thedenverpost--2020-10-14--Amy Coney Barrett back on Capitol Hill for senators’ final questions

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett returns to Capitol Hill for a third day of confirmation hearings as senators dig deeper into the conservative judge ’ s outlook on abortion , health care and a potentially disputed presidential election — the Democrats running out of time to stop Republicans pushing her quick confirmation .
Wednesday ’ s session is set to be Barrett ’ s last before the Senate Judiciary Committee .
She has been batting away questions in long and lively exchanges , insisting she would bring no personal agenda to the court but decide cases “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has ground other legislative business to a halt as Republicans excited by the prospect of locking in a 6-3 conservative court majority race to confirm her over Democratic objections before Election Day .
“ We ’ re going to fill this vacancy , ” Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , the committee chairman , said late Tuesday after a nearly 12-hour session .
Graham said he appreciated that Trump had nominated a judge “ who ’ s unabashedly pro-life , somebody who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understands the difference between their personal views and judging.
” Barrett ’ s nomination has been the focus at a Capitol mostly shut down by COVID-19 protocols , frustrating Democrats who are virtually powerless to stop a judge from confirmation .
They warn she will be seated on the court in time to cast a vote to undo the Affordable Care Act next month , causing millions of Americans to lose coverage during a pandemic .
“ People are fed up , ” said Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , criticizing GOP priorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country suffers from the pandemic and Congress squabbles over approving additional economic aid .
The 48-year-old appellate court judge declared her conservative views in often colloquial language , but she refused many specifics Tuesday .
She aligns with the late Justice Antonin Scalia , a conservative mentor , and declined to say whether she would recuse herself from any election-related cases involving Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
“ Judges can ’ t just wake up one day and say I have an agenda — I like guns , I hate guns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion — and walk in like a royal queen and impose their will on the world , ” Barrett told the committee during its second day of hearings .
“ It ’ s not the law of Amy , ” she said .
“ It ’ s the law of the American people.
” Trump seemed pleased with her performance .
“ I think Amy ’ s doing incredibly well , ” he said at the White House departing for a campaign rally .
Trump has said he wants a justice seated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Biden , but Barrett testified she has not spoken to Trump or his team about election cases .
Pressed by Democrats , she skipped past questions about ensuring the date of the election or preventing voter intimidation , both set in federal law , and the peaceful transfer of presidential power .
She declined to commit to recusing herself from any post-election cases without first consulting the other justices .
“ I can ’ t offer an opinion on recusal without short-circuiting that entire process , ” she said .
A frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the panel , all but implored the nominee to be more specific about how she would handle landmark abortion cases , including Roe v. Wade and the follow-up Pennsylvania case Planned Parenthood v. Casey , which confirmed it in large part .
“ It ’ s distressing not to get a good answer , ” the U.S. senator from California told the judge .
Barrett was unmoved .
“ I don ’ t have an agenda to try to overrule Casey , ” she said .
“ I have an agenda to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide cases as they come.
” She later declined to characterize the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion as a “ super-precedent ” that must not be overturned .
Democrats had no such reticence .
“ Let ’ s not make any mistake about it , ” said California Sen. Kamala Harris , the Democratic vice presidential nominee , appearing remotely due to COVID concerns .
Allowing Trump to fill the seat with Barrett “ poses a threat to safe and legal abortion in our country , ” Harris said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican allies , is pushing Barrett ’ s nomination to a quick vote before Nov. 3 , and ahead of the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act , which the Supreme Court is to hear a week after the election .
Democrats warn that she would be a vote to undo the “ Obamacare ” law .
“ I ’ m not hostile to the ACA , ” Barrett told the senators .
The judge , accompanied by her family , described herself as taking a conservative , originalist approach to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told the senators that while she admires Scalia , she would bring her own approach .
“ You would not be getting Justice Scalia , you would be getting Justice Barrett , ” she declared .
Overall , Barrett ’ s conservative views are at odds with the late Ginsburg , a liberal icon .
She would be Trump ’ s third justice .
Underscoring the Republicans ’ confidence , Graham set an initial committee vote on the nomination for Thursday , the last day of hearings , which would allow final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the month .
Protesters rallied outside the Senate building , unable to come inside the hearing room .

Lisa Mascaro, Mark Sherman, Laurie Kellman

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett returns to Capitol Hill for a third day of confirmation hearings as senators dig deeper into the conservative judge’s outlook on abortion, health care and a potentially disputed presidential election — the Democrats running out of time to stop Republicans pushing her quick confirmation.
Wednesday’s session is set to be Barrett’s last before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She has been batting away questions in long and lively exchanges, insisting she would bring no personal agenda to the court but decide cases “as they come.”
Her nomination by President Donald Trump to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has ground other legislative business to a halt as Republicans excited by the prospect of locking in a 6-3 conservative court majority race to confirm her over Democratic objections before Election Day.
“We’re going to fill this vacancy,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the committee chairman, said late Tuesday after a nearly 12-hour session.
Graham said he appreciated that Trump had nominated a judge “who’s unabashedly pro-life, somebody who embraces their faith, but somebody who understands the difference between their personal views and judging.”
Barrett’s nomination has been the focus at a Capitol mostly shut down by COVID-19 protocols, frustrating Democrats who are virtually powerless to stop a judge from confirmation. They warn she will be seated on the court in time to cast a vote to undo the Affordable Care Act next month, causing millions of Americans to lose coverage during a pandemic.
“People are fed up,” said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., criticizing GOP priorities in forcing the Senate action as the country suffers from the pandemic and Congress squabbles over approving additional economic aid.
The 48-year-old appellate court judge declared her conservative views in often colloquial language, but she refused many specifics Tuesday. She aligns with the late Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative mentor, and declined to say whether she would recuse herself from any election-related cases involving Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
“Judges can’t just wake up one day and say I have an agenda — I like guns, I hate guns, I like abortion, I hate abortion — and walk in like a royal queen and impose their will on the world,” Barrett told the committee during its second day of hearings.
“It’s not the law of Amy,” she said. “It’s the law of the American people.”
Trump seemed pleased with her performance. “I think Amy’s doing incredibly well,” he said at the White House departing for a campaign rally.
Trump has said he wants a justice seated for any disputes arising from his heated campaign against Biden, but Barrett testified she has not spoken to Trump or his team about election cases. Pressed by Democrats, she skipped past questions about ensuring the date of the election or preventing voter intimidation, both set in federal law, and the peaceful transfer of presidential power. She declined to commit to recusing herself from any post-election cases without first consulting the other justices.
“I can’t offer an opinion on recusal without short-circuiting that entire process,” she said.
A frustrated Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the panel, all but implored the nominee to be more specific about how she would handle landmark abortion cases, including Roe v. Wade and the follow-up Pennsylvania case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which confirmed it in large part.
“It’s distressing not to get a good answer,” the U.S. senator from California told the judge.
Barrett was unmoved. “I don’t have an agenda to try to overrule Casey,” she said. “I have an agenda to stick to the rule of law and decide cases as they come.”
She later declined to characterize the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion as a “super-precedent” that must not be overturned.
Democrats had no such reticence.
“Let’s not make any mistake about it,” said California Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, appearing remotely due to COVID concerns.
Allowing Trump to fill the seat with Barrett “poses a threat to safe and legal abortion in our country,” Harris said.
The Senate, led by Trump’s Republican allies, is pushing Barrett’s nomination to a quick vote before Nov. 3, and ahead of the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act, which the Supreme Court is to hear a week after the election. Democrats warn that she would be a vote to undo the “Obamacare” law.
“I’m not hostile to the ACA,” Barrett told the senators.
The judge, accompanied by her family, described herself as taking a conservative, originalist approach to the Constitution. A former law professor, she told the senators that while she admires Scalia, she would bring her own approach.
“You would not be getting Justice Scalia, you would be getting Justice Barrett,” she declared.
Overall, Barrett’s conservative views are at odds with the late Ginsburg, a liberal icon. She would be Trump’s third justice.
Underscoring the Republicans’ confidence, Graham set an initial committee vote on the nomination for Thursday, the last day of hearings, which would allow final approval by the full Senate by the end of the month.
Protesters rallied outside the Senate building, unable to come inside the hearing room.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--Germany to give $662 million in aid to Holocaust survivors

BERLIN — Germany has agreed to provide more than a half billion euros to aid Holocaust survivors struggling under the burdens of the coronavirus pandemic , the organization that negotiates compensation with the German government said Wednesday .
The payments will be going to approximately 240,000 survivors around the world , primarily in Israel , North America , the former Soviet Union and Western Europe , over the next two years , according to the New York-based Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany , also referred to as the Claims Conference .
With the end of World War II @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holocaust survivors are all elderly , and because many were deprived of proper nutrition when they were young today they suffer from numerous medical issues .
In addition , many live isolated lives having lost their entire families and also have psychological issues because of their persecution under the Nazis .
“ There ’ s this kind of standard response for survivors , that ‘ we ’ ve been through worse , I ’ ve been through worse and if I survived the Holocaust , through the deprivation of food and what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll get through this , ’ ” said Greg Schneider , executive vice president of the Claims Conference , in a telephone interview from New York with The Associated Press .
“ But if you probe deeper you understand the depths of trauma that still resides within people.
” Many are also on the poverty line , and the additional costs of masks and other protective gear , delivery groceries and other pandemic-related expenses has been crushing for many , Schneider said .
“ You ’ re teetering between making it every month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to decide between food , medicine and rent.
” The new funds are targeted to Jews who aren ’ t receiving pensions already from Germany , primarily people who fled the Nazis and ended up in Russia and elsewhere to hide during the war .
Schneider said about 50 % of Holocaust survivors in the U.S. live in Brooklyn and were particularly hard-hit when New York was the center of the American outbreak , but now numbers are looking worse in Israel and other places .
Each of those survivors will receive two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) over the next two years , for an overall commitment of approximately 564 million euros ( $ 662 million ) to some of the poorest survivors alive today .
The funds come on top of an emergency $ 4.3 million the Claims Conference distributed in the spring to agencies providing care for survivors .
In addition to the coronavirus-related funds , Germany agreed in the recently concluded round of annual negotiations to increase funding for social welfare services for survivors by 30.5 million euros ( $ 36 million ) , to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million ) for 2021 , the Claims Conference said .
Germany ’ s Foreign Ministry had no immediate comment on the latest round of negotiations .
The money is used for services including funding in-home care for more than 83,000 Holocaust survivors and assisting more than 70,000 with other vital services , including food , medicine , transportation to doctors and programs to alleviate social isolation .
As a result of negotiations with the Claims Conference since 1952 , the German government has paid more than $ 80 billion in Holocaust reparations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual negotiations also includes working with Germany to expand the number of people eligible for compensation .
This year , the German government agreed to recognize 27 “ open ghettos ” in Bulgaria and Romania , enabling survivors who were in those places to receive compensation payments .

BERLIN — Germany has agreed to provide more than a half billion euros to aid Holocaust survivors struggling under the burdens of the coronavirus pandemic, the organization that negotiates compensation with the German government said Wednesday.
The payments will be going to approximately 240,000 survivors around the world, primarily in Israel, North America, the former Soviet Union and Western Europe, over the next two years, according to the New York-based Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also referred to as the Claims Conference.
With the end of World War II now 75 years in the past, Holocaust survivors are all elderly, and because many were deprived of proper nutrition when they were young today they suffer from numerous medical issues. In addition, many live isolated lives having lost their entire families and also have psychological issues because of their persecution under the Nazis.
“There’s this kind of standard response for survivors, that ‘we’ve been through worse, I’ve been through worse and if I survived the Holocaust, through the deprivation of food and what we had to go through, I’ll get through this,’” said Greg Schneider, executive vice president of the Claims Conference, in a telephone interview from New York with The Associated Press.
“But if you probe deeper you understand the depths of trauma that still resides within people.”
Many are also on the poverty line, and the additional costs of masks and other protective gear, delivery groceries and other pandemic-related expenses has been crushing for many, Schneider said.
“You’re teetering between making it every month,” he said. “Having to decide between food, medicine and rent.”
The new funds are targeted to Jews who aren’t receiving pensions already from Germany, primarily people who fled the Nazis and ended up in Russia and elsewhere to hide during the war.
Schneider said about 50% of Holocaust survivors in the U.S. live in Brooklyn and were particularly hard-hit when New York was the center of the American outbreak, but now numbers are looking worse in Israel and other places.
“It’s a rolling calamity,” he said.
Each of those survivors will receive two payments of 1,200 euros ($1,400) over the next two years, for an overall commitment of approximately 564 million euros ($662 million) to some of the poorest survivors alive today.
The funds come on top of an emergency $4.3 million the Claims Conference distributed in the spring to agencies providing care for survivors.
In addition to the coronavirus-related funds, Germany agreed in the recently concluded round of annual negotiations to increase funding for social welfare services for survivors by 30.5 million euros ($36 million), to a total of 554.5 million ($651 million) for 2021, the Claims Conference said.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry had no immediate comment on the latest round of negotiations.
The money is used for services including funding in-home care for more than 83,000 Holocaust survivors and assisting more than 70,000 with other vital services, including food, medicine, transportation to doctors and programs to alleviate social isolation.
As a result of negotiations with the Claims Conference since 1952, the German government has paid more than $80 billion in Holocaust reparations.
Part of the Claims Conference’s annual negotiations also includes working with Germany to expand the number of people eligible for compensation.
This year, the German government agreed to recognize 27 “open ghettos” in Bulgaria and Romania, enabling survivors who were in those places to receive compensation payments.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--WalletHub ranks Colorado as America’s 3rd most politically engaged state

With consistently high voter turnout and a U.S. Senate race that ’ s one of Democrats ’ top 2020 targets @ @ @ @ @ s third most politically engaged state , a recent WalletHub study found .
The personal @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday on 2020 political engagement in states that examined 11 metrics for a given state @ @ @ @ @ .
Those metrics include the percentage of registered voters in the 2016 election , the @ @ @ @ @ voted in the 2018 midterm , the total political contributions per adult and civic education @ @ @ @ @ average in every category except one , and it ranked No .
1 in voter @ @ @ @ @ shows .
It ranked second in education , third for the percentage of voters who @ @ @ @ @ 2016 presidential election and ninth for tax fairness .
Only Washington and Maine ranked higher @ @ @ @ @ first place , respectively , the report shows .
Maryland scored fourth and Wyoming scored @ @

With consistently high voter turnout and a U.S. Senate race that’s one of Democrats’ top 2020 targets, Colorado is America’s third most politically engaged state, a recent WalletHub study found.
The personal finance website released a report Tuesday on 2020 political engagement in states that examined 11 metrics for a given state’s level of engagement.
Those metrics include the percentage of registered voters in the 2016 election, the percentage of the electorate that voted in the 2018 midterm, the total political contributions per adult and civic education engagement.
Colorado scored above average in every category except one, and it ranked No. 1 in voter accessibility policies, the study shows. It ranked second in education, third for the percentage of voters who cast a ballot in the 2016 presidential election and ninth for tax fairness.
Only Washington and Maine ranked higher than Colorado with second and first place, respectively, the report shows. Maryland scored fourth and Wyoming scored fifth.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--Rockies Mailbag: Jeff Bridich’s future, Josh Fuentes at first base, trading Nolan Arenado and more

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 .
As has often been the case in recent weeks , the majority of the questions to the Rockies mailbag concern the status of general manager Jeff Bridich .
The following two questions typify what fans are asking .
When will we know the fate of Jeff Bridich ’ s job status ?
Is it alarming that there has been no-end-of-year recap yet ?
Count me in as hoping there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is an obvious frustration among fans — and I might say some players !
— with Jeff Bridich .
Do you see ownership addressing this problem in ANY way during the offseason ?
I realize the topic has been beaten to death , but as many have said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again .
Just hoping you might have some insight .
The bottom line is that there are no indications that owner Dick Monfort is ready to replace Bridich as the GM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes won ’ t happen , but nothing I ’ ve been told tells me that Bridich ’ s job is on the line .
As for the end-of-the-year recap , Monfort said last October that the media session involving him , Bridich and manager Bud Black would be an annual occurrence .
So far , that hasn ’ t happened .
I ’ ve been told that it ’ s because the Rockies were busy setting up their players for the Arizona Instructional League .
That ’ s a major project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of COVID-19 .
That being said , it ’ s been frustrating for those of us in the media — and by extension the fans — to have had no opportunity to ask questions of Monfort and Bridich after such a bad season .
There are a lot of issues regarding the direction of the franchise .
Hopefully we will be able to meet with the powers that be soon .
As for Kari ’ s question , I can only reiterate what I ’ ve said many times before .
Monfort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he believes Bridich is a key to that stability .
Like it or not , the playoff appearances in 2017-18 likely bought Bridich another season , even if there are those in the franchise who would like to see a change .
Do I think the franchise needs a shakeup ?
Yes .
But I don ’ t think major changes are coming soon .
As one big-league general manager has said , “ Being GM of the Rockies is like being appointed to the Supreme Court.
” Are the Rockies considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for first base ?
Is Josh a good choice , even though he is not a power hitter ?
Judy , I think Fuentes impressed Bud Black enough to be the front-runner for the job in 2021 .
I don ’ t know how the front office sees the situation going forward , but clearly Fuentes has shown that his defense is excellent .
Plus , he ’ s proven , over a short stretch , that he can hit big-league pitching , even though he is not a gap-to-gap hitter , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what his cousin , Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado , told me for an end-of-the-year feature I wrote on Fuentes : “ Josh is doing a great job of being ready to hit when he plays and his defense has always been really good .
He ’ s not afraid to work and get better .
He is a big-league player , so his ability to hang in there and make it is something I knew he could do .
He ’ s been great for our team as a player and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loves him.
” In my opinion , Fuentes should be the starting first baseman next season , unless the Rockies sign a slugging first baseman , and I don ’ t see that happening .
Fuentes said he would be open to being a utility player , but he wants to be an everyday player .
He ’ s certainly an upgrade over the now-departed Daniel Murphy .
Greetings .
Instead of shopping for free agents , shouldn ’ t the Rockies organization look to hire developmental coaches and scouts from the Dodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Recent free-agent acquisitions and poor drafts indicate ( to me , just a fan ) there is a big lack of depth and talent in the organization .
Thank You .
Hey Robert , those are two separate , yet linked , issues .
The Rockies must explore the free-agent market , especially for a reliever and a power bat , but whether they can afford to make any major moves is questionable .
As for hiring away from the franchises you mentioned , I doubt that happens .
The Rays ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will get a look from other teams around the league .
Will the Rockies be interested ?
We ’ ll see .
In his recent “ Three Strikes Blog , ” former big-league pitcher Mark Knudson opined that the Rockies should check out Peter Bendix , the Rays ’ vice president of baseball development .
Here is part of what Knudson wrote : “ ‘ The Rockies way ’ is in many ways a dinosaur .
It has not invested enough in player development and long-term thinking .
It ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s profits equal next year ’ s payroll ’ bottom line kind of approach , which at times has resulted in free agent spending sprees , and at other times allowed quality players to leave town without the team getting any value in return .
“ Clubs like Tampa , Oakland and others realized long ago that they could not compete the old fashioned way .
So they decided to put their money where their talent evaluators were .
They didn ’ t point at a lack of resources for failings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better way to compete.
” Do you think Nolan Arenado has a good chance of being traded ?
If so , does St. Louis still have any interest ?
Evan , I don ’ t know if we can say there is “ a good chance ” of Arenado being traded .
Before the coronavirus , I would have said there was a very good chance that Arenado would be moved , but now I ’ m not sure at all .
He ’ s got a huge contract and is owed $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in a previous mailbag : “ Baseball ’ s financial landscape has changed because of the coronavirus pandemic and I don ’ t know if another team will trade for Arenado and pay him $ 35 million in 2021 with his contract allowing for an opt-out after the season .
Someone I know and trust on the Rockies says it ’ s a 50-50 proposition a trade goes down.
” The Cardinals , in my opinion , would be a great fit for Arenado .
And yes , they were interested last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price was prohibitive .
At this point , I honestly don ’ t know if the Cardinals and Rockies will revisit those discussions .
Patrick , do you know if there are any big sinkerballers in free agency who the Rockies could go after this offseason ?
One of the best starters we ’ ve had was Aaron Cook and his 4.65 ERA at Coors Field over 122 games is pretty darn solid .
Emmett , pitchers don ’ t have to be sinkerball pitchers , per se , to succeed at Coors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , did well this year because of his circle changeup .
But you ’ re right in saying that some sinkerball pitchers would be a good fit for Coors .
Mets right-hander Marcus Stroman is only 29 and he ’ s a sinkerball pitcher .
He ’ s coming off a torn calf muscle and decided not to pitch in 2020 , but he might be worth a look .
Kevin Gausman , the Giants ’ right-hander , will be a free agent .
He learned how to throw a split-finger changeup ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grandview High School , so we know it works at altitude .
Would Gausman be interested in returning to his hometown ?
It ’ s something to watch .
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.
As has often been the case in recent weeks, the majority of the questions to the Rockies mailbag concern the status of general manager Jeff Bridich. The following two questions typify what fans are asking.
When will we know the fate of Jeff Bridich’s job status? Is it alarming that there has been no-end-of-year recap yet? Count me in as hoping there is a change at the GM level.
— Blake, Denver
Patrick, there is an obvious frustration among fans — and I might say some players! — with Jeff Bridich. Do you see ownership addressing this problem in ANY way during the offseason? I realize the topic has been beaten to death, but as many have said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again. Just hoping you might have some insight.
— Kari Van Horn, Denver
The bottom line is that there are no indications that owner Dick Monfort is ready to replace Bridich as the GM. I’m not saying that changes won’t happen, but nothing I’ve been told tells me that Bridich’s job is on the line.
As for the end-of-the-year recap, Monfort said last October that the media session involving him, Bridich and manager Bud Black would be an annual occurrence. So far, that hasn’t happened. I’ve been told that it’s because the Rockies were busy setting up their players for the Arizona Instructional League. That’s a major project, especially since there was no minor-league season because of COVID-19.
That being said, it’s been frustrating for those of us in the media — and by extension the fans — to have had no opportunity to ask questions of Monfort and Bridich after such a bad season. There are a lot of issues regarding the direction of the franchise. Hopefully we will be able to meet with the powers that be soon.
As for Kari’s question, I can only reiterate what I’ve said many times before. Monfort, in my opinion, likes stability and he believes Bridich is a key to that stability. Like it or not, the playoff appearances in 2017-18 likely bought Bridich another season, even if there are those in the franchise who would like to see a change.
Do I think the franchise needs a shakeup? Yes. But I don’t think major changes are coming soon.
As one big-league general manager has said, “Being GM of the Rockies is like being appointed to the Supreme Court.”
Are the Rockies considering Josh Fuentes to be a solid choice for first base? Is Josh a good choice, even though he is not a power hitter?
— Judy Frieman, Denver
Judy, I think Fuentes impressed Bud Black enough to be the front-runner for the job in 2021. I don’t know how the front office sees the situation going forward, but clearly Fuentes has shown that his defense is excellent. Plus, he’s proven, over a short stretch, that he can hit big-league pitching, even though he is a gap-to-gap hitter, not a true slugger.
Here’s what his cousin, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, told me for an end-of-the-year feature I wrote on Fuentes:
“Josh is doing a great job of being ready to hit when he plays and his defense has always been really good. He’s not afraid to work and get better. He is a big-league player, so his ability to hang in there and make it is something I knew he could do. He’s been great for our team as a player and as a guy in the clubhouse. Everyone loves him.”
In my opinion, Fuentes should be the starting first baseman next season, unless the Rockies sign a slugging first baseman, and I don’t see that happening. Fuentes said he would be open to being a utility player, but he wants to be an everyday player. He’s certainly an upgrade over the now-departed Daniel Murphy.
Greetings. Instead of shopping for free agents, shouldn’t the Rockies organization look to hire developmental coaches and scouts from the Dodgers, Padres, Rays or the Braves? Recent free-agent acquisitions and poor drafts indicate (to me, just a fan) there is a big lack of depth and talent in the organization. Thank You.
— Robert Emmerling, Parker
Hey Robert, those are two separate, yet linked, issues. The Rockies must explore the free-agent market, especially for a reliever and a power bat, but whether they can afford to make any major moves is questionable.
As for hiring away from the franchises you mentioned, I doubt that happens. The Rays’ front office, I’m sure, will get a look from other teams around the league. Will the Rockies be interested? We’ll see.
In his recent “Three Strikes Blog,” former big-league pitcher Mark Knudson opined that the Rockies should check out Peter Bendix, the Rays’ vice president of baseball development.
Here is part of what Knudson wrote:
“‘The Rockies way’ is in many ways a dinosaur. It has not invested enough in player development and long-term thinking. It’s been a solid year-to-year, ‘last year’s profits equal next year’s payroll’ bottom line kind of approach, which at times has resulted in free agent spending sprees, and at other times allowed quality players to leave town without the team getting any value in return.
“Clubs like Tampa, Oakland and others realized long ago that they could not compete the old fashioned way. So they decided to put their money where their talent evaluators were. They didn’t point at a lack of resources for failings, they found a different and often times better way to compete.”
Do you think Nolan Arenado has a good chance of being traded? If so, does St. Louis still have any interest?
— Evan Baehl, Fort Branch, Ind.
Evan, I don’t know if we can say there is “a good chance” of Arenado being traded.
Before the coronavirus, I would have said there was a very good chance that Arenado would be moved, but now I’m not sure at all. He’s got a huge contract and is owed $35 million next season.
As I wrote in a previous mailbag: “Baseball’s financial landscape has changed because of the coronavirus pandemic and I don’t know if another team will trade for Arenado and pay him $35 million in 2021 with his contract allowing for an opt-out after the season. Someone I know and trust on the Rockies says it’s a 50-50 proposition a trade goes down.”
The Cardinals, in my opinion, would be a great fit for Arenado. And yes, they were interested last year, but the Rockies’ asking price was prohibitive. At this point, I honestly don’t know if the Cardinals and Rockies will revisit those discussions.
Patrick, do you know if there are any big sinkerballers in free agency who the Rockies could go after this offseason? One of the best starters we’ve had was Aaron Cook and his 4.65 ERA at Coors Field over 122 games is pretty darn solid.
— Emmett, Wheat Ridge
Emmett, pitchers don’t have to be sinkerball pitchers, per se, to succeed at Coors Field. Kyle Freeland, for example, did well this year because of his circle changeup. But you’re right in saying that some sinkerball pitchers would be a good fit for Coors.
Mets right-hander Marcus Stroman is only 29 and he’s a sinkerball pitcher. He’s coming off a torn calf muscle and decided not to pitch in 2020, but he might be worth a look.
Kevin Gausman, the Giants’ right-hander, will be a free agent. He learned how to throw a split-finger changeup (which sinks) when he was at Grandview High School, so we know it works at altitude. Would Gausman be interested in returning to his hometown? It’s something to watch.
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--2020-10-14--Keeler: Jake Rubley isn’t playing football. Highlands Ranch is. There’s a lesson in there, as one fa

Keeler: Jake Rubley isn’t playing football. Highlands Ranch is. There’s a lesson in there, as one family’s learning the hard way.

There ’ s a lesson in there , somewhere .
It ’ s October .
Highlands Ranch is playing football .
Jake Rubley isn ’ t .
“ It ’ s not final , ” T.J. Rubley , the former Falcons football coach , NFL quarterback and father of Jake , said Tuesday .
“ Now we ’ ve got our turn to go on the offensive .
We ’ re still putting a plan together there.
” The Rubleys ’ first plan more or less went kablooey last week .
Even before CHSAA had initially punted on fall football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to punt on Colorado .
T.J. , an Iowa native , applied for a brokerage license in the Hawkeye State .
He ’ d work remotely while Jake , 247Sports ’ No .
1 Colorado recruit in the Class of 2021 , decided to transfer from Highlands Ranch to West Des Moines Valley , one of the biggest programs in a small state .
Colorado prep football was in limbo , Iowa was chugging full-speed ahead for a fall season and Jake , who ’ d already committed to Kansas State , planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The younger Rubley got three games in at Valley — throwing for 507 yards with three scores and two picks — before the Iowa High School Athletic Association pulled the plug on Sept. 23 .
Jake was ruled ineligible , his intentions torpedoed .
The Rubley family contends that they were unfairly dogged , that other COVID-19 football evacuees from Colorado and neighboring states were allowed to parachute in and play immediately without reproach .
They felt that Jake ’ s name and T.J. ’ s fame — Dad appeared in 10 NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made them easy targets .
But an administrative law judge disagreed , deciding last Wednesday to uphold the organization ’ s ruling .
He told the family attorney that it was , in part , because Jake had told The Post ’ s Andy Yamashita in August that he “ 100 % ” would ’ ve finished school in Colorado if fall football was being played here .
And because Jake was 18 at the time he enrolled at Valley , the judge asserted , his actions were those of a consenting adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son ) have ?
” the elder Rubley countered .
“ He ’ s not going there to take a job with Google .
He ’ s not there to work with Merrill .
He ’ s an 18-year-old kid moving with his family .
He had no choice in the matter .
He had no choice in the matter at all.
” There ’ s a lesson in there , somewhere .
You feel bad for Jake , although he ’ s still got a free ride to join the Wildcats in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never plays another down of prep football .
It ’ s supposed to be about what ’ s good for the kids , isn ’ t it ?
Funny how , whenever adults start digging their fingers in , poking at loopholes , everything starts to stink .
Iowa ’ s rules regarding residency are pretty clear .
Unless they ’ re divorced , separated or widowed , your parents can ’ t have two homes — let alone two in two different states .
The Rubley family ’ s maintained their house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T.J. said , while looking to build a new residence in central Iowa and establish deeper roots .
Dad ’ s been splitting his weeks between Denver and central Iowa for a few months now .
The intention , he said , is to keep two houses , “ and just go back and forth.
” A cynic would say the Rubleys , or whomever counseled them on the move , didn ’ t do their homework .
T.J. thinks there were snakes in the grass from the start .
“ Supposedly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent ( to Iowa ) , ” the elder Rubley said .
“ ( It read ) , ‘ I was committed to be the coach at Highlands Ranch , I was committed to them as players.
’ “ I didn ’ t lie to anyone .
I didn ’ t mislead anyone .
Our athletic director at Highlands Ranch knew exactly what I was doing.
” ( The Falcons ’ athletic director , Darren Withey , didn ’ t return an email and phone request for comment on Tuesday . )
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T.J. said .
“ I think there ’ s some ( bad blood ) , for sure .
There were a lot of people that weren ’ t happy that Jake transferred .
They thought I ’ d done something to ruin their kids ’ season .
I don ’ t think they knew , at that time , that Jake couldn ’ t play in the spring .
But they do things that fit their moral and ethical standards.
” The Falcons returned to the field last Friday .
Two states away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a lesson in there , somewhere .
Just because the corn is greener doesn ’ t mean the same holds true of the grass .

There’s a lesson in there, somewhere. It’s October. Highlands Ranch is playing football. Jake Rubley isn’t.
“It’s not final,” T.J. Rubley, the former Falcons football coach, NFL quarterback and father of Jake, said Tuesday. “Now we’ve got our turn to go on the offensive. We’re still putting a plan together there.”
The Rubleys’ first plan more or less went kablooey last week. Even before CHSAA had initially punted on fall football, the Rubley family in August decided to punt on Colorado. T.J., an Iowa native, applied for a brokerage license in the Hawkeye State. He’d work remotely while Jake, 247Sports’ No. 1 Colorado recruit in the Class of 2021, decided to transfer from Highlands Ranch to West Des Moines Valley, one of the biggest programs in a small state.
Colorado prep football was in limbo, Iowa was chugging full-speed ahead for a fall season and Jake, who’d already committed to Kansas State, planned on enrolling early with the Wildcats.
The younger Rubley got three games in at Valley — throwing for 507 yards with three scores and two picks — before the Iowa High School Athletic Association pulled the plug on Sept. 23. Jake was ruled ineligible, his intentions torpedoed.
The Rubley family contends that they were unfairly dogged, that other COVID-19 football evacuees from Colorado and neighboring states were allowed to parachute in and play immediately without reproach. They felt that Jake’s name and T.J.’s fame — Dad appeared in 10 NFL games from 1993-95, starting seven — made them easy targets.
But an administrative law judge disagreed, deciding last Wednesday to uphold the organization’s ruling. He told the family attorney that it was, in part, because Jake had told The Post’s Andy Yamashita in August that he “100%” would’ve finished school in Colorado if fall football was being played here. And because Jake was 18 at the time he enrolled at Valley, the judge asserted, his actions were those of a consenting adult.
“What choice did (my son) have?” the elder Rubley countered. “He’s not going there to take a job with Google. He’s not there to work with Merrill. He’s an 18-year-old kid moving with his family. He had no choice in the matter. He had no choice in the matter at all.”
There’s a lesson in there, somewhere. You feel bad for Jake, although he’s still got a free ride to join the Wildcats in a few months, even if he never plays another down of prep football.
It’s supposed to be about what’s good for the kids, isn’t it? Funny how, whenever adults start digging their fingers in, poking at loopholes, everything starts to stink.
Iowa’s rules regarding residency are pretty clear. Unless they’re divorced, separated or widowed, your parents can’t have two homes — let alone two in two different states. The Rubley family’s maintained their house here while renting in Des Moines, T.J. said, while looking to build a new residence in central Iowa and establish deeper roots.
Dad’s been splitting his weeks between Denver and central Iowa for a few months now. The intention, he said, is to keep two houses, “and just go back and forth.”
A cynic would say the Rubleys, or whomever counseled them on the move, didn’t do their homework. T.J. thinks there were snakes in the grass from the start.
“Supposedly, it was an anonymous letter that was sent (to Iowa),” the elder Rubley said. “(It read), ‘I was committed to be the coach at Highlands Ranch, I was committed to them as players.’
“I didn’t lie to anyone. I didn’t mislead anyone. Our athletic director at Highlands Ranch knew exactly what I was doing.” (The Falcons’ athletic director, Darren Withey, didn’t return an email and phone request for comment on Tuesday.)
“I don’t know,” T.J. said. “I think there’s some (bad blood), for sure. There were a lot of people that weren’t happy that Jake transferred. They thought I’d done something to ruin their kids’ season. I don’t think they knew, at that time, that Jake couldn’t play in the spring. But they do things that fit their moral and ethical standards.”
The Falcons returned to the field last Friday. Two states away, Jake Rubley sat. There’s a lesson in there, somewhere. Just because the corn is greener doesn’t mean the same holds true of the grass.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--Ask Amy: Midlife crisis tears family apart

After 20 years of marriage , my “ pillar of the community ” husband started acting strangely .
He started dressing young , going to bars , and then quit sleeping at night .
When I found out he had an affair , I blew up and he took off with the young barfly .
Our grown daughters and I are hurt and sad that our family life seems over .
I thought we had a great marriage and family .
Do these men ever come home ?
I can easily forgive him and go to counseling to get back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kinds of retirement plans before this happened .
In addition to being a husband and father , he is my best friend , too .
— Don ’ t Know What to Do Dear Don ’ t Know : Midlife crises are not confined to men .
And while these changes can seem very sudden , this is a panicked response to the existential crisis brought on by the realization that one ’ s life is more than half over .
When the “ crisis ” moment arrives ( sometimes prompted by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthday , children about to leave the nest , or job frustration ) , a person at midlife looks around , sings the old Peggy Lee song , “ Is That All There Is ?
, ” and decides that a pumped-up body , a younger partner , or a new toy in the garage will fix everything .
To quote a moment from one of my favorite movies , “ Moonstruck , ” the wise wife looks at her philandering husband and declares : “ Cosmo , I just want you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ re going to die , just like everybody else.
” Yes , sometimes people who leave in the throes of a midlife crisis do come back .
Sometimes , their partner no longer wants them .
But rather than concentrate your energy on your husband ’ s behavior and choices , I hope you will take a long look at your own life .
Deal with your grief and the profound loss and change .
Yes , cope with your anger and give yourself the release of forgiving him if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not negate the happiness of the 20-year family-building phase of your own life .
Quoting Peggy Lee again : “ If that ’ s all there is , my friend , then let ’ s keep dancing… ” I hope you will choose to “ dance ” again .
Dear Amy : I have a very friendly dog that I walk through my neighborhood daily .
I have constant issues with two people giving her more snacks than I would like them to .
I try to keep my pup on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , “ Please , only give her one or two snacks , ” they just ignore me and give her more and more .
I have one woman that comes across the street with a whole bag !
I am trying not to be mean , but I am ready to get a little nasty .
I need a way to get them around to seeing my point of view .
Please help .
Dear At Wit ’ s End : As your dog ’ s human , you have two jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her ears , and protecting her from harm .
Dogs are instinctively food-focused , which is why delivering small treats is such a useful training tool .
Your pooch will scarf down treat after treat , leading to weight gain and health problems , unless you prevent her from doing so .
YOU are responsible for this dog ’ s health and well-being .
You need to be a consistent leader .
Let me suggest some human training for you .
When these two neighbors approach with their bags of goodies , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at your side .
Say to the humans , “ Oops .
Nope .
No more treats .
Sorry , but only petting from now on .
The good news is that when it comes to scritches , she can have as much as she wants.
” You don ’ t need to justify your choice , but if you feel you must , you can say you are operating on “ vet ’ s orders.
” Your veterinarian would undoubtedly back you up on this .
Dear Amy : The question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning chuckle .
His wife made out and sent a check ( from both of them ) to celebrate a wedding , and she got the call from the bride thanking both of them .
One check , one “ thank you.
” He must have imagined his role in this was to receive separate praise for his wife ’ s effort .
Had his wife prepared a meal for the couple would he have demanded an ‘ atta boy ’ for that ?

Dear Amy: Is the male “midlife crisis” a real thing?
After 20 years of marriage, my “pillar of the community” husband started acting strangely.
He started dressing young, going to bars, and then quit sleeping at night.
When I found out he had an affair, I blew up and he took off with the young barfly. Our grown daughters and I are hurt and sad that our family life seems over. I thought we had a great marriage and family.
Do these men ever come home?
I can easily forgive him and go to counseling to get back on track.
We had made all kinds of retirement plans before this happened.
In addition to being a husband and father, he is my best friend, too.
— Don’t Know What to Do
Dear Don’t Know: Midlife crises are not confined to men. And while these changes can seem very sudden, this is a panicked response to the existential crisis brought on by the realization that one’s life is more than half over.
When the “crisis” moment arrives (sometimes prompted by a death in the family, a landmark birthday, children about to leave the nest, or job frustration), a person at midlife looks around, sings the old Peggy Lee song, “Is That All There Is?,” and decides that a pumped-up body, a younger partner, or a new toy in the garage will fix everything.
To quote a moment from one of my favorite movies, “Moonstruck,” the wise wife looks at her philandering husband and declares: “Cosmo, I just want you to know that no matter what you do, you’re going to die, just like everybody else.”
Yes, sometimes people who leave in the throes of a midlife crisis do come back. Sometimes, their partner no longer wants them.
But rather than concentrate your energy on your husband’s behavior and choices, I hope you will take a long look at your own life. Deal with your grief and the profound loss and change. Yes, cope with your anger and give yourself the release of forgiving him if you can. Understand that his behavior does not negate the happiness of the 20-year family-building phase of your own life. Quoting Peggy Lee again: “If that’s all there is, my friend, then let’s keep dancing…” I hope you will choose to “dance” again.
Dear Amy: I have a very friendly dog that I walk through my neighborhood daily.
I have constant issues with two people giving her more snacks than I would like them to.
I try to keep my pup on a somewhat healthy diet, but when I say, “Please, only give her one or two snacks,” they just ignore me and give her more and more.
I have one woman that comes across the street with a whole bag!
I am trying not to be mean, but I am ready to get a little nasty.
I need a way to get them around to seeing my point of view. Please help.
— At Wit’s End
Dear At Wit’s End: As your dog’s human, you have two jobs: Daily “scritches,” between her ears, and protecting her from harm. Dogs are instinctively food-focused, which is why delivering small treats is such a useful training tool. Your pooch will scarf down treat after treat, leading to weight gain and health problems, unless you prevent her from doing so.
YOU are responsible for this dog’s health and well-being. You need to be a consistent leader.
Let me suggest some human training for you. When these two neighbors approach with their bags of goodies, you should shorten the leash until your dog is at your side. Say to the humans, “Oops. Nope. No more treats. Sorry, but only petting from now on. The good news is that when it comes to scritches, she can have as much as she wants.”
You don’t need to justify your choice, but if you feel you must, you can say you are operating on “vet’s orders.” Your veterinarian would undoubtedly back you up on this.
Dear Amy: The question from “Slighted” provided a welcome morning chuckle. His wife made out and sent a check (from both of them) to celebrate a wedding, and she got the call from the bride thanking both of them. One check, one “thank you.”
He must have imagined his role in this was to receive separate praise for his wife’s effort. Had his wife prepared a meal for the couple would he have demanded an ‘atta boy’ for that?
— Harry
Dear Harry: I suspect so.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--Altuve’s throwing yips hurt Astros again in Game 3 of ALCS

SAN DIEGO — José Altuve was the AL MVP in 2017 when his Houston Astros sometimes knew exactly what pitches were coming .
Now , he doesn ’ t even know where his own throws are going .
Altuve committed his fourth throwing error this postseason and third of the AL Championship Series on Tuesday night in the sixth inning of Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays .
The normally reliable second baseman has an undeniable case of the yips , and it ’ s hurting the Astros badly .
Altuve also made two throwing errors in Game 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Astros ’ 4-2 loss .
His three errors in the last two games led to five runs while prolonging rallies that would have been largely shut down by solid defensive play .
The six-time All-Star homered in the first inning of Game 3 , but his subsequent error cleared the way for a five-run rally by the Rays , who took a 5-1 lead in the game in their quest for a 3-0 series lead .
With a runner on first , Altuve fielded Brandon Lowe ’ s grounder and botched a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted forceout of Randy Arozarena .
Altuve bounced his throw past shortstop Carlos Correa into left field with a noticeably unnatural throwing motion , ruining any chance at a double play .
The Astros then removed starter José Urquidy , who had been pitching well before the error .
During the pitching change , Altuve stood by himself at second with his hat off while the other three Houston infielders went to the mound .
Afterward , they went over to Altuve , giving him encouragement and support .
But the Rays promptly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singles to take the lead .
Joey Wendle ’ s two-run single with the bases loaded put Tampa Bay up 2-1 , and pinch-hitter Hunter Renfroe ’ s two-run double made it 5-1 before the inning finally ended with 11 Rays coming to the plate .
Altuve ’ s errors contrast sharply with the near-flawless defense being played by the Rays , who have made a handful of sparkling defensive plays in each game of the ALCS .
Altuve ’ s problems also loomed large over Game 2 , in which he bounced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field while playing in a defensive shift .
After the second error , Correa took Altuve ’ s normal spot in the Astros ’ shift , and he retained the spot in Game 3 .
“ You just hope he isn ’ t getting the yips , because invariably they come in bunches , ” said Houston manager Dusty Baker , who gave Altuve a hug in the dugout after the third inning Monday .
“ Everything comes in bunches .
I just told him to flush it .
This guy has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to flush it and move on , or else it multiplies .
I ’ m sure he ’ ll do that.
” Altuve also made a throwing error in Game 2 of the first-round series against Minnesota .
He committed only four errors during the regular season for Houston , which led the majors with a .991 fielding percentage .
He committed just two errors in his first 47 career postseason games before this year .
The 5-foot-6 Venezuelan dynamo is generally considered a solid fielder at second , winning a Gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AL batting title in 2017 , when Houston beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series for its first championship .
Last offseason , an investigation by Major League Baseball determined the Astros stole signs illegally in 2017 and 2018 using a camera in center field .
Altuve is still contributing at the plate for Houston .
His first-inning solo homer off Ryan Yarbrough was his fourth of this postseason and the 17th of his playoff career , and his six career homers in the ALCS are the most in major league @ @

SAN DIEGO — José Altuve was the AL MVP in 2017 when his Houston Astros sometimes knew exactly what pitches were coming.
Now, he doesn’t even know where his own throws are going.
Altuve committed his fourth throwing error this postseason and third of the AL Championship Series on Tuesday night in the sixth inning of Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays. The normally reliable second baseman has an undeniable case of the yips, and it’s hurting the Astros badly.
Altuve also made two throwing errors in Game 2 of the series, contributing significantly to the Astros’ 4-2 loss. His three errors in the last two games led to five runs while prolonging rallies that would have been largely shut down by solid defensive play.
The six-time All-Star homered in the first inning of Game 3, but his subsequent error cleared the way for a five-run rally by the Rays, who took a 5-1 lead in the game in their quest for a 3-0 series lead.
With a runner on first, Altuve fielded Brandon Lowe’s grounder and botched a routine toss to second base on an attempted forceout of Randy Arozarena. Altuve bounced his throw past shortstop Carlos Correa into left field with a noticeably unnatural throwing motion, ruining any chance at a double play.
The Astros then removed starter José Urquidy, who had been pitching well before the error. During the pitching change, Altuve stood by himself at second with his hat off while the other three Houston infielders went to the mound. Afterward, they went over to Altuve, giving him encouragement and support.
But the Rays promptly capitalized against reliever Enoli Paredes with back-to-back singles to take the lead. Joey Wendle’s two-run single with the bases loaded put Tampa Bay up 2-1, and pinch-hitter Hunter Renfroe’s two-run double made it 5-1 before the inning finally ended with 11 Rays coming to the plate.
Altuve’s errors contrast sharply with the near-flawless defense being played by the Rays, who have made a handful of sparkling defensive plays in each game of the ALCS.
Altuve’s problems also loomed large over Game 2, in which he bounced two throws to first from shallow right field while playing in a defensive shift. After the second error, Correa took Altuve’s normal spot in the Astros’ shift, and he retained the spot in Game 3.
“You just hope he isn’t getting the yips, because invariably they come in bunches,” said Houston manager Dusty Baker, who gave Altuve a hug in the dugout after the third inning Monday. “Everything comes in bunches. I just told him to flush it. This guy has been awesome for us. You’ve got to flush it and move on, or else it multiplies. I’m sure he’ll do that.”
Altuve also made a throwing error in Game 2 of the first-round series against Minnesota. He committed only four errors during the regular season for Houston, which led the majors with a .991 fielding percentage.
He committed just two errors in his first 47 career postseason games before this year. The 5-foot-6 Venezuelan dynamo is generally considered a solid fielder at second, winning a Gold Glove in 2015.
Altuve won the AL batting title in 2017, when Houston beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series for its first championship.
Last offseason, an investigation by Major League Baseball determined the Astros stole signs illegally in 2017 and 2018 using a camera in center field.
Altuve is still contributing at the plate for Houston. His first-inning solo homer off Ryan Yarbrough was his fourth of this postseason and the 17th of his playoff career, and his six career homers in the ALCS are the most in major league history.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--Parker day care provider arrested in connection with death of 3-month-old baby

A day care provider in Parker was arrested Tuesday in connection with the death of a 3-month-old baby that occurred @ @ @ @ @ Amanda Anderson , 34 , was taken into custody at 4:20 p.m. following an investigation @ @ @ @ @ 3-month-old child , who was pronounced dead at a hospital on Aug. 26 .
Deputies @ @ @ @ @ of medical assist at 14166 Lexington Drive when they were told that the South Metro @ @ @ @ @ unconscious child to a hospital .
The 3-month-old was under the care and supervision of @ @ @ @ @ issued five cease-and-desist orders through the state ’ s Department of Human Services prior to @ @ @ @ @ two additional cease-and-desist orders since , according to a news release from the Douglas County @ @ @ @ @ The sheriff ’ s office issued a warrant for her arrest Tuesday for child abuse @ @ @ @ @ class 2 felony .
She was taken into custody without incident , the release stated @

A day care provider in Parker was arrested Tuesday in connection with the death of a 3-month-old baby that occurred nearly two months ago.
Amanda Anderson, 34, was taken into custody at 4:20 p.m. following an investigation into the death of the 3-month-old child, who was pronounced dead at a hospital on Aug. 26.
Deputies were responding to a call of medical assist at 14166 Lexington Drive when they were told that the South Metro Fire Authority was transporting the unconscious child to a hospital.
The 3-month-old was under the care and supervision of Anderson, who had been issued five cease-and-desist orders through the state’s Department of Human Services prior to the incident in August and two additional cease-and-desist orders since, according to a news release from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office issued a warrant for her arrest Tuesday for child abuse resulting in death, a class 2 felony. She was taken into custody without incident, the release stated.
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--Denver Public Schools to delay reopening middle and high schools to in-person learning

Denver middle and high schools will continue with virtual learning into November , according to an internal district communication obtained by Chalkbeat .
The school district had planned to reopen school buildings to middle and high school students on Oct. 21 .
COVID-19 cases have been rising in Denver .
On Monday , as Denver Mayor Michael Hancock sounded the alarm , Superintendent Susana Cordova said the district would consult with public health officials and take a second look at plans to bring older students back to the classroom .
At a school board meeting later that evening , Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health reiterated that he believes it ’ s relatively safe to bring students back to school and that the greatest risk is that of frequent learning disruptions due to quarantine .
But he also noted that COVID cases had risen among school-age children in Denver in recent weeks .
Public health officials have attributed a spike in cases citywide to outbreaks that originated on college campuses and have now spread to the community .
Denver elementary schools will reopen on schedule , the district communication says .
The district has been gradually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the goal of having all students who opted for in-person learning back in classrooms by Oct. 21 .
Public health data shows COVID infections are lower among young children than in teenagers .

Denver middle and high schools will continue with virtual learning into November, according to an internal district communication obtained by Chalkbeat. The school district had planned to reopen school buildings to middle and high school students on Oct. 21.
COVID-19 cases have been rising in Denver. On Monday, as Denver Mayor Michael Hancock sounded the alarm, Superintendent Susana Cordova said the district would consult with public health officials and take a second look at plans to bring older students back to the classroom.
At a school board meeting later that evening, Dr. Bill Burman, the director of Denver Public Health reiterated that he believes it’s relatively safe to bring students back to school and that the greatest risk is that of frequent learning disruptions due to quarantine.
But he also noted that COVID cases had risen among school-age children in Denver in recent weeks. Public health officials have attributed a spike in cases citywide to outbreaks that originated on college campuses and have now spread to the community.
Denver elementary schools will reopen on schedule, the district communication says. The district has been gradually bringing back elementary students in recent weeks, with the goal of having all students who opted for in-person learning back in classrooms by Oct. 21. Public health data shows COVID infections are lower among young children than in teenagers.
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-10-15--NCAA will vote in January to change NIL, transfer rules

A set of proposals to permit NCAA athletes to earn money from endorsements and sponsorships deals will go up for vote in January , the last step for the association to change its rules but not the last word on how name , image and likeness compensation will work .
One year after the NCAA ’ s Board of Governors directed membership at each of division of the association to come up with plans to allow athletes to cash in on their fame , the Division I Council on Wednesday approved a proposal that took shape in April .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permit all NCAA athletes to transfer one time without having to sit out a season of competition .
Currently , football , basketball , baseball and hockey players must sit out a year after they transfer as an undergraduate .
Athletes in other sports have already had access to a one-time exception .
Both proposals will go to membership for comment and feedback .
barring something unforeseen , they return to the Division I Council — which has representatives from all 32 D-I conferences —- for a final vote in January .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveying of the membership to date , getting proposals in the system has a way of sparking additional conversation and we ’ re hoping there will be some refinement over the next three months , ” said Grace Calhoun , the athletic director at Penn and council chairwoman .
If the proposals pass , which is also likely , they would go into effect for the 2021-22 school year .
For name , image and likeness rules , though , there is still work to be done by lawmakers in Washington .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the form of a federal law that would set rules for NIL compensation , override a growing number of states laws that have pressured the NCAA to take action and protect the association from legal attacks .
“ We have acknowledged from the early days if this that the membership of the NCAA can ’ t do this alone , ” Calhoun said .
Lawmakers from both political parties have said they plan after the election to introduce bills related to college sports , though some are looking beyond name , image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NCAA ’ s proposal will allow athletes to use their names , images and likenesses to promote their own products and services or those of a third-party .
An athlete could become a paid spokesperson for local business or earn money as a social media influencer .
The proposal also calls for athletes to be permitted to make money for personal appearances and autograph signings .
Athletes would also be granted access to agents for “ professional advice and marketing assistance.
” There are some limitations .
Under the proposal , athletes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s logos or marks .
Schools are prohibited from being involved in any deals made by athletes .
The NCAA would like to use a third-party vendor as a clearinghouse for athletes to disclose any personal business deals and determine fair-market value .
Calhoun said the NCAA has made requests for proposals to several firms to manage an NIL clearinghouse .
Other action by the Division I Council included : — Extending eligibility for winter sport athletes , giving them all an extra year because of disruptions to their seasons caused by COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar ones made in April for spring sport athletes who had much of their seasons wiped out at the start of the pandemic and for fall sport athletes who season ’ s have been delayed or altered because of COVID-19 .
— Approving a recommendation by the football oversight committee to waive bowl eligibility requirements for this season .
— Introduced legislation for the allocation of championship resources .
— Supported the expansion of the men ’ s and women ’ s basketball selection committees .

A set of proposals to permit NCAA athletes to earn money from endorsements and sponsorships deals will go up for vote in January, the last step for the association to change its rules but not the last word on how name, image and likeness compensation will work.
One year after the NCAA’s Board of Governors directed membership at each of division of the association to come up with plans to allow athletes to cash in on their fame, the Division I Council on Wednesday approved a proposal that took shape in April.
The council also approved a proposal that would permit all NCAA athletes to transfer one time without having to sit out a season of competition. Currently, football, basketball, baseball and hockey players must sit out a year after they transfer as an undergraduate. Athletes in other sports have already had access to a one-time exception.
Both proposals will go to membership for comment and feedback. barring something unforeseen, they return to the Division I Council — which has representatives from all 32 D-I conferences —- for a final vote in January.
“While there has been a lot of surveying of the membership to date, getting proposals in the system has a way of sparking additional conversation and we’re hoping there will be some refinement over the next three months,” said Grace Calhoun, the athletic director at Penn and council chairwoman.
If the proposals pass, which is also likely, they would go into effect for the 2021-22 school year.
For name, image and likeness rules, though, there is still work to be done by lawmakers in Washington. The NCAA has asked for help from Congress in the form of a federal law that would set rules for NIL compensation, override a growing number of states laws that have pressured the NCAA to take action and protect the association from legal attacks.
“We have acknowledged from the early days if this that the membership of the NCAA can’t do this alone,” Calhoun said.
Lawmakers from both political parties have said they plan after the election to introduce bills related to college sports, though some are looking beyond name, image and likeness to broader reforms.
The NCAA’s proposal will allow athletes to use their names, images and likenesses to promote their own products and services or those of a third-party. An athlete could become a paid spokesperson for local business or earn money as a social media influencer.
The proposal also calls for athletes to be permitted to make money for personal appearances and autograph signings.
Athletes would also be granted access to agents for “professional advice and marketing assistance.”
There are some limitations. Under the proposal, athletes are not permitted to use their school’s logos or marks. Schools are prohibited from being involved in any deals made by athletes.
The NCAA would like to use a third-party vendor as a clearinghouse for athletes to disclose any personal business deals and determine fair-market value. Calhoun said the NCAA has made requests for proposals to several firms to manage an NIL clearinghouse.
Other action by the Division I Council included:
— Extending eligibility for winter sport athletes, giving them all an extra year because of disruptions to their seasons caused by COVID-19. That decision falls in line with similar ones made in April for spring sport athletes who had much of their seasons wiped out at the start of the pandemic and for fall sport athletes who season’s have been delayed or altered because of COVID-19.
— Approving a recommendation by the football oversight committee to waive bowl eligibility requirements for this season.
— Introduced legislation for the allocation of championship resources.
— Supported the expansion of the men’s and women’s basketball selection committees.


thedenverpost--2020-10-15--Kiszla: Arrest of Melvin Gordon gives Broncos excuse to do right by Phillip Lindsay and make him No.

Kiszla: Arrest of Melvin Gordon gives Broncos excuse to do right by Phillip Lindsay and make him No. 1 running back

It ’ s never too late to do the right thing .
And now the Broncos have a perfectly good excuse to make Phillip Lindsay their No .
1 running back .
Give Melvin Gordon a bye week and leave him behind when Denver travels to play New England .
“ This is a teaching moment for all the guys , ” coach Vic Fangio said Wednesday , when Gordon was held out of practice after being arrested on charges of speeding and driving under the influence .
OK , class .
Here ’ s a case study , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Broncos really value most ?
Is it the hard work and loyalty of Lindsay ?
Or that nothing should get in the way of beating the Patriots ?
Gordon was stopped overnight Tuesday in downtown Denver by police that clocked him driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone , according to court documents .
The veteran player John Elway is paying millions of dollars was then cited for suspicion of driving under the influence .
When the NFL twice postponed the Broncos-Patriots game , forcing a week-long delay from the originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Ain ’ t no way we practiced all week and they canceled our game , ’ he tweeted Sunday .
But three days later , when Gordon was forced to sit out of practice , how did teammates react ?
“ I was upset , but we ’ re also here for him .
It ’ s like having a brother that gets in trouble .
You ’ re not going to bash him for what he did , ” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said .
“ You ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get ice cream or something.
” Well , from Little Man to Sweet Cow , I can recommend any number of fine establishments where our compassionate young quarterback can grab a scoop of ice cream with Gordon .
Hey , I have a lead foot behind the wheel .
But driving 71 in a 35 ?
We ’ ll let Gordon ’ s attorney explain the reasons in traffic court .
But sounds like there was more horse power than horse sense in that vehicle .
“ We ’ ll weigh the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be and anything we want to do in addition to that , ” Fangio said .
“ I ’ m disappointed , but my own two kids have disappointed me at some points in their life ( and ) I never stopped loving them any more .
He ’ s one of us .
We ’ re going to love him , but there will be some consequences to what happened.
” The league could punish Gordon hard , as the collective bargaining agreement allows a three-game suspension , which would cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dollars .
We all understand driving under the influence can have deadly consequences .
It instantly becomes a political football whenever a prominent athlete is linked to the issue .
But it ’ s also a fact Gordon faces steep financial consequences for a situation in which neither he nor anybody else was hurt .
“ I ’ m hoping he can play on Sunday , but obviously , that ’ s not up to me , ” Lock said .
“ It ’ s above my pay grade.
” I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the Broncos should do on a truth that should be self-evident : Lindsay has never given this franchise any reason to doubt his trustworthiness .
That ’ s a claim Gordon simply can not make this week , as the Broncos approach a game that can not be lost if they want to keep any realistic hope of making the playoffs alive .
After suffering a toe injury during the season-opener against Tennessee , Lindsay appears fit and ready to return for New England .
Despite rushing for more than 1,000 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Broncos , Lindsay ’ s outstanding performance was deemed unworthy of a pay raise by Elway , who decided it was wiser to spend big in free agency on Gordon .
The team ’ s cash expenditure on Gordon is $ 9 million this year , compared to $ 750,000 for Lindsay .
We will now discover if Broncos believe that with big money also comes major responsibility .
“ There is going to be some ramifications and penalties for Melvin if this proceeds how we think it will , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a decision made on Gordon ’ s status for the Patriots game .
“ It ’ s a learning experience for everybody.
” Well , this much we already know .
Lindsay is everything you want a Broncos football player to be .
Talented .
Passionate .
Committed .
Gordon ?
He ’ s just a guy passing through town , at a high rate of speed .

It’s never too late to do the right thing.
And now the Broncos have a perfectly good excuse to make Phillip Lindsay their No. 1 running back.
Give Melvin Gordon a bye week and leave him behind when Denver travels to play New England.
“This is a teaching moment for all the guys,” coach Vic Fangio said Wednesday, when Gordon was held out of practice after being arrested on charges of speeding and driving under the influence.
OK, class. Here’s a case study, in which we will learn: What do the Broncos really value most? Is it the hard work and loyalty of Lindsay? Or that nothing should get in the way of beating the Patriots?
Gordon was stopped overnight Tuesday in downtown Denver by police that clocked him driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone, according to court documents. The veteran player John Elway is paying millions of dollars was then cited for suspicion of driving under the influence.
When the NFL twice postponed the Broncos-Patriots game, forcing a week-long delay from the originally scheduled kickoff, Gordon was hot. “Ain’t no way we practiced all week and they canceled our game,’ he tweeted Sunday.
But three days later, when Gordon was forced to sit out of practice, how did teammates react?
“I was upset, but we’re also here for him. It’s like having a brother that gets in trouble. You’re not going to bash him for what he did,” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said. “You’re going to go pick him up and take him to get ice cream or something.”
Well, from Little Man to Sweet Cow, I can recommend any number of fine establishments where our compassionate young quarterback can grab a scoop of ice cream with Gordon.
One suggestion: Let Luck drive.
Hey, I have a lead foot behind the wheel. But driving 71 in a 35? We’ll let Gordon’s attorney explain the reasons in traffic court. But sounds like there was more horse power than horse sense in that vehicle.
“We’ll weigh the differences between what the mandated league punishment will be and anything we want to do in addition to that,” Fangio said. “I’m disappointed, but my own two kids have disappointed me at some points in their life (and) I never stopped loving them any more. He’s one of us. We’re going to love him, but there will be some consequences to what happened.”
The league could punish Gordon hard, as the collective bargaining agreement allows a three-game suspension, which would cost the 27-year-old running back hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We all understand driving under the influence can have deadly consequences. It instantly becomes a political football whenever a prominent athlete is linked to the issue. But it’s also a fact Gordon faces steep financial consequences for a situation in which neither he nor anybody else was hurt.
“I’m hoping he can play on Sunday, but obviously, that’s not up to me,” Lock said. “It’s above my pay grade.”
I’m going to restrict my opinion on what the Broncos should do on a truth that should be self-evident: Lindsay has never given this franchise any reason to doubt his trustworthiness. That’s a claim Gordon simply cannot make this week, as the Broncos approach a game that cannot be lost if they want to keep any realistic hope of making the playoffs alive.
After suffering a toe injury during the season-opener against Tennessee, Lindsay appears fit and ready to return for New England. Despite rushing for more than 1,000 yards in each of two pro seasons for the Broncos, Lindsay’s outstanding performance was deemed unworthy of a pay raise by Elway, who decided it was wiser to spend big in free agency on Gordon.
The team’s cash expenditure on Gordon is $9 million this year, compared to $750,000 for Lindsay.
We will now discover if Broncos believe that with big money also comes major responsibility.
“There is going to be some ramifications and penalties for Melvin if this proceeds how we think it will,” said Fangio, who stressed there has yet to be a decision made on Gordon’s status for the Patriots game. “It’s a learning experience for everybody.”
Well, this much we already know.
Lindsay is everything you want a Broncos football player to be. Talented. Passionate. Committed.
Gordon? He’s just a guy passing through town, at a high rate of speed.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--8 Colorado high school football games to watch in Week 2

No .
1 Cherry Creek ( 1-0 ) vs. No .
10 Cherokee Trail ( 0-1 ) Last meeting : Cherry Creek 38 , vs. Cherokee Trail 7 , on Oct. 25 , 2019 The prohibitive favorites to win a second straight 5A title , the top-ranked Bruins actually trailed early in their Week 1 win over Smoky Hill .
Then Dave Logan ’ s squad ripped off four straight TDs before halftime en route to a 35-14 win that saw CU basketball commit Julian Hammond throw for 290 yards and five TDs .
Now comes a date with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s gut-wrenching 62-50 loss to Eaglecrest — a game they led 43-27 at halftime .
No .
7 Eaglecrest ( 1-0 ) vs. No .
6 Grandview ( 1-0 ) Last meeting : Eaglecrest 28 , at Grandview 21 , on Nov. 15 , 2019 These Centennial League rivals meet with abnormally large stakes for a Week 2 affair .
With both teams eyeing later dates with Cherry Creek , a win here would go a long way to securing a playoff bid .
Grandview nearly shut out Arapahoe in a 38-7 Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 16-point halftime deficit to top Cherokee Trail 62-50 .
Keep an eye on explosive talents Ty Robinson ( CU commit ) and Seyi Oladipo ( Boise State ) .
Both scored two TDs last week .
Last meeting : Ralston Valley 58 , at Mullen 17 , on Oct. 11 , 2019 After a one-week delay due to a COVID-19 outbreak , the Jeremy Bennett era begins at Mullen with a stiff test against a Ralston Valley team that appears to have reloaded following last year ’ s senior-driven run to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight over Mullen dating back to 2013 , including last year ’ s blowout at La Salle Stadium .
Now it enters its Week 2 showdown with Mullen fresh off a 42-0 win over Battle Mountain — the program ’ s fourth shutout since 2019 .
Last meeting : Columbine 49 , at Arvada West 14 , on Oct. 31 , 2019 The Wildcats entered the season a bit off the radar after last year ’ s 0-10 campaign .
But a Week 1 win over ThunderRidge , 30-23 , may be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the very least , they appear to have a playmaker in junior receiver Ean Lee ( 7 receptions , 158 yards vs. TR ) .
The Rebels graduated a majority of production from last year ’ s 5A runner-up , but the defense was as stout as ever in a 39-13 win over Rock Canyon .
Last meeting : Montrose 21 , vs. Fruita Monument 14 , on Oct. 4 , 2019 A week after dominating then-10th-ranked Chatfield 43-12 , the Indians take on a fellow Western Slope power who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week 1 with a 42-10 win over Wheat Ridge .
The Wildcats ran for 274 yards and five touchdowns in the victory , with senior Espin Hernandez needing only seven carries to put up 107 yards and three TDs .
Things likely won ’ t be as easy against Montrose , which outscored Chatfield 30-6 in the second half last week .
Last meeting : Broomfield 7 , at Brighton 0 , on Nov. 1 , 2019 If Week 1 was any indication , the Eagles are set at quarterback for the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brilliant in his varsity debut , throwing for 121 yards and two touchdowns and running for another 91 yards and two TDs in a 27-20 win over Monarch .
Now comes a test against a Bulldogs club that gave Broomfield its most trouble during last year ’ s unbeaten regular season .
The Bulldogs chewed up 301 yards on the ground in a 32-17 win over Longmont .
No .
1 Mead ( 1-0 ) vs. No .
5 Roosevelt ( 1-0 ) Last meeting : Mead 34 , at Roosevelt 21 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed the top spot in CHSAANow ’ s 3A rankings this week after an impressive 49-6 win over Thompson Valley that included a 28-point second quarter .
Mead ’ s ground-and-pound attack churned out 321 yards on 41 carries in the win , led by Nathan Bailey ’ s 111 yards .
Roosevelt ’ s defense , which had nine tackles for loss and forced four turnovers in last week ’ s 45-10 victory over Frederick , promises to offer much more resistance in Week 2 .
No .
4 Discovery Canyon ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1-0 ) Last meeting : Discovery Canyon 20 , vs. Lutheran 7 , on Nov. 1 , 2019 Lutheran gets opportunity for an early statement win against its 3A Colorado League rivals , after the Lions flexed their muscle on defense a week ago with just three points and 201 yards allowed in a 49-3 win over Lewis-Palmer .
Quarterback Clayton Jacobs was efficient in his first varsity start , completing 10-of-15 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns .
He ’ ll be challenged by a Discovery Canyon defense that picked @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Class 5A
No. 1 Cherry Creek (1-0) vs. No. 10 Cherokee Trail (0-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium
Last meeting: Cherry Creek 38, vs. Cherokee Trail 7, on Oct. 25, 2019
The prohibitive favorites to win a second straight 5A title, the top-ranked Bruins actually trailed early in their Week 1 win over Smoky Hill. Then Dave Logan’s squad ripped off four straight TDs before halftime en route to a 35-14 win that saw CU basketball commit Julian Hammond throw for 290 yards and five TDs. Now comes a date with a Cougars team smarting after last week’s gut-wrenching 62-50 loss to Eaglecrest — a game they led 43-27 at halftime.
No. 7 Eaglecrest (1-0) vs. No. 6 Grandview (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Legacy Stadium
Last meeting: Eaglecrest 28, at Grandview 21, on Nov. 15, 2019
These Centennial League rivals meet with abnormally large stakes for a Week 2 affair. With both teams eyeing later dates with Cherry Creek, a win here would go a long way to securing a playoff bid. Grandview nearly shut out Arapahoe in a 38-7 Week 1 victory, while Eaglecrest rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit to top Cherokee Trail 62-50. Keep an eye on explosive talents Ty Robinson (CU commit) and Seyi Oladipo (Boise State). Both scored two TDs last week.
Mullen (0-0) vs. No. 8 Ralston Valley (1-0)
When/where: 6 p.m. Thursday at North Area Athletic Complex
Last meeting: Ralston Valley 58, at Mullen 17, on Oct. 11, 2019
After a one-week delay due to a COVID-19 outbreak, the Jeremy Bennett era begins at Mullen with a stiff test against a Ralston Valley team that appears to have reloaded following last year’s senior-driven run to the 5A semifinals. RV has won five straight over Mullen dating back to 2013, including last year’s blowout at La Salle Stadium. Now it enters its Week 2 showdown with Mullen fresh off a 42-0 win over Battle Mountain — the program’s fourth shutout since 2019.
Arvada West (1-0) vs. No. 2 Columbine (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium
Last meeting: Columbine 49, at Arvada West 14, on Oct. 31, 2019
The Wildcats entered the season a bit off the radar after last year’s 0-10 campaign. But a Week 1 win over ThunderRidge, 30-23, may be an indication the Wildcats have righted the ship. At the very least, they appear to have a playmaker in junior receiver Ean Lee (7 receptions, 158 yards vs. TR). The Rebels graduated a majority of production from last year’s 5A runner-up, but the defense was as stout as ever in a 39-13 win over Rock Canyon.
Class 4A
No. 6 Montrose (1-0) vs. Fruita Monument (1-0)
When/where: 6 p.m. Friday at Fruita
Last meeting: Montrose 21, vs. Fruita Monument 14, on Oct. 4, 2019
A week after dominating then-10th-ranked Chatfield 43-12, the Indians take on a fellow Western Slope power who had an impressive showing of its own in Week 1 with a 42-10 win over Wheat Ridge. The Wildcats ran for 274 yards and five touchdowns in the victory, with senior Espin Hernandez needing only seven carries to put up 107 yards and three TDs. Things likely won’t be as easy against Montrose, which outscored Chatfield 30-6 in the second half last week.
Brighton (1-0) vs. No. 4 Broomfield (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Broomfield
Last meeting: Broomfield 7, at Brighton 0, on Nov. 1, 2019
If Week 1 was any indication, the Eagles are set at quarterback for the next few years. Sophomore Cole Lacrue was brilliant in his varsity debut, throwing for 121 yards and two touchdowns and running for another 91 yards and two TDs in a 27-20 win over Monarch. Now comes a test against a Bulldogs club that gave Broomfield its most trouble during last year’s unbeaten regular season. The Bulldogs chewed up 301 yards on the ground in a 32-17 win over Longmont.
Class 3A
No. 1 Mead (1-0) vs. No. 5 Roosevelt (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Mead
Last meeting: Mead 34, at Roosevelt 21, on Sept. 20, 2019
The Mavericks claimed the top spot in CHSAANow’s 3A rankings this week after an impressive 49-6 win over Thompson Valley that included a 28-point second quarter. Mead’s ground-and-pound attack churned out 321 yards on 41 carries in the win, led by Nathan Bailey’s 111 yards. Roosevelt’s defense, which had nine tackles for loss and forced four turnovers in last week’s 45-10 victory over Frederick, promises to offer much more resistance in Week 2.
No. 4 Discovery Canyon (1-0) vs. No. 10 Lutheran (1-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Lutheran
Last meeting: Discovery Canyon 20, vs. Lutheran 7, on Nov. 1, 2019
Lutheran gets opportunity for an early statement win against its 3A Colorado League rivals, after the Lions flexed their muscle on defense a week ago with just three points and 201 yards allowed in a 49-3 win over Lewis-Palmer. Quarterback Clayton Jacobs was efficient in his first varsity start, completing 10-of-15 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll be challenged by a Discovery Canyon defense that picked off three passes in Week 1.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--“We’ll be dancing”: CU Buffs basketball expectations soaring as preseason practices begin

McKinley Wright recalls the March Sadness he felt when the Colorado men ’ s basketball team ’ s NCAA Tournament dreams were crushed by the coronavirus .
Now , it ’ s time for Ralphie to turn the page .
“ I can make a promise that we ’ ll be back there this year , ” Wright said .
“ We ’ ll be dancing.
” CU returned the court Wednesday in Boulder for the first of 30 team practices before its season begins Nov. 25 against South Dakota State .
The Buffs lost Tyler Bey ( reigning Pac-12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-win team , but bring back Wright ( first-team All-Pac-12 ) and gain arguably coach Tad Boyle ’ s most talented signing class in his 11th season .
CU held four team workouts prior to Wednesday , Boyle said , yet the first practice in uniform was celebrated as a significant step forward in uncertain times .
The men ’ s basketball team has dealt with two 14-day quarantines for parts of the program in addition to following Boulder County ’ s strict health orders .
“ Every day you step on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the season , ” Boyle said .
“ When the NCAA Tournament got taken away from our guys , it was an eye-opener .
It was painful because they had worked so hard to get there .
… It ’ s incumbent on us as coaches and our players to step out on the floor with that in mind .
Compete and appreciate every single day.
” Even without Bey back , Boyle is bullish on his team .
“ Absolutely , without a doubt , this is an NCAA Tournament team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to go out and prove that.
” They ’ ll do it on a revised schedule that includes four fewer nonconference games and a 20-game league slate .
Complete schedule details have yet to be released .
“ We have the potential to be one of the best teams I ’ ve been a part of ( at CU ) , ” Wright said .
“ We have so much length and so much depth with this team .
Guys who have taken their game to another level.
” Talented newcomers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranked fifth in the Pac-12 ( No .
41 nationally ) by 247Sports.com , includes 6-foot-8 forwards Tristan da Silva and Jabari Walker , plus shooting guards Luke O ’ Brien ( Columbine ) and Dominique Clifford ( four-star prospect from The Vanguard School ) .
The Buffs also added Tulsa graduate transfer Jeriah Horne , a center with career college totals of 793 points and 373 rebounds , to help fill the void left by Bey ’ s departure for the NBA draft .
“ This is one of the better recruiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my class , ” Wright said .
“ They ’ ve got a lot of pieces and dudes I don ’ t think will be here for four years .
… Some freshmen that are really going to have to play big minutes for us this year.
” Walton sheds brace , changes number .
Two things are noticeably different about senior CU center Dallas Walton this season : His jersey digits and a missing knee brace .
Walton , fully recovered from three ACL tears since high school , said he ditched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and leaping .
The former Arvada West star is anticipated to take on a larger role this season after coming off the bench a year ago .
“ I ’ m feeling good , ” Walton said .
“ With those injuries came a lot more attention to details as far as my strength process and my rehab process , making sure that I ’ m staying on top of them consistently .
Coming into this year , I ’ m not wearing a brace anymore and my legs feel strong.
” Walton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 35 to 13 — in remembrance of his aunt , Kristen Walton Maclin , who died in 2017 after being diagnosed with leukemia .
Maclin was a former Colorado State volleyball player .
“ Her number was 13 , so it meant a lot to me and my family to make that switch , ” Walton said .

McKinley Wright recalls the March Sadness he felt when the Colorado men’s basketball team’s NCAA Tournament dreams were crushed by the coronavirus.
Now, it’s time for Ralphie to turn the page.
“I can make a promise that we’ll be back there this year,” Wright said. “We’ll be dancing.”
CU returned the court Wednesday in Boulder for the first of 30 team practices before its season begins Nov. 25 against South Dakota State. The Buffs lost Tyler Bey (reigning Pac-12 DPOY) from last year’s 21-win team, but bring back Wright (first-team All-Pac-12) and gain arguably coach Tad Boyle’s most talented signing class in his 11th season.
CU held four team workouts prior to Wednesday, Boyle said, yet the first practice in uniform was celebrated as a significant step forward in uncertain times. The men’s basketball team has dealt with two 14-day quarantines for parts of the program in addition to following Boulder County’s strict health orders.
“Every day you step on the floor, it could be your last for the season,” Boyle said. “When the NCAA Tournament got taken away from our guys, it was an eye-opener. It was painful because they had worked so hard to get there. … It’s incumbent on us as coaches and our players to step out on the floor with that in mind. Compete and appreciate every single day.”
Even without Bey back, Boyle is bullish on his team.
“Absolutely, without a doubt, this is an NCAA Tournament team,” he said. “We have to go out and prove that.”
They’ll do it on a revised schedule that includes four fewer nonconference games and a 20-game league slate. Complete schedule details have yet to be released.
“We have the potential to be one of the best teams I’ve been a part of (at CU),” Wright said. “We have so much length and so much depth with this team. Guys who have taken their game to another level.”
Talented newcomers. CU’s 2020 recruiting class, ranked fifth in the Pac-12 (No. 41 nationally) by 247Sports.com, includes 6-foot-8 forwards Tristan da Silva and Jabari Walker, plus shooting guards Luke O’Brien (Columbine) and Dominique Clifford (four-star prospect from The Vanguard School). The Buffs also added Tulsa graduate transfer Jeriah Horne, a center with career college totals of 793 points and 373 rebounds, to help fill the void left by Bey’s departure for the NBA draft.
“This is one of the better recruiting classes Colorado has ever had, including my class,” Wright said. “They’ve got a lot of pieces and dudes I don’t think will be here for four years. … Some freshmen that are really going to have to play big minutes for us this year.”
Walton sheds brace, changes number. Two things are noticeably different about senior CU center Dallas Walton this season: His jersey digits and a missing knee brace.
Walton, fully recovered from three ACL tears since high school, said he ditched the brace to gain comfort moving laterally and leaping. The former Arvada West star is anticipated to take on a larger role this season after coming off the bench a year ago.
“I’m feeling good,” Walton said. “With those injuries came a lot more attention to details as far as my strength process and my rehab process, making sure that I’m staying on top of them consistently. Coming into this year, I’m not wearing a brace anymore and my legs feel strong.”
Walton also changed his number this season — from 35 to 13 — in remembrance of his aunt, Kristen Walton Maclin, who died in 2017 after being diagnosed with leukemia. Maclin was a former Colorado State volleyball player.
“Her number was 13, so it meant a lot to me and my family to make that switch,” Walton said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-14--Nick Saban, Alabama AD Greg Byrne test positive for COVID-19

Alabama coach Nick Saban and athletic director Greg Byrne have tested positive for COVID-19 , four days before the Southeastern @ @ @ @ @ showdown .
Both said their tests Wednesday morning came back positive , but Saban said @ @ @ @ @ any symptoms by late afternoon .
The second-ranked Crimson Tide is set to face No @ @ @ @ @ , and may be without their iconic 68-year-old coach .
“ I immediately left work @ @ @ @ @ ” Saban said .
He remained scheduled to talk to the media Wednesday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ team via a Zoom session at 2 p.m. Wednesday and that offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian @ @ @ @ @ he works from home .

Alabama coach Nick Saban and athletic director Greg Byrne have tested positive for COVID-19, four days before the Southeastern Conference’s biggest regular-season showdown.
Both said their tests Wednesday morning came back positive, but Saban said he didn’t have any symptoms by late afternoon. The second-ranked Crimson Tide is set to face No. 3 Georgia on Saturday, and may be without their iconic 68-year-old coach.
“I immediately left work and isolated at home,” Saban said. He remained scheduled to talk to the media Wednesday evening.
Saban said he informed the team via a Zoom session at 2 p.m. Wednesday and that offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will oversee game preparations while he works from home.