feet of water , to four to five feet and then it drops off to 18 feet and then it comes up rapidly to one-and-a-half feet , ” said Jim Hawkins , of the CPW ’ s recovery team .
“ So it is very difficult for us to run our sonar and we are also running into five- to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two to three feet.
” The drowning was the 23rd in Colorado this year — 20 lake-related , three swift water — as the state approaches its deadliest year on record , the news release said .
The highest number of drownings in a year is 24 , in 2019 .

The body of an 18-year-old man who drowned in Chatfield Reservoir was recovered on Wednesday.
The victim drowned Friday while swimming at Chatfield State Park and his body was located at about 8:20 a.m. Wednesday with the use of sonar, according to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife news release. A remote-operated vehicle confirmed the sonar finding. The body was discovered about 50 yards off the shoreline in 17-feet of water.
Dive teams from South Metro Fire Rescue and the Denver Fire Department assisted with the recovery of the body and the investigation has been turned over to the Jefferson County coroner’s office. Other agencies involved in the search and recovery include park rangers, CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team, West Metro Fire Rescue, Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family,” said Kris Wahlers, park manager, in the release. “We are thankful to all the rescue crews who aided in this extensive search and we hope that the recovery of the body will bring a little comfort to the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”
The Jefferson County coroner will positively identify the victim and determine an official cause of death. The victim’s family was at the park during the recovery.
At about 3:25 p.m. Friday the victim was swimming in the Catfish Flats area, south of the swim beach on the west side of the park. He was one of two people seen struggling in the water, a nearby boat rescued the other swimmer but was unable to reach the victim.
Searchers, in a coordinated effort, had been probing the water since Friday looking for the body.
“What was making the area so difficult to search is we go from one-foot, one-and-a-half feet of water, to four to five feet and then it drops off to 18 feet and then it comes up rapidly to one-and-a-half feet,” said Jim Hawkins, of the CPW’s recovery team. “So it is very difficult for us to run our sonar and we are also running into five- to six-foot-tall milfoil…visibility was pretty poor, between two to three feet.”
The drowning was the 23rd in Colorado this year — 20 lake-related, three swift water — as the state approaches its deadliest year on record, the news release said. The highest number of drownings in a year is 24, in 2019.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--77-year-old man arrested in New Mexico for 1974 Colorado prison escape

A former Colorado man , wanted by the FBI since 1977 , was arrested Wednesday in New Mexico .
Luis Archuleta , also known as Larry Pusateri , was wanted on a federal arrest warrant issued in 1977 for his escape from a Colorado prison in 1974 , according to a news release .
At the time of his escape , Archuleta was serving a prison sentence for a 1973 conviction in Denver of assault of a police officer with a deadly weapon , according to the release .
The warrant remained active until 2018 .
On June 30 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and confinement — for his Colorado prison escape .
Archuleta , 77 , has been living in Española , N.M. , for about four decades under the alias Ramon Montoya , authorities said .
He was arrested in Española .
“ This arrest should send a clear signal to violent offenders everywhere : The FBI will find you , no matter how long it takes or how far you run , and we will bring you to justice , ” said Michael Schneider , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news release .
“ I want to thank the Española Police Department for working closely with the FBI Denver and Albuquerque Divisions on this investigation and getting this dangerous fugitive off the streets.
” A Denver jury in March 1973 found Archuleta guilty of shooting a Denver police officer in the 4400 block of Mariposa Street , said District Attorney Beth McCann , in the news release .
McCann said , “ Thanks to the excellent collaboration and tenacity of federal and local law enforcement agencies , Mr. Archuleta will at long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

A former Colorado man, wanted by the FBI since 1977, was arrested Wednesday in New Mexico.
Luis Archuleta, also known as Larry Pusateri, was wanted on a federal arrest warrant issued in 1977 for his escape from a Colorado prison in 1974, according to a news release.
At the time of his escape, Archuleta was serving a prison sentence for a 1973 conviction in Denver of assault of a police officer with a deadly weapon, according to the release. The warrant remained active until 2018.
On June 30, a federal warrant was reissued for Archuleta for the charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and confinement — for his Colorado prison escape.
Archuleta, 77, has been living in Española, N.M., for about four decades under the alias Ramon Montoya, authorities said. He was arrested in Española.
“This arrest should send a clear signal to violent offenders everywhere: The FBI will find you, no matter how long it takes or how far you run, and we will bring you to justice,” said Michael Schneider, the special agent in charge, in the news release. “I want to thank the Española Police Department for working closely with the FBI Denver and Albuquerque Divisions on this investigation and getting this dangerous fugitive off the streets.”
A Denver jury in March 1973 found Archuleta guilty of shooting a Denver police officer in the 4400 block of Mariposa Street, said District Attorney Beth McCann, in the news release.
McCann said, “Thanks to the excellent collaboration and tenacity of federal and local law enforcement agencies, Mr. Archuleta will at long last be held accountable for his actions.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Avalanche dominates Stars to inch closer to Western Conference’s No. 1 playoff seed

The Avalanche climbed closer to the Western Conference ’ s No .
1 playoff seed Wednesday with a dominating 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars in Edmonton .
Cale Makar , Joonas Donskoi , Vladislav Namestnikov and Andre Burakovsky each scored and goalie Pavel Francouz had a 27-save shutout in his first career NHL postseason game .
Makar and Burakovsky scored on the power play , and Donskoi ’ s tally came one second after a Stars player was released from the penalty box at Rogers Place .
Francouz is the first Avs player , and 15th in NHL history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first playoff appearance “ I felt pretty good , especially after I saw how we started the game .
I felt like we were dominating , ” Francouz said .
“ We kept scoring and scoring and I felt better and better .
It was a pleasure to play behind this team.
” The win — the Avs ’ first in five games over Dallas this season — makes Colorado 2-0 in its three-game , round-robin for conference seeding .
It will clinch the No .
1 spot and “ home-ice advantage ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday .
In this case , home-ice advantage means having the last change between whistles .
The No .
1 seed will begin against the conference ’ s No .
8 seed .
“ We ’ re certainly trying to give ourselves every advantage we possibly can going into the playoffs , and home ice is one of them — even though we ’ re playing here in Edmonton , all of our games , ” Avs coach Jared Bednar said .
“ There are advantages to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use those advantages if we can .
Our team is focused in on that.
” Dallas ( 0-2 ) played without top-pair defenseman John Klingberg and goalie Ben Bishop , who both were “ unfit to play.
” The Stars have been outscored 8-0 since taking a 3-1 lead into the third period Monday against the Golden Knights ( 1-0 ) , who face St. Louis ( 0-1 ) on Thursday .
The seeding tiebreaker for the four teams is regular-season winning percentage .
Makar used a one-time slap shot from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal 3:19 into the game , and Donskoi doubled the lead at 15:29 with a backhand from the goalmouth .
Namestnikov pounced on a Nathan MacKinnon rebound at 17:30 of the second period and Burakovsky scored Colorado ’ s second power-play goal 1:31 into the third .
Left wingers Namestnikov and Burakovsky switched spots on the first and third lines , with Namestnikov getting the call to play with MacKinnon and star right winger Mikko Rantanen .
The Avs outshot the Stars 26-14 in the second and third periods and 40-27 for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we ’ re playing our game , when we ’ re hard on the forecheck , ” Makar said .
“ Us as a team , we really feed off that on the bench and it creates an overwhelming sense of confidence throughout everybody during the game.
” Footnotes .
Fourth-line left wing Matt Nieto returned to the lineup after being a surprise scratch Sunday in the last-second 2-1 victory over the Blues .
Nieto replaced Tyson Jost .
… Bednar said his team will take Thursday off before resuming practice Friday @

The Avalanche climbed closer to the Western Conference’s No. 1 playoff seed Wednesday with a dominating 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars in Edmonton.
Cale Makar, Joonas Donskoi, Vladislav Namestnikov and Andre Burakovsky each scored and goalie Pavel Francouz had a 27-save shutout in his first career NHL postseason game. Makar and Burakovsky scored on the power play, and Donskoi’s tally came one second after a Stars player was released from the penalty box at Rogers Place.
Francouz is the first Avs player, and 15th in NHL history, to produce a shutout in his first playoff appearance
“I felt pretty good, especially after I saw how we started the game. I felt like we were dominating,” Francouz said. “We kept scoring and scoring and I felt better and better. It was a pleasure to play behind this team.”
The win — the Avs’ first in five games over Dallas this season — makes Colorado 2-0 in its three-game, round-robin for conference seeding. It will clinch the No. 1 spot and “home-ice advantage” throughout the conference playoffs with a victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.
In this case, home-ice advantage means having the last change between whistles. The No. 1 seed will begin against the conference’s No. 8 seed.
“We’re certainly trying to give ourselves every advantage we possibly can going into the playoffs, and home ice is one of them — even though we’re playing here in Edmonton, all of our games,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “There are advantages to having the home ice and we want to use those advantages if we can. Our team is focused in on that.”
Dallas (0-2) played without top-pair defenseman John Klingberg and goalie Ben Bishop, who both were “unfit to play.” The Stars have been outscored 8-0 since taking a 3-1 lead into the third period Monday against the Golden Knights (1-0), who face St. Louis (0-1) on Thursday. The seeding tiebreaker for the four teams is regular-season winning percentage.
Makar used a one-time slap shot from the slot for the game’s first goal 3:19 into the game, and Donskoi doubled the lead at 15:29 with a backhand from the goalmouth. Namestnikov pounced on a Nathan MacKinnon rebound at 17:30 of the second period and Burakovsky scored Colorado’s second power-play goal 1:31 into the third.
Left wingers Namestnikov and Burakovsky switched spots on the first and third lines, with Namestnikov getting the call to play with MacKinnon and star right winger Mikko Rantanen.
The Avs outshot the Stars 26-14 in the second and third periods and 40-27 for the game.
“We’re confident when we’re playing our game, when we’re hard on the forecheck,” Makar said. “Us as a team, we really feed off that on the bench and it creates an overwhelming sense of confidence throughout everybody during the game.”
Footnotes. Fourth-line left wing Matt Nieto returned to the lineup after being a surprise scratch Sunday in the last-second 2-1 victory over the Blues. Nieto replaced Tyson Jost. … Bednar said his team will take Thursday off before resuming practice Friday.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon hits hot streak after returning from COVID-19

For a guy who had COVID-19 and missed the start of summer camp , Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon is off to a pretty good start .
How good ?
Try a .390 average and an eight-game hitting streak entering Wednesday night ’ s game against San Francisco at Coors Field .
“ I think I am a good baseball player , so I don ’ t want to be surprised that good baseball players play good , ” deadpanned Blackmon , who was Colorado ’ s designated hitter Wednesday night .
“ I ’ m not surprised by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought I would be a little bit more competitive than I was the first couple of games .
“ But it has seemed like I ’ ve caught on pretty quick and I ’ ve been able to feel comfortable in the box .
I think a big part of that was that I was able to get my body caught up quicker than I thought I would .
Hopefully , I can keep it right there and feel fresh and strong.
” Blackmon had previously equated his illness to “ mild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prior to Wednesday night , Blackmon was batting .485 ( 16-for-33 ) with seven runs scored , two doubles , one home run and 11 RBIs .
That Blackmon , the 2017 National League batting champion , is raking is no surprise to third baseman Nolan Arenado , who bats cleanup , right behind Blackmon in the order .
“ Charlie ’ s getting on base at a high clip .
That ’ s just kind of what he does .
It ’ s typical Charlie , ” Arenado said .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve ever seen.
” Yency ’ s way .
Right-hander Yency Almonte , the former minor-league starter who ’ s been converted into a reliever , notched his first big-league save Tuesday night , tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings and bagging two groundball double plays .
That ’ s no accident .
When Almonte ’ s pitches are on point , he can force hitters to pound the ball into the dirt .
“ I knew , for me , the best thing I could do was try to create weak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Almonte , who ’ s retired 18 of 21 batters he ’ s faced , allowing two hits and one run .
“ It ’ s hard to always execute that , but if you go in with that mindset , most likely you have a chance of making it happen .
For me , the best pitch to throw in that situation is a slider.
” Although Jairo Diaz has emerged as Colorado ’ s primary closer and Carlos Estevez is the primary set-up man , Almonte has earned more late-game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis , on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain , continues receiving treatment but has not begun throwing yet .
There is no timetable for his possible return , manager Bud Black said .
… Asked if he misses hitting this season with the designated hitter in place fulltime , lefty Kyle Freeland , who ’ s scheduled to start Thursday ’ s game , made an honest admission .
“ It ’ s actually kind of refreshing to be able to save my legs , be in the dugout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an at-bat .
… I ’ m able to strictly focus on my pitching art.
” Freeland is off to a tremendous start , looking very much like the pitcher who finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting in 2018 when he went 17-7 and posted a 2.85 ERA .
He notched a win in his last start , shutting out San Diego for six innings while allowing just two hits with one walk and four strikeouts .
The lefty is 6-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 12 career starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Giants at Coors Field , he ’ s 5-1 with a 3.26 ERA .
San Francisco has not announced its Thursday starter but it could be lefty Tyler Anderson , the former Rockie .
He pitched out of the bullpen in his last appearance , Sunday against the Rangers , but could be available .
A first-round draft pick ( 20th overall ) by the Rockies in 2011 , he was on Colorado ’ s opening-day roster last season but went 0-3 with an 11.76 ERA in five starts before being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended up surgery on his left knee on June 11 of last year .
Trending : How ’ s this for home-field advantage ?
Charlie Blackmon entered Wednesday ’ s action with a .387/.437/.736 slash line in 71 games at Coors Field since the start of the 2019 season .
At issue : Second baseman Tyler Anderson and outfielder Sam Hilliard need to cut down on the Ks .
Anderson entered Wednesday night ’ s game with 16 strikeouts in 33 at-bats ( 48 % ) , while Hilliard had fanned 11 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pitching probables Friday : Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela ( 2-0 , 2.45 ) at Mariners LHP Yusei Kikuchi ( 0-0 , 4.66 ) , 7:40 p.m. , ATTRM Saturday : Rockies RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez ( 0-0 , 9.00 ) at Mariners RHP Kendall Graveman ( 9-2 , 8.31 ) , 7:10 p.m. , ATTRM Sunday : Rockies RHP German Marquez ( 2-1 , 1.89 ) at Mariners RHP Justus Sheffield ( 0-2 , 9.23 ) , 2:10 p.m. , ATTRM

For a guy who had COVID-19 and missed the start of summer camp, Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon is off to a pretty good start.
How good? Try a .390 average and an eight-game hitting streak entering Wednesday night’s game against San Francisco at Coors Field.
“I think I am a good baseball player, so I don’t want to be surprised that good baseball players play good,” deadpanned Blackmon, who was Colorado’s designated hitter Wednesday night. “I’m not surprised by the slow start I had initially, but I thought I would be a little bit more competitive than I was the first couple of games.
“But it has seemed like I’ve caught on pretty quick and I’ve been able to feel comfortable in the box. I think a big part of that was that I was able to get my body caught up quicker than I thought I would. Hopefully, I can keep it right there and feel fresh and strong.”
Blackmon had previously equated his illness to “mild flu symptoms.”
In the eight games prior to Wednesday night, Blackmon was batting .485 (16-for-33) with seven runs scored, two doubles, one home run and 11 RBIs.
That Blackmon, the 2017 National League batting champion, is raking is no surprise to third baseman Nolan Arenado, who bats cleanup, right behind Blackmon in the order.
“Charlie’s getting on base at a high clip. That’s just kind of what he does. It’s typical Charlie,” Arenado said. “He’s one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen.”
Yency’s way. Right-hander Yency Almonte, the former minor-league starter who’s been converted into a reliever, notched his first big-league save Tuesday night, tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings and bagging two groundball double plays.
That’s no accident. When Almonte’s pitches are on point, he can force hitters to pound the ball into the dirt.
“I knew, for me, the best thing I could do was try to create weak contact and get a groundball,” said Almonte, who’s retired 18 of 21 batters he’s faced, allowing two hits and one run. “It’s hard to always execute that, but if you go in with that mindset, most likely you have a chance of making it happen. For me, the best pitch to throw in that situation is a slider.”
Although Jairo Diaz has emerged as Colorado’s primary closer and Carlos Estevez is the primary set-up man, Almonte has earned more late-game action.
Footnotes. Veteran closer Wade Davis, on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain, continues receiving treatment but has not begun throwing yet. There is no timetable for his possible return, manager Bud Black said. … Asked if he misses hitting this season with the designated hitter in place fulltime, lefty Kyle Freeland, who’s scheduled to start Thursday’s game, made an honest admission. “It’s actually kind of refreshing to be able to save my legs, be in the dugout and not have to worry thinking about an at-bat. … I’m able to strictly focus on my pitching art.”
On Deck
Giants TBD at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-0, 1.50 ERA)
1:10 p.m. Thursday, Coors Field
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Freeland is off to a tremendous start, looking very much like the pitcher who finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting in 2018 when he went 17-7 and posted a 2.85 ERA. He notched a win in his last start, shutting out San Diego for six innings while allowing just two hits with one walk and four strikeouts. The lefty is 6-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 12 career starts vs. the Giants. In seven starts against the Giants at Coors Field, he’s 5-1 with a 3.26 ERA. San Francisco has not announced its Thursday starter but it could be lefty Tyler Anderson, the former Rockie. He pitched out of the bullpen in his last appearance, Sunday against the Rangers, but could be available. A first-round draft pick (20th overall) by the Rockies in 2011, he was on Colorado’s opening-day roster last season but went 0-3 with an 11.76 ERA in five starts before being placed on the injured list. He ended up surgery on his left knee on June 11 of last year.
Trending: How’s this for home-field advantage? Charlie Blackmon entered Wednesday’s action with a .387/.437/.736 slash line in 71 games at Coors Field since the start of the 2019 season.
At issue: Second baseman Ryan McMahon and outfielder Sam Hilliard need to cut down on the Ks. Anderson entered Wednesday night’s game with 16 strikeouts in 33 at-bats (48%), while Hilliard had fanned 11 times in 20 ABs (55).
Pitching probables
Friday: Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-0, 2.45) at Mariners LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-0, 4.66), 7:40 p.m., ATTRM
Saturday: Rockies RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-0, 9.00) at Mariners RHP Kendall Graveman (9-2, 8.31), 7:10 p.m., ATTRM
Sunday: Rockies RHP German Marquez (2-1, 1.89) at Mariners RHP Justus Sheffield (0-2, 9.23), 2:10 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--CSU Rams’ 2020 football schedule to feature 8 conference games, with start moved back to week of Sep

CSU Rams’ 2020 football schedule to feature 8 conference games, with start moved back to week of Sept. 26

After losing three nonconference games in the previous four weeks , the Colorado State football team ’ s fourth and final one is now in limbo .
The Rams , originally set to open their season against CU at Canvas Stadium on Sept. 5 , are now scheduled to kick off the 2020 schedule during the fourth week of September .
The Mountain West announced Wednesday that the start of all fall sports competition , including Olympic sports , will begin no earlier than the week ending Sept. 26 — a week after CSU ’ s scheduled home game with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ align with newly announced Mountain West schedule guidelines , Colorado State ’ s football game vs. Northern Colorado must be moved to another date , and we are planning to explore options to play the game during the 2020 season , ” a statement from CSU football read .
“ We will announce a complete schedule as soon as it becomes available.
” MW football teams will play an eight-game conference schedule , with the option to play up to two nonconference games .
CSU already had to scrap games against Power 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after those schools ’ conferences canceled all 2020 nonconference games due to COVID-19 .
The Rams ’ lone remaining nonconference game was set for Sept. 19 against UNC .
Rams athletic director Joe Parker said earlier this week that game was still on , but the Mountain West ’ s announcement puts the status of that game in question .
Parker has also said the Rams are looking at all options in adding another nonconference opponent .
Scheduling models for the conference football season remain “ under consideration , ” according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference championship game could now be played on one of three dates — Dec. 5 , 12 or 19 .
The CSU football team suspended workouts last week after a coronavirus outbreak hit the team and athletics department .
School officials on Monday said the athletics program had 16 COVID-19 positives , 11 coming from football .
Six positive coronavirus cases were confirmed by the school on the same day , with all coming from within the football team .
Outside of football , women ’ s soccer and volleyball will play conference-only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under review , the conference said .
Schedules will be determined in the coming weeks .
Fall competition for golf , tennis , swimming and diving and indoor track and field have all been canceled , but golf and tennis student-athletes will be eligible to compete unattached .

After losing three nonconference games in the previous four weeks, the Colorado State football team’s fourth and final one is now in limbo.
The Rams, originally set to open their season against CU at Canvas Stadium on Sept. 5, are now scheduled to kick off the 2020 schedule during the fourth week of September. The Mountain West announced Wednesday that the start of all fall sports competition, including Olympic sports, will begin no earlier than the week ending Sept. 26 — a week after CSU’s scheduled home game with Northern Colorado.
“In order to align with newly announced Mountain West schedule guidelines, Colorado State’s football game vs. Northern Colorado must be moved to another date, and we are planning to explore options to play the game during the 2020 season,” a statement from CSU football read. “We will announce a complete schedule as soon as it becomes available.”
MW football teams will play an eight-game conference schedule, with the option to play up to two nonconference games.
CSU already had to scrap games against Power 5 opponents CU, Oregon State and Vanderbilt after those schools’ conferences canceled all 2020 nonconference games due to COVID-19.
The Rams’ lone remaining nonconference game was set for Sept. 19 against UNC. Rams athletic director Joe Parker said earlier this week that game was still on, but the Mountain West’s announcement puts the status of that game in question. Parker has also said the Rams are looking at all options in adding another nonconference opponent.
Scheduling models for the conference football season remain “under consideration,” according to a Mountain West news release. And the conference championship game could now be played on one of three dates — Dec. 5, 12 or 19.
The CSU football team suspended workouts last week after a coronavirus outbreak hit the team and athletics department. School officials on Monday said the athletics program had 16 COVID-19 positives, 11 coming from football. Six positive coronavirus cases were confirmed by the school on the same day, with all coming from within the football team.
Outside of football, women’s soccer and volleyball will play conference-only schedules, with cross country schedules still under review, the conference said. Schedules will be determined in the coming weeks.
Fall competition for golf, tennis, swimming and diving and indoor track and field have all been canceled, but golf and tennis student-athletes will be eligible to compete unattached.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Wildfire closes Interstate 70 in both directions near Glenwood Springs

A wildfire on the Western Slope shut down Interstate 70 in both directions near Glenwood Springs late in the afternoon @ @ @ @ @ of the highway was closed a the Dotsero interchange , Exit 133 , and eastbound @ @ @ @ @ Creek , Exit 109 , according to the State Patrol .
One westbound lane reopened @ @ @ @ @ , the State Patrol said .
The 111 fire has burned about 40 acres .
@ @ @ @ @ reopen after dusk .
Firefighters , with air support , were on scene battling the @ @ @ @ @ in the South Canyon area west of Glenwood Springs .
Helicopter water bucket lifts , @ @ @ @ @ and flown over the highway , are part of the shutdown for safety concerns .

A wildfire on the Western Slope shut down Interstate 70 in both directions near Glenwood Springs late in the afternoon Wednesday.
The westbound portion of the highway was closed a the Dotsero interchange, Exit 133, and eastbound lanes were closed at Canyon Creek, Exit 109, according to the State Patrol.
The eastbound lanes reopened at about 6:10 p.m. and one westbound lane reopened to traffic about 6:45 p.m., the State Patrol said.
At about 8:30 p.m. Glenwood Springs officials said that the fire was human caused, describing it as “accidental.” The fire is 25% contained and an investigation is ongoing.
Interstate 70 closed both directions, for large wild fire. Westbound at Dotsero( exit 133) Eastbound at Canyon creek. (Exit 109). Unknown time of closure. Several air resources on scene. pic.twitter.com/4E2xYCUmJr — CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) August 5, 2020
The 111 fire has burned about 40 acres. Officials expect the highway to reopen after dusk. Firefighters, with air support, were on scene battling the fire.
The fire is in the South Canyon area west of Glenwood Springs. Helicopter water bucket lifts, out of the Colorado River and flown over the highway, were part of the shutdown for safety concerns.


thedenverpost--2020-08-05--Letters: Sorry is not enough from the Aurora police

Sorry is not enough from the Aurora police Re : “ ‘ It was done wrong ’ : Aurora police chief explains mistakes that led to officers handcuffing children , ” online news story I am writing about the traffic stop made by Aurora police on Sunday involving a woman and four children stopped for a possible stolen vehicle .
They were approached at gunpoint and made to lie face down in the street , some in handcuffs , even though they were completely innocent .
The Auorora Police Department in part defended these actions by saying this was standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped was not even close to the motorcycle that had actually been reported stolen . )
This has got to stop !
There is no way to make this right !
Saying they are sorry is not enough for their egregious behavior .
This family is entitled to a large financial settlement from Aurora , which they will need to pay for the years of therapy these frightened children will need in order to feel safe again .
The officers should be severely disciplined .
Finally , APD needs to provide training in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn that handcuffing innocent children is never OK. Hopefully , we will never see this abuse of power again .
The Colorado Avalanche are embarking on their best chance to win the Stanley Cup in years , the most venerable sports trophy in North America .
The Rocky Mountain time zone has tens of thousands of hockey fans .
All the games to determine the champion are being played in Canada — a nation that had the good sense to control the COVID-19 pandemic .
This scenario suggests that Avalanche fans would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the maroon and white do what they do best .
But , no .
The children running Comcast and owning the Avalanche and Nuggets ’ TV broadcast rights are in a childish feud leaving many fans without access to watch the games .
Many bars and restaurants have Direct TV , but their capacities are strictly limited ( at best ) by the pandemic .
For a few bucks and some abstract whining about monopolies and competition , tens of thousands of Avalanche and Nuggets fans will see no games on TV .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have shown everyone how eager you are to serve the customer base you say you revere .
If I was sponsoring my goods and services on Comcast , I ’ d be apoplectic at the small thinking of the parties in question .
But nothing will change as long as the conflicting parties remain in a first-grade mode of thinking .
Will the media step up and social-shame these mindless entities for the sake of the people who keep making them rich ?
I don ’ t know the particulars of the dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t care ) , but I am very disappointed that the fans of the Colorado Avalanche are deprived of the privilege of watching the playoff games .
Especially now during this time of pandemic when we all need something to look forward to , you would hope that these privileged participants would show some heart .
Ha !
I guess that is too much to ask .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by @ @ @ @

Sorry is not enough from the Aurora police
Re: “ ‘It was done wrong’: Aurora police chief explains mistakes that led to officers handcuffing children,” online news story
I am writing about the traffic stop made by Aurora police on Sunday involving a woman and four children stopped for a possible stolen vehicle.
They were approached at gunpoint and made to lie face down in the street, some in handcuffs, even though they were completely innocent. The Auorora Police Department in part defended these actions by saying this was standard protocol (even though the car they stopped was not even close to the motorcycle that had actually been reported stolen.)
This has got to stop! There is no way to make this right! Saying they are sorry is not enough for their egregious behavior. This family is entitled to a large financial settlement from Aurora, which they will need to pay for the years of therapy these frightened children will need in order to feel safe again.
The officers should be severely disciplined. Finally, APD needs to provide training in basic common sense. Officers need to learn that handcuffing innocent children is never OK.
Hopefully, we will never see this abuse of power again.
Nancy Riordan Kunzie, Denver
Feud over TV access continues to ice Avs’ fans
The Colorado Avalanche are embarking on their best chance to win the Stanley Cup in years, the most venerable sports trophy in North America. The Rocky Mountain time zone has tens of thousands of hockey fans.
All the games to determine the champion are being played in Canada — a nation that had the good sense to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
This scenario suggests that Avalanche
fans would be glued to their TV sets to watch the maroon and white do what they do best.
But, no. The children running Comcast and owning the Avalanche and Nuggets’ TV broadcast rights are in a childish feud leaving many fans without access to watch the games. Many bars and restaurants have Direct TV, but their capacities are strictly limited (at best) by the pandemic.
For a few bucks and some abstract whining about monopolies and competition, tens of thousands of Avalanche and Nuggets fans will see no games on TV.
Well done, corporate America. You have shown everyone how eager you are to serve the customer base you say you revere.
If I was sponsoring my goods and services on Comcast, I’d be apoplectic at the small thinking of the parties in question. But nothing will change as long as the conflicting parties remain in a first-grade mode of thinking.
Will the media step up and social-shame these mindless entities for the sake of the people who keep making them rich?
Vern Turner, Denver
I don’t know the particulars of the dispute between the various parties involved (and I don’t care), but I am very disappointed that the fans of the Colorado Avalanche are deprived of the privilege of watching the playoff games. Especially now during this time of pandemic when we all need something to look forward to, you would hope that these privileged participants would show some heart.
Ha! I guess that is too much to ask.
L. Smith, Arvada
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Lebanon probes blast amid rising anger, calls for change

BEIRUT — Lebanese officials targeted in the investigation of the massive blast that tore through Beirut sought to shift blame for the presence of explosives at the city ’ s port , and the visiting French president warned Thursday that without serious reforms the country would “ continue to sink.
” The blast Tuesday , which appeared to have been caused by an accidental fire that ignited a warehouse full of ammonium nitrate at the city ’ s port , rippled across the Lebanese capital , killing at least 135 people , injuring more than 5,000 and causing widespread destruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s coronavirus outbreak , as thousands flooded into hospitals in the wake of the blast .
Tens of thousands have been forced to move in with relatives and friends after their homes were damaged , further raising the risks of exposure .
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Thursday amid widespread pledges of international aid .
But Lebanon , which was already mired in a severe economic crisis , faces a daunting challenge in rebuilding .
It ’ s unclear how much support the international community will offer the notoriously corrupt and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the devastated port and was to meet with senior Lebanese officials , said the visit is “ an opportunity to have a frank and challenging dialogue with the Lebanese political powers and institutions.
” He said France will work to coordinate aid but warned that “ if reforms are not made , Lebanon will continue to sink.
” Later , as he toured one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods , an angry crowd vented its fury at Lebanon ’ s political leaders , chanting “ Revolution ” and “ The people want to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during mass protests last year .
Macron said he was not there to endorse the “ regime ” and vowed that French aid would not fall into the “ hands of corruption.
” Losses from the blast are estimated to be between $ 10 billion to $ 15 billion , Beirut Gov .
Marwan Abboud told the Saudi-owned TV station Al-Hadath on Wednesday , adding that nearly 300,000 people are homeless .
The head of Lebanon ’ s customs department meanwhile confirmed in an interview with LBC TV late Wednesday that officials had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years to the judiciary asking that the ammonium nitrate be removed because of the dangers it posed .
But Badri Daher said all he could do was alert authorities to the presence of dangerous materials , saying even that was “ extra work ” for him and his predecessor .
He said the port authority was responsible for the material , while his job was to prevent smuggling and collect duties .
The judiciary and the port authority could not immediately be reached for comment .
The government said Wednesday that an investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been placed under house arrest .
The investigation into the explosion is focused on how 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate , a highly explosive chemical used in fertilizers , came to be stored at the port facility for six years , and why nothing was done about it .
The cargo had been stored at the port since it was confiscated from a ship years earlier .
Based on the timeline and the size of the cargo , that ship could be the MV Rhosus .
The ship was initially seized in Beirut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to technical problems , according to lawyers involved in the case .
It came from the nation of Georgia , and had been bound for Mozambique .
The stockpile is believed to have detonated after a fire broke out nearby in what appeared to be a warehouse holding fireworks .
Daher , the customs official , said he did not know if there were fireworks near the site .
Another theory is that the fire began when welders were trying to repair a broken gate and a hole in the wall of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was stored .
Local news reports say the repair work was ordered by security forces who investigated the facility and were concerned about theft .
Security officials have declined to comment while the investigation is underway .
Port officials have rejected the theory in interviews with local media , saying the welders completed their work long before the fire broke out .
Anger is mounting against the various political factions , including the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group , that have ruled the country since the 1975-1990 civil war .
The country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopelessly corrupt and incapable of providing even basic services like electricity and trash collection .
The tiny Mediterranean country was already on the brink of collapse , with soaring unemployment and a financial crisis that has wiped out people ’ s life savings .
Hospitals were already strained by the coronavirus pandemic , and one was so badly damaged by the blast it had to treat patients in a nearby field .
Dr. Firas Abiad , director general of Rafik Hariri University Hospital , the public hospital leading the coronavirus fight , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next 10 to 15 days linked to crowding at hospitals and blood donation centers after the blast .
Authorities had largely contained the outbreak by imposing a sweeping lockdown in March and April , but case numbers have risen in recent weeks .
A renewed lockdown was to go in effect this week but those plans were canceled after the explosion .
The country has reported more than 5,400 coronavirus cases and 68 deaths since February .
“ There is no doubt that our immunity in the country is less than before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium- to long-term , ” Abiad said .
“ We desperately need aid , not only us but all hospitals in Lebanon.
” The explosion was the most powerful blast ever seen in the city , which has survived decades of war and conflict .
Several city blocks were left littered with rubble , broken glass and damaged vehicles .
Authorities have cordoned off the port itself , where the blast left a crater 200 meters ( yards ) across and shredded a large grain silo , emptying its contents into the rubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the import-reliant country ’ s grain was stored there .
Associated Press writers Thomas Adamson in Paris and Joseph Krauss in Jerusalem contributed .

BEIRUT — Lebanese officials targeted in the investigation of the massive blast that tore through Beirut sought to shift blame for the presence of explosives at the city’s port, and the visiting French president warned Thursday that without serious reforms the country would “continue to sink.”
The blast Tuesday, which appeared to have been caused by an accidental fire that ignited a warehouse full of ammonium nitrate at the city’s port, rippled across the Lebanese capital, killing at least 135 people, injuring more than 5,000 and causing widespread destruction.
It also may have accelerated the country’s coronavirus outbreak, as thousands flooded into hospitals in the wake of the blast. Tens of thousands have been forced to move in with relatives and friends after their homes were damaged, further raising the risks of exposure.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Thursday amid widespread pledges of international aid. But Lebanon, which was already mired in a severe economic crisis, faces a daunting challenge in rebuilding. It’s unclear how much support the international community will offer the notoriously corrupt and dysfunctional government.
Macron, who viewed the devastated port and was to meet with senior Lebanese officials, said the visit is “an opportunity to have a frank and challenging dialogue with the Lebanese political powers and institutions.”
He said France will work to coordinate aid but warned that “if reforms are not made, Lebanon will continue to sink.”
Later, as he toured one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods, an angry crowd vented its fury at Lebanon’s political leaders, chanting “Revolution” and “The people want to bring down the regime,” slogans used during mass protests last year.
Macron said he was not there to endorse the “regime” and vowed that French aid would not fall into the “hands of corruption.”
Losses from the blast are estimated to be between $10 billion to $15 billion, Beirut Gov. Marwan Abboud told the Saudi-owned TV station Al-Hadath on Wednesday, adding that nearly 300,000 people are homeless.
The head of Lebanon’s customs department meanwhile confirmed in an interview with LBC TV late Wednesday that officials had sent five or six letters over the years to the judiciary asking that the ammonium nitrate be removed because of the dangers it posed.
But Badri Daher said all he could do was alert authorities to the presence of dangerous materials, saying even that was “extra work” for him and his predecessor. He said the port authority was responsible for the material, while his job was to prevent smuggling and collect duties.
The judiciary and the port authority could not immediately be reached for comment. The government said Wednesday that an investigation was underway and that port officials have been placed under house arrest.
The investigation into the explosion is focused on how 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive chemical used in fertilizers, came to be stored at the port facility for six years, and why nothing was done about it.
The cargo had been stored at the port since it was confiscated from a ship years earlier. Based on the timeline and the size of the cargo, that ship could be the MV Rhosus. The ship was initially seized in Beirut in 2013 when it entered the port due to technical problems, according to lawyers involved in the case. It came from the nation of Georgia, and had been bound for Mozambique.
The stockpile is believed to have detonated after a fire broke out nearby in what appeared to be a warehouse holding fireworks. Daher, the customs official, said he did not know if there were fireworks near the site.
Another theory is that the fire began when welders were trying to repair a broken gate and a hole in the wall of Hangar 12, where the explosive material was stored. Local news reports say the repair work was ordered by security forces who investigated the facility and were concerned about theft.
Security officials have declined to comment while the investigation is underway. Port officials have rejected the theory in interviews with local media, saying the welders completed their work long before the fire broke out.
Anger is mounting against the various political factions, including the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, that have ruled the country since the 1975-1990 civil war. The country’s long-serving politicians are widely seen as being hopelessly corrupt and incapable of providing even basic services like electricity and trash collection.
The tiny Mediterranean country was already on the brink of collapse, with soaring unemployment and a financial crisis that has wiped out people’s life savings. Hospitals were already strained by the coronavirus pandemic, and one was so badly damaged by the blast it had to treat patients in a nearby field.
Dr. Firas Abiad, director general of Rafik Hariri University Hospital, the public hospital leading the coronavirus fight, said he expects an increase in cases in the next 10 to 15 days linked to crowding at hospitals and blood donation centers after the blast.
Authorities had largely contained the outbreak by imposing a sweeping lockdown in March and April, but case numbers have risen in recent weeks. A renewed lockdown was to go in effect this week but those plans were canceled after the explosion. The country has reported more than 5,400 coronavirus cases and 68 deaths since February.
“There is no doubt that our immunity in the country is less than before the explosion and this will affect us medium- to long-term,” Abiad said. “We desperately need aid, not only us but all hospitals in Lebanon.”
The explosion was the most powerful blast ever seen in the city, which has survived decades of war and conflict. Several city blocks were left littered with rubble, broken glass and damaged vehicles.
Authorities have cordoned off the port itself, where the blast left a crater 200 meters (yards) across and shredded a large grain silo, emptying its contents into the rubble. Estimates suggested about 85% of the import-reliant country’s grain was stored there.
Associated Press writers Thomas Adamson in Paris and Joseph Krauss in Jerusalem contributed.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Survivors mark 75th anniversary of world’s 1st atomic attack

HIROSHIMA , Japan — Survivors of the world ’ s first atomic bombing gathered in diminished numbers near an iconic , blasted dome Thursday to mark the attack ’ s 75th anniversary , many of them urging the world , and their own government , to do more to ban nuclear weapons .
An upsurge of coronavirus cases in Japan meant a much smaller than normal turnout , but the bombing survivors ’ message was more urgent than ever .
As their numbers dwindle — their average age is about 83 — many nations have bolstered or maintained their nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sign a nuclear weapons ban treaty .
Amid cries of Japanese government hypocrisy , survivors , their relatives and officials marked the 8:15 a.m. blast anniversary with a minute of silence .
The United States dropped the world ’ s first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on Aug. 6 , 1945 , destroying the city and killing 140,000 people .
It dropped a second bomb three days later on Nagasaki , killing another 70,000 .
Japan surrendered Aug. 15 , ending World War II and its nearly half-century of aggression in Asia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons stockpiling of the Cold War and a nuclear standoff among nations that continues to this day .
Amid the solemn remembrances at Hiroshima ’ s peace park , Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was confronted Thursday by six members of survivors ’ groups over the treaty .
“ Could you please respond to our request to sign the Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty ?
” Tomoyuki Mimaki , a member of a major survivors ’ group , Hidankyo , implored Abe .
“ The milestone 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing is a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Japan ’ s policy not to sign the treaty , vaguely citing a “ different approach , ” though he added that the government shares the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons .
“ Abe ’ s actions don ’ t seem to match his words , ” said Manabu Iwasa , 47 , who came to the park to pray for his father , a bombing survivor who died at age 87 in March .
“ Japan apparently sides with the United States , but it should make more efforts to eliminate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there is not much we individuals can do.
” Even though Tokyo renounces its own possession , production or hosting of nuclear weapons , Japan is a top U.S. ally , hosts 50,000 American troops and is protected by the U.S. nuclear umbrella .
This complicates the push to get Tokyo to sign the treaty adopted in 2017 , especially as it steps up its military role amid North Korea ’ s continuing pursuit of a stronger nuclear program .
Abe , in his speech at the ceremony , said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it has to start with dialogue .
“ Japan ’ s position is to serve as a bridge between different sides and patiently promote their dialogue and actions to achieve a world without nuclear weapons , ” Abe said .
Earlier , Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui urged world leaders to more seriously commit to nuclear disarmament , pointing out Japan ’ s failures .
“ I ask the Japanese government to heed the appeal of the ( bombing survivors ) to sign , ratify and become a party to the Treaty on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matsui said in his peace declaration .
“ As the only nation to suffer a nuclear attack , Japan must persuade the global public to unite with the spirit of Hiroshima.
” Thursday ’ s peace ceremony at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was scaled down because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The fewer than 1,000 attendees was one-tenth of those attending in past years .
Some survivors and their relatives prayed at the park ’ s cenotaph before the ceremony .
The registry of the atomic bombing victims is stored at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let all the souls here rest in peace , for we shall not repeat the mistake.
” ” The only way to totally eliminate nuclear risk is to totally eliminate nuclear weapons , ” U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a video message from New York for the occasion .
Guterres ’ expected visit to Hiroshima had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus .
“ Seventy-five years is far too long not to have learned that the possession of nuclear weapons diminishes , rather than reinforces , security , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without nuclear weapons seems to be slipping further from our grasp.
” An aging group of survivors , known as hibakusha , feel a growing urgency to tell their stories , in hopes of reaching a younger generation .
Many peace events , including their talks , leading up to the anniversary were canceled because of the coronavirus , but some survivors have teamed with students or pacifist groups to speak at online events , sometimes connecting with international audiences .
The bombing ’ s survivors lamented the slow progress of nuclear disarmament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the Japanese government ’ s reluctance to help and listen to those who suffered .
They want world leaders , especially those from nuclear-weapons states , to visit Hiroshima and see the reality of the atomic bombing .
Pope Francis sent a message to organizers of the anniversary commemoration , recalling that he had prayed at the Hiroshima peace memorial during his 2019 visit to Japan and met with bombing survivors .
He repeated what he said Nov. 24 at the peace memorial : “ The use of atomic energy for purposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possessing of nuclear weapons is immoral.
” The Holy See was among the first countries to sign and ratify the U.N. nuclear prohibition treaty .
Keiko Ogura , 84 , who survived the atomic bombing at age 8 , said she wants non-nuclear states to pressure Japan into signing the treaty .
“ Many survivors are offended by the prime minister of this country because he does not sign the nuclear weapons prohibition treaty , ” she said .

HIROSHIMA, Japan — Survivors of the world’s first atomic bombing gathered in diminished numbers near an iconic, blasted dome Thursday to mark the attack’s 75th anniversary, many of them urging the world, and their own government, to do more to ban nuclear weapons.
An upsurge of coronavirus cases in Japan meant a much smaller than normal turnout, but the bombing survivors’ message was more urgent than ever. As their numbers dwindle — their average age is about 83 — many nations have bolstered or maintained their nuclear arsenals, and their own government refuses to sign a nuclear weapons ban treaty.
Amid cries of Japanese government hypocrisy, survivors, their relatives and officials marked the 8:15 a.m. blast anniversary with a minute of silence.
The United States dropped the world’s first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, destroying the city and killing 140,000 people. It dropped a second bomb three days later on Nagasaki, killing another 70,000. Japan surrendered Aug. 15, ending World War II and its nearly half-century of aggression in Asia.
But the decades since have seen the weapons stockpiling of the Cold War and a nuclear standoff among nations that continues to this day.
Amid the solemn remembrances at Hiroshima’s peace park, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was confronted Thursday by six members of survivors’ groups over the treaty.
“Could you please respond to our request to sign the Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty?” Tomoyuki Mimaki, a member of a major survivors’ group, Hidankyo, implored Abe. “The milestone 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing is a chance” to change course.
Abe insisted on Japan’s policy not to sign the treaty, vaguely citing a “different approach,” though he added that the government shares the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons.
“Abe’s actions don’t seem to match his words,” said Manabu Iwasa, 47, who came to the park to pray for his father, a bombing survivor who died at age 87 in March. “Japan apparently sides with the United States, but it should make more efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. It’s frustrating, but there is not much we individuals can do.”
Even though Tokyo renounces its own possession, production or hosting of nuclear weapons, Japan is a top U.S. ally, hosts 50,000 American troops and is protected by the U.S. nuclear umbrella. This complicates the push to get Tokyo to sign the treaty adopted in 2017, especially as it steps up its military role amid North Korea’s continuing pursuit of a stronger nuclear program.
Abe, in his speech at the ceremony, said a nuclear-free world cannot be achieved overnight and it has to start with dialogue.
“Japan’s position is to serve as a bridge between different sides and patiently promote their dialogue and actions to achieve a world without nuclear weapons,” Abe said.
Earlier, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui urged world leaders to more seriously commit to nuclear disarmament, pointing out Japan’s failures.
“I ask the Japanese government to heed the appeal of the (bombing survivors) to sign, ratify and become a party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons,” Matsui said in his peace declaration. “As the only nation to suffer a nuclear attack, Japan must persuade the global public to unite with the spirit of Hiroshima.”
Thursday’s peace ceremony at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was scaled down because of the coronavirus pandemic. The fewer than 1,000 attendees was one-tenth of those attending in past years.
Some survivors and their relatives prayed at the park’s cenotaph before the ceremony. The registry of the atomic bombing victims is stored at the cenotaph, whose inscription reads, “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the mistake.”
”The only way to totally eliminate nuclear risk is to totally eliminate nuclear weapons,” U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a video message from New York for the occasion. Guterres’ expected visit to Hiroshima had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus.
“Seventy-five years is far too long not to have learned that the possession of nuclear weapons diminishes, rather than reinforces, security,” he said. “Today, a world without nuclear weapons seems to be slipping further from our grasp.”
An aging group of survivors, known as hibakusha, feel a growing urgency to tell their stories, in hopes of reaching a younger generation.
Many peace events, including their talks, leading up to the anniversary were canceled because of the coronavirus, but some survivors have teamed with students or pacifist groups to speak at online events, sometimes connecting with international audiences.
The bombing’s survivors lamented the slow progress of nuclear disarmament and expressed anger over what they said was the Japanese government’s reluctance to help and listen to those who suffered. They want world leaders, especially those from nuclear-weapons states, to visit Hiroshima and see the reality of the atomic bombing.
Pope Francis sent a message to organizers of the anniversary commemoration, recalling that he had prayed at the Hiroshima peace memorial during his 2019 visit to Japan and met with bombing survivors.
He repeated what he said Nov. 24 at the peace memorial: “The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the possessing of nuclear weapons is immoral.”
The Holy See was among the first countries to sign and ratify the U.N. nuclear prohibition treaty.
Keiko Ogura, 84, who survived the atomic bombing at age 8, said she wants non-nuclear states to pressure Japan into signing the treaty.
“Many survivors are offended by the prime minister of this country because he does not sign the nuclear weapons prohibition treaty,” she said.