thedenverpost--2020-08-12--Keeler: When it comes to COVID-19, the CU Buffs get it. Nebraska’s Cornhuskers? Not so much.

A toast to the grown-ups in the room , most of whom could probably use a stiff drink right about now anyway .
None of this is good , even if much of it was necessary .
A toast to CU Buffs alums and faithful .
Mourn .
Grieve .
We ’ re right there with you .
Nobody was openly rooting for the Buffs not to play football this fall when the word finally came down Tuesday from Mount Larry .
Or for Tad Boyle ’ s men ’ s basketball program , with all that unfinished business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heels until after Christmas .
But here we are .
A toast to the Buffs ’ football seniors and the outstanding juniors , upon whom the onus falls the most .
In Boulder , that ’ s wide receiver K.D .
Nixon , who took his name out of the NFL draft pool for who-knows-what .
And linebacker Nate Landman , the rock and anchor on a CU defense that was forced to grow up on the fly last fall .
A toast to new CU football coach Karl Dorrell , and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thrown onto a moving train in late February , Dorrell needed — deserved — more time to get more talent , more teaching , more of a stamp on a program whose fans have been strapped to an emotional roller-coaster since September 2018 .
He never asked for this much time , mind you .
A toast to every Olympic sports coach and team , who play to almost none of the crowds of football and men ’ s basketball and yet sacrifice the same , if not more , in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the system have made them pariahs because they don ’ t turn a profit , ignoring the fact that profit was never supposed to be the point .
A toast to those who ’ ve pointed out , and justifiably , the circular logic from the Pac-12 poobahs regarding student-athletes ’ health , given that they ’ ve just opened up the possibility of trying to cram two football seasons into the span of about 10 months .
The hypocrisy was not lost even on commissioner Larry Scott , who admitted Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the hardest issues they ’ ve yet to fully tackle .
A toast to the cynics and conspiracists who pointed out that the first two Power 5 leagues to hit the eject button on fall football , the Big Ten and Pac-12 , were the also the ones whose student-athletes have been making the most stink about expanded players ’ rights , including a slice of the revenue pie .
And the fact that the leagues still ( allegedly ) pushing on into the storm — the SEC , the Big 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks that are run by , and distributed by , ESPN .
The Mouse always wins .
A toast to the buggers who have to put up with the Cornhuskers , and the world as viewed through Big Red glasses .
If we ’ ve learned anything from the last 17 years , it ’ s that the University of Nebraska needs to be an independent .
A football independent , anyway .
The Huskers truly are , in all the best and worst ways , the Notre Dame of the Plains — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , history , hubris , and delusions of past grandeur that their peers find insufferable .
At least with Ohio State , which is effectively the northernmost member of the SEC anyway , you could understand the Buckeye proletariat stomping and pouting after being denied a chance to settle old scores with Dabo Swinney and Nick Saban .
If not getting to call the shots in the Big Ten bothers Scott Frost the way not calling them in the Big 12 bothered his mentor , Tom Osborne , there ’ s the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that television check for $ 50 million before you pound the pavement .

Feels like a wake, doesn’t it?
A toast to the grown-ups in the room, most of whom could probably use a stiff drink right about now anyway. None of this is good, even if much of it was necessary.
A toast to CU Buffs alums and faithful. Mourn. Grieve. We’re right there with you. Nobody was openly rooting for the Buffs not to play football this fall when the word finally came down Tuesday from Mount Larry. Or for Tad Boyle’s men’s basketball program, with all that unfinished business, to be forced to cool its collective heels until after Christmas. But here we are.
A toast to the Buffs’ football seniors and the outstanding juniors, upon whom the onus falls the most. In Boulder, that’s wide receiver K.D. Nixon, who took his name out of the NFL draft pool for who-knows-what. And linebacker Nate Landman, the rock and anchor on a CU defense that was forced to grow up on the fly last fall.
A toast to new CU football coach Karl Dorrell, and to the longest honeymoon in Buffs history. Thrown onto a moving train in late February, Dorrell needed — deserved — more time to get more talent, more teaching, more of a stamp on a program whose fans have been strapped to an emotional roller-coaster since September 2018. He never asked for this much time, mind you.
A toast to every Olympic sports coach and team, who play to almost none of the crowds of football and men’s basketball and yet sacrifice the same, if not more, in terms of time, blood and tears. Fans of the system have made them pariahs because they don’t turn a profit, ignoring the fact that profit was never supposed to be the point.
A toast to those who’ve pointed out, and justifiably, the circular logic from the Pac-12 poobahs regarding student-athletes’ health, given that they’ve just opened up the possibility of trying to cram two football seasons into the span of about 10 months. The hypocrisy was not lost even on commissioner Larry Scott, who admitted Tuesday that it was, pun intended, among the hardest issues they’ve yet to fully tackle.
A toast to the cynics and conspiracists who pointed out that the first two Power 5 leagues to hit the eject button on fall football, the Big Ten and Pac-12, were the also the ones whose student-athletes have been making the most stink about expanded players’ rights, including a slice of the revenue pie. And the fact that the leagues still (allegedly) pushing on into the storm — the SEC, the Big 12, the ACC — all feature broadcast networks that are run by, and distributed by, ESPN. The Mouse always wins.
A toast to the buggers who have to put up with the Cornhuskers, and the world as viewed through Big Red glasses. If we’ve learned anything from the last 17 years, it’s that the University of Nebraska needs to be an independent. A football independent, anyway. The Huskers truly are, in all the best and worst ways, the Notre Dame of the Plains — with all the same crowds, charms, history, hubris, and delusions of past grandeur that their peers find insufferable.
At least with Ohio State, which is effectively the northernmost member of the SEC anyway, you could understand the Buckeye proletariat stomping and pouting after being denied a chance to settle old scores with Dabo Swinney and Nick Saban. If not getting to call the shots in the Big Ten bothers Scott Frost the way not calling them in the Big 12 bothered his mentor, Tom Osborne, there’s the door. Just make sure to turn in that television check for $50 million before you pound the pavement.


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--Denver Coliseum lot a scratch for first sanctioned homeless encampment

The Denver Coliseum parking lot is no longer under consideration for the city ’ s first sanctioned homeless encampment , and no other site has been seriously proposed in its place yet , officials say .
That pushes the opening of Denver ’ s first legal homeless encampment back at least another month , said Cole Chandler , executive director of the organizing Colorado Village Collaborative .
Meanwhile , Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s administration continues to sweep out existing encampments contrary to federal pandemic recommendations .
City officials have scheduled their third and fourth “ cleanups ” for next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrew zoning applications for the coliseum site after neighbors pushed back against the idea , Chandler said .
“ There was lots of legitimate pushback from neighborhoods about the ways they ’ re already overburdened , ” Chandler said .
City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca also voiced her opposition to the site , which sits in her district .
With money already in place to operate an encampment for a full six months , Chandler previously anticipated the city ’ s first one could open in early August , but now he estimates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Multiple encampments will be needed to accommodate the people who are living outdoors in Denver , including those forced out of unsanctioned encampments near the Colorado Capitol and Morey Middle School .
At times hundreds of people have lived in those locations , while the city is planning encampments that will be able to host a maximum of 50 or 60 people each .
Several Denver City Council members proposed sites after Hancock — who had long opposed the idea of sanctioned encampments — asked them for suggestions .
Among them : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lot at Empower Field at Mile High and Park Hill golf course .
But Chandler said his organization has not yet proposed opening the city ’ s first encampments at those or any other sites .
The Colorado Village Collaborative and partnering organizations asked Gov .
Jared Polis for state properties that could be used for an encampment after city officials cleared out the state-owned Lincoln Park , just west of the state Capitol .
Representatives for Polis did not respond when asked whether state officials had any sites in mind .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ size and number during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We are balancing multiple public health and public safety risks in the encampments , ” said Theresa Marchetta , spokesperson for Hancock .
She cited the spread of diseases other than COVID-19 ; a lack of bathrooms or hand-washing stations ; the accumulation of trash and rat infestations ; and increased drug sales and violence .
Breaking up the encampments isn ’ t the way to address those public health problems , said Dr. Jim O ’ Connell , president of the Boston Healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School .
“ It ’ s hard to see what it ’ s going to solve , ” O ’ Connell said .
And forcing people without housing to leave current encampments only exposes them to a greater possibility of contracting the coronavirus , he said : “ They ’ re probably safer there from getting COVID than in a closed shelter or even , to some degree , a hotel.
” Barring a disease as deadly as Ebola , for example , O ’ Connell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the city should provide trash cans , restrooms and other services to cut down on sanitation problems .
Many living in the encampments say they merely move a few blocks each time they ’ re forced to pack up because they ’ re afraid or unwilling to stay in shelters .
Marchetta said more than two dozen people from the Morey encampment were connected to housing services .
She did not respond when asked why city officials don ’ t offer more portable restrooms , trash receptacles and an increased police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people experiencing homelessness to move to a new site .
Denver officials will next clear out the homeless encampment at 12th Avenue and Acoma Street on Monday .
They ’ ll then clear out an encampment at 13th Avenue and Washington Street Tuesday .

The Denver Coliseum parking lot is no longer under consideration for the city’s first sanctioned homeless encampment, and no other site has been seriously proposed in its place yet, officials say.
That pushes the opening of Denver’s first legal homeless encampment back at least another month, said Cole Chandler, executive director of the organizing Colorado Village Collaborative.
Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Hancock’s administration continues to sweep out existing encampments contrary to federal pandemic recommendations. City officials have scheduled their third and fourth “cleanups” for next week.
The collaborative and its partners withdrew zoning applications for the coliseum site after neighbors pushed back against the idea, Chandler said.
“There was lots of legitimate pushback from neighborhoods about the ways they’re already overburdened,” Chandler said.
City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca also voiced her opposition to the site, which sits in her district.
With money already in place to operate an encampment for a full six months, Chandler previously anticipated the city’s first one could open in early August, but now he estimates the soonest it could happen is early September.
Multiple encampments will be needed to accommodate the people who are living outdoors in Denver, including those forced out of unsanctioned encampments near the Colorado Capitol and Morey Middle School. At times hundreds of people have lived in those locations, while the city is planning encampments that will be able to host a maximum of 50 or 60 people each.
Several Denver City Council members proposed sites after Hancock — who had long opposed the idea of sanctioned encampments — asked them for suggestions. Among them: the Coors Field parking lot, the parking lot at Empower Field at Mile High and Park Hill golf course.
But Chandler said his organization has not yet proposed opening the city’s first encampments at those or any other sites.
The Colorado Village Collaborative and partnering organizations asked Gov. Jared Polis for state properties that could be used for an encampment after city officials cleared out the state-owned Lincoln Park, just west of the state Capitol.
Representatives for Polis did not respond when asked whether state officials had any sites in mind.
However, illegal encampments have grown in size and number during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are balancing multiple public health and public safety risks in the encampments,” said Theresa Marchetta, spokesperson for Hancock.
She cited the spread of diseases other than COVID-19; a lack of bathrooms or hand-washing stations; the accumulation of trash and rat infestations; and increased drug sales and violence.
Breaking up the encampments isn’t the way to address those public health problems, said Dr. Jim O’Connell, president of the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless program at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.
“It’s hard to see what it’s going to solve,” O’Connell said.
And forcing people without housing to leave current encampments only exposes them to a greater possibility of contracting the coronavirus, he said: “They’re probably safer there from getting COVID than in a closed shelter or even, to some degree, a hotel.”
Barring a disease as deadly as Ebola, for example, O’Connell said encampments are better off left alone, and the city should provide trash cans, restrooms and other services to cut down on sanitation problems.
Many living in the encampments say they merely move a few blocks each time they’re forced to pack up because they’re afraid or unwilling to stay in shelters.
Marchetta said more than two dozen people from the Morey encampment were connected to housing services. She did not respond when asked why city officials don’t offer more portable restrooms, trash receptacles and an increased police presence around existing encampments rather than forcing people experiencing homelessness to move to a new site.
Denver officials will next clear out the homeless encampment at 12th Avenue and Acoma Street on Monday. They’ll then clear out an encampment at 13th Avenue and Washington Street Tuesday.


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--One in 20 Denver-area mortgage borrowers behind in May

For just shy of a decade , serious mortgage delinquencies have consistently marched lower as the nation healed from the housing crisis .
But now another crisis , the pandemic , is causing them to surge again , even in metro Denver , which has boasted one of the lowest delinquency rates in the country .
“ The national unemployment rate soared from a 50-year low in February 2020 , to an 80-year high in April , ” Frank Nothaft , chief economist at CoreLogic , said in comments accompanying the company ’ s Loan Performance Insights report .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many homeowners are struggling to stay on top of their mortgage loans , resulting in a jump in non-payment.
” Serious delinquencies , defined as those where a borrower is 90 days or more behind , were 1.5 % of the total in the U.S. in May , up from 1.3 % of the total in May 2019 .
It marked the first year-over-year increase since November 2010 .
A lot more mortgages have gone bad as the pandemic has worn on .
Absent further government programs and support , CoreLogic forecasts the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of 2021 , pushing 3 million homeowners into the seriously delinquent category .
Metro Denver , thanks to its robust housing and job markets , has ranked among the top-performing metro areas when it comes to borrowers staying current on the monthly mortgage payment .
Its serious delinquency rate hit 0.6 % in May , up from 0.4 % in May 2019 .
But that doesn ’ t mean problems aren ’ t brewing .
About 5 % of mortgage borrowers were more than 30 days late in May , compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And with Colorado ’ s unemployment rate at an elevated 10.5 % in June and enhanced federal unemployment benefits of $ 600 a week ending in July , more homeowners are likely to become seriously delinquent .
About 3 % of U.S. mortgages in May were early-stage delinquencies , or 30 to 59 days past due , up from 1.7 % in May 2019 .
Another 2.8 % were in the adverse delinquency stage , 60 to 89 days past due , up from 0.6 % a year earlier .
After 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings .
But foreclosures likely won ’ t be as common this time around .
Lenders were required or encouraged to offer forbearance agreements to struggling borrowers , allowing them to skip up to a year ’ s worth of payments .
More than 4 million homeowners , or 8 % of those holding a mortgage , sought a COVID-19 mortgage forbearance agreement , with about 3.7 million borrowers still in them , according to the Mortgage Bankers Association .
Compared to the Great Recession , the equity that homeowners are holding is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shove , many can sell and pay off the mortgage rather than having the bank boot them out .
Miami , Kahului , Hawaii and Odessa , Texas , were the metro areas with the highest increase in their overall delinquency rates .
New Jersey , a COVID-19 hotspot , and Nevada , heavily dependent on its casinos , had the largest jump in delinquencies of any state , with New York and Florida also hard hit .

For just shy of a decade, serious mortgage delinquencies have consistently marched lower as the nation healed from the housing crisis. But now another crisis, the pandemic, is causing them to surge again, even in metro Denver, which has boasted one of the lowest delinquency rates in the country.
“The national unemployment rate soared from a 50-year low in February 2020, to an 80-year high in April,” Frank Nothaft, chief economist at CoreLogic, said in comments accompanying the company’s Loan Performance Insights report. “With the sudden loss of income, many homeowners are struggling to stay on top of their mortgage loans, resulting in a jump in non-payment.”
Serious delinquencies, defined as those where a borrower is 90 days or more behind, were 1.5% of the total in the U.S. in May, up from 1.3% of the total in May 2019. It marked the first year-over-year increase since November 2010.
A lot more mortgages have gone bad as the pandemic has worn on. Absent further government programs and support, CoreLogic forecasts the U.S. serious delinquency rate to quadruple by the end of 2021, pushing 3 million homeowners into the seriously delinquent category.
Metro Denver, thanks to its robust housing and job markets, has ranked among the top-performing metro areas when it comes to borrowers staying current on the monthly mortgage payment. Its serious delinquency rate hit 0.6% in May, up from 0.4% in May 2019.
But that doesn’t mean problems aren’t brewing. About 5% of mortgage borrowers were more than 30 days late in May, compared to only 1.5% in May 2019. And with Colorado’s unemployment rate at an elevated 10.5% in June and enhanced federal unemployment benefits of $600 a week ending in July, more homeowners are likely to become seriously delinquent.
About 3% of U.S. mortgages in May were early-stage delinquencies, or 30 to 59 days past due, up from 1.7% in May 2019. Another 2.8% were in the adverse delinquency stage, 60 to 89 days past due, up from 0.6% a year earlier. After 90 days, lenders historically could start foreclosure proceedings.
But foreclosures likely won’t be as common this time around. Lenders were required or encouraged to offer forbearance agreements to struggling borrowers, allowing them to skip up to a year’s worth of payments. More than 4 million homeowners, or 8% of those holding a mortgage, sought a COVID-19 mortgage forbearance agreement, with about 3.7 million borrowers still in them, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Compared to the Great Recession, the equity that homeowners are holding is much higher. If push comes to shove, many can sell and pay off the mortgage rather than having the bank boot them out.
Miami, Kahului, Hawaii and Odessa, Texas, were the metro areas with the highest increase in their overall delinquency rates. New Jersey, a COVID-19 hotspot, and Nevada, heavily dependent on its casinos, had the largest jump in delinquencies of any state, with New York and Florida also hard hit.


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--After carrying injury-depleted Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon enters Stanley Cup playoffs with his best

After carrying injury-depleted Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon enters Stanley Cup playoffs with his best shot yet at title

Avalanche opponents had their chances — for months .
From early October to the night the NHL paused March 11 , Colorado limped its way through a coronavirus-shortened 70-game regular season .
Yet even as key forwards Mikko Rantanen ( 27 games ) , Nazem Kadri ( 18 ) , Gabe Landeskog ( 15 ) and Andre Burakovsky ( 11 ) missed extended stretches , Nathan MacKinnon was always there .
And the Avalanche star made do with whoever was available — amassing 35 goals and 93 points in leading Colorado to the second-best record in the Western Conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular season , MacKinnon refused to let that derail a Stanley Cup contender .
And now , with their best forwards available — plus prized rookie defenseman Cale Makar and goalies Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz healthy — MacKinnon no longer has to “ carry ” this team as they enter the playoffs .
“ For me , this feels like my first real chance to win , which really excites me , and excites everyone .
It ’ s not easy to get in this position , ” MacKinnon said Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is my fourth playoffs now , third straight , obviously , with everyone else .
I feel good and hopefully , I can be a key guy in the first round here.
” Of that there is little doubt .
MacKinnon , who is up for both the Hart Trophy ( league MVP voted by writers ) and the Ted Lindsay Award ( league MVP voted by his peers ) , is almost always that kind of guy .
Many believe he ’ s the best right-shot scoring center in the NHL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season , when he was the foundation for a contender besieged by injuries and COVID-19 .
Now he enters the Avs ’ third straight playoff appearance without the pressure he might have felt during the last two postseason runs when Colorado wasn ’ t nearly as offensively stout .
“ I ’ m not looking to carry the team , ” MacKinnon said Saturday after the Avs fell 4-3 in overtime to Vegas .
“ I know I ’ m one of the key guys and I prepare to perform .
Obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four really good lines and we have that , ( plus ) good D , good goalies.
” MacKinnon , 24 , is an alternate captain for the Avs and his leadership stems from his work ethic and focus .
He ’ s not a rah-rah guy .
If he says anything , it ’ s typically out of anger — an example of which unfolded Saturday in Edmonton when officials blew an early offside call and MacKinnon couldn ’ t let it go .
After referees accepted blame and switched the faceoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complain from the bench and was penalized for an unsportsmanlike conduct minor .
“ It ’ s a big deal to Nathan MacKinnon , ” NBC studio analyst Keith Jones said of a guy who served just 12 penalty minutes in the regular season and is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy .
“ He gives it to the ref , picks up an unsportsmanlike penalty for it … We ’ ve seen ( other ) exchanges with his head coach in the past , too .
I love all of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him great.
” Jones added that MacKinnon , while sitting in the penalty box , made a smirk immediately after the Knights scored on the power play .
Then MacKinnon scored his own power-play goal in the ensuing minutes to tie it .
“ That speaks to the growth and maturation of Nathan MacKinnon as a leader on this Colorado Avalanche hockey team , ” fellow NBC analyst Anson Carter said .
“ In previous years he would lose his marbles and it would take him right out the game .
This game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bear-down and score a huge goal.
” Avs coach Jared Bednar has had verbal squabbles with MacKinnon but has no problem with dealing with the star player ’ s personality .
“ He puts a lot of pressure on himself to succeed , ” the coach said .
“ When it comes to this time of year — even last year and the year before we ’ ve noticed it — there ’ s an added importance and focus to his game .
“ … I think that ’ s just who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win .
He wants to lead .
He wants to have success .
And he puts a lot of pressure on himself to be consistent on what he does and make an impact every night .
He ’ s been able to do that on most nights with us in the regular season and I think we ’ re seeing the best of him in the playoffs.
” Rantanen sees it everywhere he goes with MacKinnon .
And being in the Edmonton bubble hasn ’ t changed a thing .
“ He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Obviously , there ’ s probably less distractions ( in the bubble ) .
But I would say he ’ s always focused , so I don ’ t know if there ’ s any difference.
” That focus showed up again and again as MacKinnon consistently produced with the Avalanche missing key players this season .
The best example came Nov. 12 at Winnipeg , inside a building the Avs rarely win in .
Rantanen and Landeskog weren ’ t on the trip because of leg injuries and Grubauer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven unavailable regulars .
Francouz started the game but played just 31 seconds before leaving with a concussion .
Undeterred , MacKinnon had a hand in all four goals , scoring twice , and the Avs won 4-0 .
Nine months later , the Avalanche is in its best position to win the Stanley Cup since its 10-year playoff run ended with a second-round loss in 2006 .
At full-strength behind their superstar center , Colorado is finally in a position to bring a third Stanley Cup back to Colorado .
“ Nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play against Colorado , ” NBC analyst Pierre McGuire said on Saturday , before the Avalanche ’ s round-robin finale against the Vegas Golden Knights .
They had their chances to get rid of the Avalanche .
And now MacKinnon has reinforcements .

Avalanche opponents had their chances — for months.
From early October to the night the NHL paused March 11, Colorado limped its way through a coronavirus-shortened 70-game regular season.
Yet even as key forwards Mikko Rantanen (27 games), Nazem Kadri (18), Gabe Landeskog (15) and Andre Burakovsky (11) missed extended stretches, Nathan MacKinnon was always there.
And the Avalanche star made do with whoever was available — amassing 35 goals and 93 points in leading Colorado to the second-best record in the Western Conference.
If injuries defined the Avalanche’s regular season, MacKinnon refused to let that derail a Stanley Cup contender. And now, with their best forwards available — plus prized rookie defenseman Cale Makar and goalies Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz healthy — MacKinnon no longer has to “carry” this team as they enter the playoffs.
“For me, this feels like my first real chance to win, which really excites me, and excites everyone. It’s not easy to get in this position,” MacKinnon said Monday.
“Personally, I feel comfortable. This is my fourth playoffs now, third straight, obviously, with everyone else. I feel good and hopefully, I can be a key guy in the first round here.”
Of that there is little doubt.
MacKinnon, who is up for both the Hart Trophy (league MVP voted by writers) and the Ted Lindsay Award (league MVP voted by his peers), is almost always that kind of guy.
Many believe he’s the best right-shot scoring center in the NHL. It was certainly hard to argue this season, when he was the foundation for a contender besieged by injuries and COVID-19.
Now he enters the Avs’ third straight playoff appearance without the pressure he might have felt during the last two postseason runs when Colorado wasn’t nearly as offensively stout.
“I’m not looking to carry the team,” MacKinnon said Saturday after the Avs fell 4-3 in overtime to Vegas. “I know I’m one of the key guys and I prepare to perform. Obviously, playoffs are tough. You need four really good lines and we have that, (plus) good D, good goalies.”
MacKinnon, 24, is an alternate captain for the Avs and his leadership stems from his work ethic and focus. He’s not a rah-rah guy. If he says anything, it’s typically out of anger — an example of which unfolded Saturday in Edmonton when officials blew an early offside call and MacKinnon couldn’t let it go.
After referees accepted blame and switched the faceoff to center ice, MacKinnon continued to complain from the bench and was penalized for an unsportsmanlike conduct minor.
“It’s a big deal to Nathan MacKinnon,” NBC studio analyst Keith Jones said of a guy who served just 12 penalty minutes in the regular season and is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy. “He gives it to the ref, picks up an unsportsmanlike penalty for it … We’ve seen (other) exchanges with his head coach in the past, too. I love all of those things. It’s what makes him great.”
Jones added that MacKinnon, while sitting in the penalty box, made a smirk immediately after the Knights scored on the power play. Then MacKinnon scored his own power-play goal in the ensuing minutes to tie it.
“That speaks to the growth and maturation of Nathan MacKinnon as a leader on this Colorado Avalanche hockey team,” fellow NBC analyst Anson Carter said. “In previous years he would lose his marbles and it would take him right out the game. This game, he’s able to refocus, bear-down and score a huge goal.”
Avs coach Jared Bednar has had verbal squabbles with MacKinnon but has no problem with dealing with the star player’s personality.
“He puts a lot of pressure on himself to succeed,” the coach said. “When it comes to this time of year — even last year and the year before we’ve noticed it — there’s an added importance and focus to his game.
“… I think that’s just who is he is. He wants to win. He wants to lead. He wants to have success. And he puts a lot of pressure on himself to be consistent on what he does and make an impact every night. He’s been able to do that on most nights with us in the regular season and I think we’re seeing the best of him in the playoffs.”
Rantanen sees it everywhere he goes with MacKinnon. And being in the Edmonton bubble hasn’t changed a thing.
“He’s always focused,” Rantanen said. “Obviously, there’s probably less distractions (in the bubble). But I would say he’s always focused, so I don’t know if there’s any difference.”
That focus showed up again and again as MacKinnon consistently produced with the Avalanche missing key players this season.
The best example came Nov. 12 at Winnipeg, inside a building the Avs rarely win in. Rantanen and Landeskog weren’t on the trip because of leg injuries and Grubauer and depth center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare also were among seven unavailable regulars. Francouz started the game but played just 31 seconds before leaving with a concussion.
Undeterred, MacKinnon had a hand in all four goals, scoring twice, and the Avs won 4-0.
Nine months later, the Avalanche is in its best position to win the Stanley Cup since its 10-year playoff run ended with a second-round loss in 2006. At full-strength behind their superstar center, Colorado is finally in a position to bring a third Stanley Cup back to Colorado.
“Nobody, and I mean nobody, wants to play against Colorado,” NBC analyst Pierre McGuire said on Saturday, before the Avalanche’s round-robin finale against the Vegas Golden Knights.
They had their chances to get rid of the Avalanche.
And now MacKinnon has reinforcements.


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--Colorado lawmakers consider metal gates, more security at Capitol

The Capitol building in Denver , the seat of Colorado state government , has stood for months now as a monument to the Black Lives Matter protests that broke out in May , with anti-police messages tagged all over the building and the grounds , windows broken or boarded up , and an empty space where a statue of a soldier stood for more than a century .
As cleanup gets under way , Colorado lawmakers are also discussing ways to better protect the 126-year-old building in the future , including possibly fortifying it with metal gates , bulletproof windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken glass .
Those are among the security enhancements that the state Department of Administration and Personnel is now assessing , Director Kara Veitch told legislative leaders during a meeting Tuesday at the Capitol .
“ We know the destruction to the buildings and graffiti is disheartening , ” Veitch said , assuring the lawmakers that the state is on top of the cleanup , even though a significant amount of spray paint remains on the building and some broken windows have not been repaired .
Paint has sunk in so deeply that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Veitch said officials considered using lasers and dry ice to clean off the Capitol before settling on a chemical treatment .
The building grounds have played host to countless protests since late May , following the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis , and for a period the Capitol was being tagged with spray paint on a daily basis .
That has slowed down recently , Veitch said , with little or no new graffiti documented in the last week .
She said graffiti removal work continues , and all broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be replaced by the end of September .
The latest estimates are that Capitol cleanup efforts will cost about $ 1 million , she said .
New security measures could add to the cost .
Details were discussed Tuesday in a closed-door session Veitch and other officials had with the Capitol ’ s Executive Committee , which comprises leaders from both parties in the state House and Senate .
“ We were talking about Capitol security , what are the vulnerabilities , what are the needs .
It ’ s a security issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said House Speaker KC Becker , who chairs the Executive Committee .
Outcry from officials over vandalism at the Capitol has mostly come from Republicans , though Democratic Gov .
Jared Polis recently condemned it when asked about it at a press conference .
“ It ’ s certainly been an aggravating few months , ” said GOP Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert of Parker .
Becker , a Democrat from Boulder , said that her party cares but has been focused on other priorities .
“ I think the appearance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats alike , and the safety , security and integrity of this building matters to Democrats and Republicans alike .
I was getting inquiries from both about the status of the Capitol building , but from the time the protests happened , we ’ ve been much more interested in the message of the protesters than the impacts of the graffiti.
” In addition to damaging the building , protesters also toppled a statue of a Civil War solider that sat just outside the Capitol , to the west , from 1909 until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commemorated more than 20 different events , most of which were battles against Confederate soldiers .
But four of them were massacres of Native Americans , including at Sand Creek .
The statue is being held in storage , Veitch said , and it may not return to the Capitol Grounds .
The organization History Colorado has reached out about putting it on museum display .
The eventual placement of the statue , as well as other cosmetic decisions about the Capitol , will be up to the Executive Committee , Becker said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final votes , but she said she expects they will occur in the coming months , ahead of a 2021 legislative session currently slated to begin in January .

The Capitol building in Denver, the seat of Colorado state government, has stood for months now as a monument to the Black Lives Matter protests that broke out in May, with anti-police messages tagged all over the building and the grounds, windows broken or boarded up, and an empty space where a statue of a soldier stood for more than a century.
As cleanup gets under way, Colorado lawmakers are also discussing ways to better protect the 126-year-old building in the future, including possibly fortifying it with metal gates, bulletproof windows and a system of sensors that detect broken glass.
Those are among the security enhancements that the state Department of Administration and Personnel is now assessing, Director Kara Veitch told legislative leaders during a meeting Tuesday at the Capitol.
“We know the destruction to the buildings and graffiti is disheartening,” Veitch said, assuring the lawmakers that the state is on top of the cleanup, even though a significant amount of spray paint remains on the building and some broken windows have not been repaired.
Paint has sunk in so deeply that it requires several rounds of treatment. Veitch said officials considered using lasers and dry ice to clean off the Capitol before settling on a chemical treatment.
The building grounds have played host to countless protests since late May, following the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, and for a period the Capitol was being tagged with spray paint on a daily basis. That has slowed down recently, Veitch said, with little or no new graffiti documented in the last week. She said graffiti removal work continues, and all broken glass at the building is expected to be replaced by the end of September.
The latest estimates are that Capitol cleanup efforts will cost about $1 million, she said. New security measures could add to the cost.
Details were discussed Tuesday in a closed-door session Veitch and other officials had with the Capitol’s Executive Committee, which comprises leaders from both parties in the state House and Senate.
“We were talking about Capitol security, what are the vulnerabilities, what are the needs. It’s a security issue so it needed to be addressed confidentially,” said House Speaker KC Becker, who chairs the Executive Committee.
Outcry from officials over vandalism at the Capitol has mostly come from Republicans, though Democratic Gov. Jared Polis recently condemned it when asked about it at a press conference.
“It’s certainly been an aggravating few months,” said GOP Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert of Parker.
Becker, a Democrat from Boulder, said that her party cares but has been focused on other priorities.
“I think the appearance at the Capitol matters to Republicans and Democrats alike, and the safety, security and integrity of this building matters to Democrats and Republicans alike. I was getting inquiries from both about the status of the Capitol building, but from the time the protests happened, we’ve been much more interested in the message of the protesters than the impacts of the graffiti.”
In addition to damaging the building, protesters also toppled a statue of a Civil War solider that sat just outside the Capitol, to the west, from 1909 until June. A plaque on that statue commemorated more than 20 different events, most of which were battles against Confederate soldiers. But four of them were massacres of Native Americans, including at Sand Creek.
The statue is being held in storage, Veitch said, and it may not return to the Capitol Grounds. The organization History Colorado has reached out about putting it on museum display.
The eventual placement of the statue, as well as other cosmetic decisions about the Capitol, will be up to the Executive Committee, Becker said. There’s no timeline for final votes, but she said she expects they will occur in the coming months, ahead of a 2021 legislative session currently slated to begin in January.


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--Avalanche power rankings: How the national media ranks Colorado entering the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off for the Avalanche tonight .
Here ’ s how various national media experts are rating Colorado as they begin their chase for another championship : The Athletic ( No .
1 ) : “ Can ’ t help but feel that Colorado ascended to this lofty position by virtue of having lost its final round robin game to Vegas thus ensuring the second seed in the Western Conference and a much more favorable matchup ( on paper at least ) against offensively challenged Arizona — as opposed to facing Chicago , which knocked off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No disrespect to the Coyotes .
Or the Avs , for that matter , who are locked and loaded up and down the lineup , ” Scott Burnside writes .
Bleacher Report ( No .
4 ) : “ As frustrating as an overtime loss to Vegas in the round-robin finale might have been — considering it kept the Avalanche from staying unbeaten—it was probably good news considering it ’ ll match Colorado with a playoff-novice Arizona team rather than the dangerous Blackhawks .
The teams split two games in the regular season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the Avs in the overall league standings , ” Lyle Fitzsimmons writes .
CBS Sports ( No .
2 ) : “ We already know that the Avs have high-end talent up front and are capable of being a dominant force offensively , especially when Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are at their best .
They ’ re great on the rush and can draw a lot of penalties , which is why it was encouraging to see their power play have a lot of success in the round robin stage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaningful games and scored at least one power play goal in each contest .
They still have some questions surrounding them ( namely who their starting goaltender will be… and for how long ) but there ’ s a lot of reasons to remain fearful of the Avs , ” Pete Blackburn writes .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup Sports are back .
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Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .

The Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off for the Avalanche tonight. Here’s how various national media experts are rating Colorado as they begin their chase for another championship:
The Athletic (No. 1): “Can’t help but feel that Colorado ascended to this lofty position by virtue of having lost its final round robin game to Vegas thus ensuring the second seed in the Western Conference and a much more favorable matchup (on paper at least) against offensively challenged Arizona — as opposed to facing Chicago, which knocked off powerful Edmonton in the qualifying round. No disrespect to the Coyotes. Or the Avs, for that matter, who are locked and loaded up and down the lineup,” Scott Burnside writes.
Bleacher Report (No. 4): “As frustrating as an overtime loss to Vegas in the round-robin finale might have been — considering it kept the Avalanche from staying unbeaten—it was probably good news considering it’ll match Colorado with a playoff-novice Arizona team rather than the dangerous Blackhawks. The teams split two games in the regular season, but the Coyotes were 18 points behind the Avs in the overall league standings,” Lyle Fitzsimmons writes.
CBS Sports (No. 2): “We already know that the Avs have high-end talent up front and are capable of being a dominant force offensively, especially when Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are at their best. They’re great on the rush and can draw a lot of penalties, which is why it was encouraging to see their power play have a lot of success in the round robin stage. The Avs went 4-for-6 in their three meaningful games and scored at least one power play goal in each contest. They still have some questions surrounding them (namely who their starting goaltender will be… and for how long) but there’s a lot of reasons to remain fearful of the Avs,” Pete Blackburn writes.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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Ask The Experts
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+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--Ask Amy: Husband patrols wife’s feelings

Dear Amy : My wife and I have been married for a long time .
We are in our 60s .
Several times now when “ Millie ” feels slighted by a friend , I have mentioned a mitigating reason that the alleged offensive act is not so bad as it might seem .
Millie goes into a rage and charges me with “ not supporting ” her .
She says I am telling her that she is not entitled to her feelings .
I think that I AM supporting her by suggesting that she doesn ’ t have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is punishing ME for having an opinion .
Millie seems to believe that rage is a proportionate response to my stating something that is not quite what she wants to hear .
She claims that I could state my objection a different way without “ judging ” her .
I don ’ t know how that is possible because any disagreement is a judgment on the other person ’ s point of view .
Millie also says that I regularly disagree with her , seemingly for the sake of being contrary , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it.
” By my mind she is becoming intolerant of my having my own views on things .
I love Millie and generally have enjoyed living together , but I can ’ t abide with living in fear of saying anything besides “ yes , dear.
” How can we find some middle ground ?
Dear Mindful : Some of what you describe could broadly be categorized as differences in communication styles typical for males and females .
The “ Mars/Venus ” stereotype seems to fit your example .
Using this stereotype , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mainly be “ heard.
” She is seeking supportive commiseration : “ That sounds so frustrating.
” “ I ’ m sorry that happened.
” Men hear about a personal scenario and tend to problem-solve first , and commiserate later .
Your wife perceives your problem-solving as you negating her feelings , even though that is not your intention .
You telling “ Millie ” that she “ doesn ’ t have to feel so offended ” is really you telling her how she “ should ” feel — and nobody gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You should NOT have to universally agree with your wife .
You should NOT be “ punished for having an opinion , ” but why do you have an opinion about a personal dynamic between Millie and her friend ?
Why do you have an opinion about her feelings ?
Family members are great at noticing patterns .
( I will never forget the day my sister pointed out a pattern concerning the way I typically responded to a frustration — it was a game-changer for me . )
Because you notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : stick with describing her behavior , not her feelings .
You two should talk about the way you communicate , and you should both make changes , in order to shift your dynamic .
A couples counselor could definitely help .
Dear Amy : I have a friend who very recently exited a toxic relationship .
Recently , she told me that she ’ s “ talking ” with the same person .
I ’ m not sure this is healthy for her , but I don ’ t know how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my place to question her ?
I don ’ t know what to do .
Dear Concerned : As a friend , you can truthfully reflect back some of the things you witnessed during her relationship : “ This person wasn ’ t nice to you .
You didn ’ t seem to feel good about yourself .
I worried about you when you were together.
” Regardless of how she responds or reacts , I hope you will hang in there with her .
If she falls into this relationship again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy : “ Upset ” wrote to you about her parents ’ risky choices during the pandemic .
They lived 3,000 miles away and seemed to be going out and meeting with friends , and she was extremely worried about them .
I stayed away from my parents for the first three months of COVID-19 , and so did my sister .
My sister left our parents ’ essential needs at their front door and then phoned them to let them know it was there .
Finally , my dad phoned me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your mother and I would rather die of COVID-19 than of loneliness.
” At ages 91 and 87 , I believe they have earned their right to choose .
What do you think ?
Dear Loving : I completely agree with you — and them .
There are ways to mitigate the risk — to them and to you — and I hope you will all choose to be together , while maintaining your togetherness as safely as possible .

Dear Amy: My wife and I have been married for a long time. We are in our 60s.
Several times now when “Millie” feels slighted by a friend, I have mentioned a mitigating reason that the alleged offensive act is not so bad as it might seem.
Millie goes into a rage and charges me with “not supporting” her.
She says I am telling her that she is not entitled to her feelings.
I think that I AM supporting her by suggesting that she doesn’t have to feel so offended. Also, she is punishing ME for having an opinion.
Millie seems to believe that rage is a proportionate response to my stating something that is not quite what she wants to hear.
She claims that I could state my objection a different way without “judging” her. I don’t know how that is possible because any disagreement is a judgment on the other person’s point of view.
Millie also says that I regularly disagree with her, seemingly for the sake of being contrary, “even though I don’t realize it.”
By my mind she is becoming intolerant of my having my own views on things.
I love Millie and generally have enjoyed living together, but I can’t abide with living in fear of saying anything besides “yes, dear.”
How can we find some middle ground?
— Mindful
Dear Mindful: Some of what you describe could broadly be categorized as differences in communication styles typical for males and females. The “Mars/Venus” stereotype seems to fit your example.
Using this stereotype, a woman wants to share her feelings and mainly be “heard.” She is seeking supportive commiseration: “That sounds so frustrating.” “I’m sorry that happened.”
Men hear about a personal scenario and tend to problem-solve first, and commiserate later.
Your wife perceives your problem-solving as you negating her feelings, even though that is not your intention.
You telling “Millie” that she “doesn’t have to feel so offended” is really you telling her how she “should” feel — and nobody gets to tell another person how to feel.
You should NOT have to universally agree with your wife. You should NOT be “punished for having an opinion,” but why do you have an opinion about a personal dynamic between Millie and her friend? Why do you have an opinion about her feelings?
Family members are great at noticing patterns. (I will never forget the day my sister pointed out a pattern concerning the way I typically responded to a frustration — it was a game-changer for me.) Because you notice a pattern, you should mention it: stick with describing her behavior, not her feelings.
You two should talk about the way you communicate, and you should both make changes, in order to shift your dynamic. A couples counselor could definitely help.
Dear Amy: I have a friend who very recently exited a toxic relationship. Recently, she told me that she’s “talking” with the same person.
I’m not sure this is healthy for her, but I don’t know how to approach the topic. Is it even my place to question her? I don’t know what to do.
— Concerned Friend
Dear Concerned: As a friend, you can truthfully reflect back some of the things you witnessed during her relationship: “This person wasn’t nice to you. You didn’t seem to feel good about yourself. I worried about you when you were together.”
Regardless of how she responds or reacts, I hope you will hang in there with her. If she falls into this relationship again, she will need your friendship.
Dear Amy: “Upset” wrote to you about her parents’ risky choices during the pandemic. They lived 3,000 miles away and seemed to be going out and meeting with friends, and she was extremely worried about them.
I stayed away from my parents for the first three months of COVID-19, and so did my sister. My sister left our parents’ essential needs at their front door and then phoned them to let them know it was there.
Finally, my dad phoned me and said: “Come on over. Your mother and I would rather die of COVID-19 than of loneliness.”
At ages 91 and 87, I believe they have earned their right to choose. What do you think?
— Loving Child
Dear Loving: I completely agree with you — and them. There are ways to mitigate the risk — to them and to you — and I hope you will all choose to be together, while maintaining your togetherness as safely as possible.
(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--2020-08-12--Rockies’ Daniel Bard gets first save in 9 years; Charlie Blackmon hitting .500

Rockies reliever Daniel Bard could honestly not remember the last time he closed out a big-league game and recorded the save .
He had to be told : June 5 , 2011 as a member of the Boston Red Sox , vs. Oakland , at Fenway Park .
“ I know I have a handful of saves my career , but when we ’ re talking that nine years ago was the last one , I don ’ t remember it all , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a pretty good stretch between , right ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night when manager Bud Black called on Bard to stop the bleeding .
The Rockies ’ 8-2 lead had been cut to 8-7 in the ninth and Arizona had two outs with runners at first and third .
Bard struck out Stephen Vogt with a slider to finish off a wild night at Coors Field .
With the game seemingly spinning out of control , manager Bud Black called on Bard , who made his Rockies debut on July 25 , more than seven years after the yips had forced him out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed him the ball , he said , ‘ Let ’ s close this out , ’ ” Black said .
“ There was a calmness to him , that , for me , was really cool.
” Here are some other newsworthy notes from a wild night in LoDo , courtesy of the Rockies media relations staff : — Starter Kyle Freeland pitched seven innings , allowing two runs on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts .
He ’ s pitched four consecutive quality starts to begin the season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 straight to end his breakout 2018 season .
— Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon extended his hitting streak to 15 games , the second-longest hitting streak of his career .
His longest was 17 games , from Sept. 8-25 , 2018 .
— Blackmon is batting .567 ( 34-for-60 ) with 17 runs , six doubles , three home runs , 20 RBIs and five walks over the streak .
— According to the Elias Sports Bureau , Blackmon ’ s .567 average is the highest across a streak of at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berkman hit .586 ( 34-for-58 ) in 15 games from May 3-18 , 2008 .
— Blackmon is hitting .500 ( 34-for-68 ) for the season .
He is the fifth player in the last 50 seasons to hit .500 or better through his team ’ s first 17 games , joining Tony Perez ( 1970 , Cincinnati ) , Rod Carew ( 1983 , California Angels ) , Larry Walker ( Rockies 1997 ) and Barry Bonds ( 2004 , San Francisco ) .
— Blackmon is also the major leaguer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 66 ( or more ) at-bats of a season since Walker in 1997 .
Walker was 34-for-67 ( .507 ) through April 22 , and 34-for-68 after his first hitless at-bat on April 23 ( all per Elias Sports Bureau ) .
— Garrett Hampson doubled and tripled in the eighth inning , becoming the first player in franchise history to record a double and a triple in the same inning .
04:30 try right .
04:33 Daniel , that that

Rockies reliever Daniel Bard could honestly not remember the last time he closed out a big-league game and recorded the save.
He had to be told: June 5, 2011 as a member of the Boston Red Sox, vs. Oakland, at Fenway Park.
“I know I have a handful of saves my career, but when we’re talking that nine years ago was the last one, I don’t remember it all,” he said. “It’s a pretty good stretch between, right?”
Career save No. 6 came Tuesday night when manager Bud Black called on Bard to stop the bleeding. The Rockies’ 8-2 lead had been cut to 8-7 in the ninth and Arizona had two outs with runners at first and third. Bard struck out Stephen Vogt with a slider to finish off a wild night at Coors Field.
With the game seemingly spinning out of control, manager Bud Black called on Bard, who made his Rockies debut on July 25, more than seven years after the yips had forced him out of the big leagues.
“When I handed him the ball, he said, ‘Let’s close this out,’ ” Black said. “There was a calmness to him, that, for me, was really cool.”
Here are some other newsworthy notes from a wild night in LoDo, courtesy of the Rockies media relations staff:
— Starter Kyle Freeland pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts. He’s pitched four consecutive quality starts to begin the season, his longest streak since a streak of 11 straight to end his breakout 2018 season.
— Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon extended his hitting streak to 15 games, the second-longest hitting streak of his career. His longest was 17 games, from Sept. 8-25, 2018.
— Blackmon is batting .567 (34-for-60) with 17 runs, six doubles, three home runs, 20 RBIs and five walks over the streak.
— According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Blackmon’s .567 average is the highest across a streak of at least 15 games since Houston’s Lance Berkman hit .586 (34-for-58) in 15 games from May 3-18, 2008.
— Blackmon is hitting .500 (34-for-68) for the season. He is the fifth player in the last 50 seasons to hit .500 or better through his team’s first 17 games, joining Tony Perez (1970, Cincinnati), Rod Carew (1983, California Angels), Larry Walker (Rockies 1997) and Barry Bonds
(2004, San Francisco).
— Blackmon is also the major leaguer to bat .500 or better through his first 66 (or more) at-bats of a season since Walker in 1997. Walker was 34-for-67 (.507) through April 22, and 34-for-68 after his first hitless at-bat on April 23 (all per Elias Sports Bureau).
— Garrett Hampson doubled and tripled in the eighth inning, becoming the first player in franchise history to record a double and a triple in the same inning.
04:30
try right.
04:33
Daniel, that that


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Rockies’ Ryan McMahon homers, but still feels “lost” at the plate

Infielder Ryan McMahon and outfielder David Dahl were expected to supercharge the Rockies ’ lineup this season , but through the first 18 games of the 60-game season , it ’ s not happening .
McMahon got off the schneid a little bit Wednesday with a three-run homer in Colorado ’ s 13-7 loss to Arizona at Coors Field , but he ’ s still batting just .220 .
More concerning , he has 28 strikeouts in 59 at-bats .
Dahl , a first-time all-star last season , is batting just .203 and has fanned 19 times in 69 at-bats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run .
Dahl ’ s lack of production caused manager Bud Black to replace him in the leadoff spot with Garrett Hampson .
“ I ’ ll just be really honest with you guys , I ’ ve just felt really lost , ” McMahon said .
“ I haven ’ t had a great feel for the plate , which is something I usually take a lot of pride in , knowing the strike zone and knowing where the pitchers are .
But right now I ’ m having trouble with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me right now.
” Owings out .
Utility player Chris Owings , who ’ s been seeing a lot of action , started Wednesday ’ s game at second base but left after his second-inning at-bat with left hamstring tightness .
After the game , manager Bud Black called it a hamstring strain and said Owings will likely miss a few games .
It ’ s not known yet whether or not he ’ ll have to go on the injured list .
“ He ’ ll be out of action for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black said .
“ We ’ ll identify , probably a little bit more closely , just what is up with his hamstring on Friday afternoon.
” If Owings does go on the IL , there is a chance that top infield prospect Brendan Rodgers could get called up from the Rockies ’ alternative site .
Oberg update .
Right-handed reliever Scott Oberg , who is likely out for the season because of blood clots in his arm , continues to see doctors to see if they can diagnose the problem .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests , ” Black said .
“ He ’ ll be seeing specialists here in Denver , and I think there will be a time when maybe he goes back home to see specialists in and around the Philadelphia area .
But he ’ s in good spirits.
” Oberg has been shut down three times in the past five years because of blood clots .
Also , right-handed reliever and former closer Wade Davis ( right shoulder strain ) and righty starter Chi Chi González ( right biceps tendinitis ) are making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neither pitcher has begun throwing yet .
Footnotes .
Nolan Arenado is heating up after an early slump .
He hit two home runs and a double Wednesday .
Since getting the day off on Sunday at Seattle , the third baseman is batting 8-for-12 with two doubles , three home runs and seven RBIs over three games .
… The Diamondbacks continue to play longball in LoDo .
Starling Marte hit a solo homer Wednesday and the D-Back have homered in 16 consecutive games at Coors Field , which is the second-longest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s history .
The longest streak is 18 games , held by the Chicago Cubs from May 22,1995 to July 26 , 1997 .
Trending : Garrett Hampson recorded a career-high four hits ( 4-for-6 ) Wednesday and he ’ s tripled in his last two games , making him the first Rockies player to triple in consecutive games since Charlie Blackmon , April 20-21 , 2019 .
At issue : Outfielder David Dahl , counted on to be a big force in the batting order , continues to slump .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s now batting .203 with a .514 OPS .
Pitching probables Thursday : Off Friday : Rangers RHP Lance Lynn ( 2-0 , 1.16 ) at Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani ( 0-0 , 0.00 ) , 6:40 p.m. , ATTRM Saturday : Rangers RHP Kyle Gibson ( 0-2 , 4.11 ) at Rockies RHP Germán Márquez ( 2-2 , 2.08 ) , 6:10 p.m. , ATTRM Sunday : Rangers LHP Kolby Allard ( 0-0 , 1.00 ) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray ( 0-2 , 6.41 ) , 1:10 p.m. , @

Infielder Ryan McMahon and outfielder David Dahl were expected to supercharge the Rockies’ lineup this season, but through the first 18 games of the 60-game season, it’s not happening.
McMahon got off the schneid a little bit Wednesday with a three-run homer in Colorado’s 13-7 loss to Arizona at Coors Field, but he’s still batting just .220. More concerning, he has 28 strikeouts in 59 at-bats.
Dahl, a first-time all-star last season, is batting just .203 and has fanned 19 times in 69 at-bats and has yet to hit a home run. Dahl’s lack of production caused manager Bud Black to replace him in the leadoff spot with Garrett Hampson.
“I’ll just be really honest with you guys, I’ve just felt really lost,” McMahon said. “I haven’t had a great feel for the plate, which is something I usually take a lot of pride in, knowing the strike zone and knowing where the pitchers are. But right now I’m having trouble with that and that is probably the biggest thing for me right now.”
Owings out. Utility player Chris Owings, who’s been seeing a lot of action, started Wednesday’s game at second base but left after his second-inning at-bat with left hamstring tightness. After the game, manager Bud Black called it a hamstring strain and said Owings will likely miss a few games. It’s not known yet whether or not he’ll have to go on the injured list.
“He’ll be out of action for a few days at least,” Black said. “We’ll identify, probably a little bit more closely, just what is up with his hamstring on Friday afternoon.”
If Owings does go on the IL, there is a chance that top infield prospect Brendan Rodgers could get called up from the Rockies’ alternative site.
Oberg update. Right-handed reliever Scott Oberg, who is likely out for the season because of blood clots in his arm, continues to see doctors to see if they can diagnose the problem.
“Scott is going through a ton of tests,” Black said. “He’ll be seeing specialists here in Denver, and I think there will be a time when maybe he goes back home to see specialists in and around the Philadelphia area. But he’s in good spirits.”
Oberg has been shut down three times in the past five years because of blood clots.
Also, right-handed reliever and former closer Wade Davis (right shoulder strain) and righty starter Chi Chi González (right biceps tendinitis) are making strides as they get treatment, but neither pitcher has begun throwing yet.
Footnotes. Nolan Arenado is heating up after an early slump. He hit two home runs and a double Wednesday. Since getting the day off on Sunday at Seattle, the third baseman is batting 8-for-12 with two doubles, three home runs and seven RBIs over three games. … The Diamondbacks continue to play longball in LoDo. Starling Marte hit a solo homer Wednesday and the D-Back have homered in 16 consecutive games at Coors Field, which is the second-longest opponent home run streak in the ballpark’s history. The longest streak is 18 games, held by the Chicago Cubs from May 22,1995 to July 26, 1997.
On Deck
Trending: Garrett Hampson recorded a career-high four hits (4-for-6) Wednesday and he’s tripled in his last two games, making him the first Rockies player to triple in consecutive games since Charlie Blackmon, April 20-21, 2019.
At issue: Outfielder David Dahl, counted on to be a big force in the batting order, continues to slump. He went 0-for-4 Wednesday with two strikeouts. He’s now batting .203 with a .514 OPS.
Pitching probables
Thursday: Off
Friday: Rangers RHP Lance Lynn (2-0, 1.16) at Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani (0-0, 0.00), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM
Saturday: Rangers RHP Kyle Gibson (0-2, 4.11) at Rockies RHP Germán Márquez (2-2, 2.08), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM
Sunday: Rangers LHP Kolby Allard (0-0, 1.00) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray (0-2, 6.41), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Gov. Jared Polis plans to extend Colorado’s mask mandate

Gov .
Jared Polis plans to extend Colorado ’ s statewide mask mandate before it expires this weekend , his staff confirmed Wednesday .
“ Our data has shown that mask wearing has contributed to our great success thus far in reducing the spread of the virus and helping more and more of our economy re-open rapidly including our schools , ” Polis said in a statement provided to The Denver Post .
“ Therefore we expect the mask order to stay in place and support localized efforts to continue mask wearing and raise awareness about the importance of avoiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue protecting the lives of Coloradans during this pandemic.
” The order — issued July 16 for one month — states that everyone 11 and older must wear a mask or other facial covering while in public indoor spaces , including retail stores .
More than 30 U.S. states are under similar orders .
When Polis first ordered everyone to wear a mask , the state ’ s coronavirus case count and the number of daily virus-related hospitalizations were both growing .
The number of people that those infected with the virus spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.78 at that time in Colorado — better than during the state ’ s initial outbreak in March and April , but still troublingly high .
On Tuesday , the governor ’ s office reported to lawmakers that the figure is now closer to 0.67 .
When the figure falls below 1 , the spread slows , and health officials say masks play an important role in maintaining that progress .
Polis said earlier this summer that he wasn ’ t convinced a mask order would be either effective or enforceable .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then he has said he believes the mask order is an effective tool .
More than 90 % of Coloradans are now wearing masks in settings where they are required , the state reports .
“ Coloradans have been deliberate and diligent about mask wearing — and because of that we are able to keep our families and communities safer from the virus , ” Jill Hunsaker Ryan , director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , wrote in a statement .
“ People should know they are making a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
So please keep staying home when you ’ re sick , and keep washing your hands , physically distancing — and , yes , wearing a mask !
” she said .
“ As mask wearing has increased , viral spread has decreased , enabling schools to open in some areas and promoting the increase of economic activity.
” It is possible that his forthcoming order extension could include some amendments , but , generally , the governor seems comfortable with the current course .
He told reporters last week that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next few months the same way they ’ ve lived for the last few weeks , an indication that he isn ’ t planning any big changes to current restrictions .
As of Tuesday , Polis had issued about 160 executive orders since March , 25 of which remain active .

Gov. Jared Polis plans to extend Colorado’s statewide mask mandate before it expires this weekend, his staff confirmed Wednesday.
“Our data has shown that mask wearing has contributed to our great success thus far in reducing the spread of the virus and helping more and more of our economy re-open rapidly including our schools,” Polis said in a statement provided to The Denver Post. “Therefore we expect the mask order to stay in place and support localized efforts to continue mask wearing and raise awareness about the importance of avoiding large groups. Masks and social distancing continue protecting the lives of Coloradans during this pandemic.”
The order — issued July 16 for one month — states that everyone 11 and older must wear a mask or other facial covering while in public indoor spaces, including retail stores. More than 30 U.S. states are under similar orders.
When Polis first ordered everyone to wear a mask, the state’s coronavirus case count and the number of daily virus-related hospitalizations were both growing. The number of people that those infected with the virus spread it to was, on average, 1.78 at that time in Colorado — better than during the state’s initial outbreak in March and April, but still troublingly high.
On Tuesday, the governor’s office reported to lawmakers that the figure is now closer to 0.67. When the figure falls below 1, the spread slows, and health officials say masks play an important role in maintaining that progress.
Polis said earlier this summer that he wasn’t convinced a mask order would be either effective or enforceable. He came around in mid-July, and since then he has said he believes the mask order is an effective tool. More than 90% of Coloradans are now wearing masks in settings where they are required, the state reports.
“Coloradans have been deliberate and diligent about mask wearing — and because of that we are able to keep our families and communities safer from the virus,” Jill Hunsaker Ryan, director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, wrote in a statement.
“People should know they are making a difference in slowing the spread of this virus. So please keep staying home when you’re sick, and keep washing your hands, physically distancing — and, yes, wearing a mask!” she said. “As mask wearing has increased, viral spread has decreased, enabling schools to open in some areas and promoting the increase of economic activity.”
It is possible that his forthcoming order extension could include some amendments, but, generally, the governor seems comfortable with the current course. He told reporters last week that Coloradans should prepare to live for the next few months the same way they’ve lived for the last few weeks, an indication that he isn’t planning any big changes to current restrictions.
As of Tuesday, Polis had issued about 160 executive orders since March, 25 of which remain active.


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Avalanche allows a postseason record-low 14 shots and erupts for three goals in third period, drops

Avalanche allows a postseason record-low 14 shots and erupts for three goals in third period, drops Coyotes in series opener

Patience and persistence were required Wednesday at Rogers Place in Edmonton .
The Avalanche , despite getting zero shots from star center Nathan MacKinnon , erupted for three late third-period goals — including two within 10 seconds — to defeat the defensive-minded Arizona Coyotes 3-0 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series in the Western Conference bubble .
In just 83 seconds , Colorado went from a possible loser to an all-but-guaranteed victory in its postseason opener .
Nazem Kadri ’ s gritty power-play goal from the doorstep at 13:05 opened the floodgates against Coyotes goalie Darcy Kuemper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J.T .
Compher scored from the same spot just 10 seconds later , and Mikko Rantanen capped a great play with MacKinnon and Gabe Landeskog 1:13 later to clinch it for the No .
2-seeded Avs .
“ It ’ s confidence in our play .
It ’ s leadership in the locker room , ” Avs coach Jared Bednar said .
“ It ’ s a maturity of our team , and growth of our team , that says , ‘ Just keep playing the right way and you ’ ll get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in our favor.
” Arizona ’ s focus was to stop MacKinnon , who led the NHL with 318 shots during the regular season .
It certainly succeeded , but the Avalanche ’ s depth ultimately overwhelmed the No .
11-seeded Coyotes .
Colorado outshot Arizona 40-14 , with Kadri ( seven ) and defenseman Erik Johnson ( eight ) combining for more shots than the Coyotes ’ entire team .
The 14 shots allowed is a record playoff low for the Avs .
“ I think it was probably an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Johnson said .
“ We played really well the majority of the game .
They locked it down and didn ’ t allow a ton of Grade A ( opportunities ) for the majority of the first and second ( periods ) and part of the third .
We just stuck with it .
We knew it was going to come .
Our power play came up with a goal .
That ’ s what you need this time of year .
And we added a couple insurance markers after that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got the 14-save shutout for the Avs , who finished 1-of-2 on the power play .
Arizona was 0-of-2 with the man-advantage .
“ Those games aren ’ t easy , ” said Grubauer , who faced just seven shots in the first and second periods combined .
“ The guys did a really good job in front of me to keep pucks to the outside and letting me see every single shot .
I ’ d rather take those games , where you have like 10 shots-against , than 50 shots-against , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at noon .
And the Avs won ’ t be surprised if a similar game unfolds .
“ They want to play the 0-0 or 1-0 or 2-1 game , which is fine , ” Johnson said .
“ They ’ ve had success that way .
They have the ability to put the puck in the net but they ’ re also very good defensively .
I think for us , we knew that some of these games would be like that , low-scoring and wait it out — and it might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you saw tonight.
” Both teams were 0-for-1 on the power play through two periods .
The Avs had a man-advantage in the first period and the Coyotes in the second .
Shots advantage wasn ’ t close , with 29 of the game ’ s 36 coming from Colorado through 40 minutes .
Kadri had six shots at that point , nearly as many as the Coyotes ( seven ) .
“ Arizona is a real tight-checking team .
They ’ re always above pucks or make you work for every inch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Bednar said .
“ And it ’ s not easy to get to the net on them , and when you do , make enough plays , do enough good things to get a good scoring chance , you run into Kuemper .
“ That ’ s what we expected .
We just wanted to make sure that we were doing enough to make it difficult on Kuemper , that we were getting to the front of the net , making good decisions with the puck and not forcing things .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that.
” Footnotes .
Colorado ’ s two goals in 10 seconds are the second-fastest two playoff goals in franchise history .
Adam Foote and Adam Deadmarsh scored seven seconds apart in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against Detroit on May 23 , 1996 .
… Johnson ’ s eight shots were the most by an Avalanche defenseman in a playoff game since Rob Blake had nine on May 11 , 2006 , against Anaheim .
… The first period of the game was only available on Altitude , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because NBCSN was televising the Eastern Conference ’ s game between the New York Islanders and Washington , which started late because of the overtime game between the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes .
… Arizona scratched leading scorer Nick Schmaltz , who hasn ’ t played since suffering a major knee injury in January but is on the cusp of a return .

Patience and persistence were required Wednesday at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
The Avalanche, despite getting zero shots from star center Nathan MacKinnon, erupted for three late third-period goals — including two within 10 seconds — to defeat the defensive-minded Arizona Coyotes 3-0 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series in the Western Conference bubble.
In just 83 seconds, Colorado went from a possible loser to an all-but-guaranteed victory in its postseason opener.
Nazem Kadri’s gritty power-play goal from the doorstep at 13:05 opened the floodgates against Coyotes goalie Darcy Kuemper, who was spectacular to that point. J.T. Compher scored from the same spot just 10 seconds later, and Mikko Rantanen capped a great play with MacKinnon and Gabe Landeskog 1:13 later to clinch it for the No. 2-seeded Avs.
“It’s confidence in our play. It’s leadership in the locker room,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “It’s a maturity of our team, and growth of our team, that says, ‘Just keep playing the right way and you’ll get rewarded for it.’ The numbers tonight were in our favor.”
Arizona’s focus was to stop MacKinnon, who led the NHL with 318 shots during the regular season. It certainly succeeded, but the Avalanche’s depth ultimately overwhelmed the seventh-seeded Coyotes.
Colorado outshot Arizona 40-14, with Kadri (seven) and defenseman Erik Johnson (eight) combining for more shots than the Coyotes’ entire team. The 14 shots allowed is a record playoff low for the Avs.
“I think it was probably an easy game for us to get frustrated in,” Johnson said. “We played really well the majority of the game. They locked it down and didn’t allow a ton of Grade A (opportunities) for the majority of the first and second (periods) and part of the third. We just stuck with it. We knew it was going to come. Our power play came up with a goal. That’s what you need this time of year. And we added a couple insurance markers after that to cap it off.”
Philipp Grubauer got the 14-save shutout for the Avs, who finished 1-of-2 on the power play. Arizona was 0-of-2 with the man-advantage.
“Those games aren’t easy,” said Grubauer, who faced just seven shots in the first and second periods combined. “The guys did a really good job in front of me to keep pucks to the outside and letting me see every single shot. I’d rather take those games, where you have like 10 shots-against, than 50 shots-against, for sure.”
Game 2 is Friday at noon. And the Avs won’t be surprised if a similar game unfolds.
“They want to play the 0-0 or 1-0 or 2-1 game, which is fine,” Johnson said. “They’ve had success that way. They have the ability to put the puck in the net but they’re also very good defensively. I think for us, we knew that some of these games would be like that, low-scoring and wait it out — and it might take to the last five minutes like you saw tonight.”
Both teams were 0-for-1 on the power play through two periods. The Avs had a man-advantage in the first period and the Coyotes in the second.
Shots advantage wasn’t close, with 29 of the game’s 36 coming from Colorado through 40 minutes. Kadri had six shots at that point, nearly as many as the Coyotes (seven).
“Arizona is a real tight-checking team. They’re always above pucks or make you work for every inch of ice that you can get,” Bednar said. “And it’s not easy to get to the net on them, and when you do, make enough plays, do enough good things to get a good scoring chance, you run into Kuemper.
“That’s what we expected. We just wanted to make sure that we were doing enough to make it difficult on Kuemper, that we were getting to the front of the net, making good decisions with the puck and not forcing things. I thought our guys did a nice job of that.”
Footnotes. Colorado’s two goals in 10 seconds are the second-fastest two playoff goals in franchise history. Adam Foote and Adam Deadmarsh scored seven seconds apart in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against Detroit on May 23, 1996. … Johnson’s eight shots were the most by an Avalanche defenseman in a playoff game since Rob Blake had nine on May 11, 2006, against Anaheim. … The first period of the game was only available on Altitude, the NHL Network and the NBC Sports app because NBCSN was televising the Eastern Conference’s game between the New York Islanders and Washington, which started late because of the overtime game between the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes. … Arizona scratched leading scorer Nick Schmaltz, who hasn’t played since suffering a major knee injury in January but is on the cusp of a return.


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--Colorado coronavirus outbreaks continue to grow in prisons, though more slowly

Colorado ’ s prison and jail COVID-19 outbreaks continued to grow in the second week of August , though some showed signs of slowing down .
Sterling Correctional Facility added one new case , bringing its total to 606 cases and three deaths since the outbreak was discovered April 14 .
It was the third week of new cases in the single digits at the state prison .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment doesn ’ t deem an outbreak over until a location has no new cases in 28 days , though .
Denver ’ s Downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 19 found since last week .
So far , the detention center has reported 506 cases , but no deaths , from the new coronavirus .
The other largest outbreaks still considered ongoing were : • JBS meatpacking plant , Greeley : 292 cases , six deaths ( one new case ) • Buena Vista Correctional Complex : 209 cases , no deaths ( seven new cases ) • People experiencing homelessness in Denver : 140 cases , no deaths ( eight new cases ) • Steven Roberts Original Desserts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( three new cases ) • Jefferson County Detention Facility , Golden : 97 cases , one death ( one new case ) • Jewell Care Center of Denver : 82 cases , eight deaths ( no new cases ) The Denver Post ’ s count includes confirmed and suspected cases reported by the state health department .
The state had 22 new COVID-19 outbreaks in the last week , which was in line with recent weeks .
The state defines an outbreak as two or more cases of the new coronavirus linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the spring , most of the outbreaks were in long-term care facilities , where close quarters and residents ’ already compromised health led to scores of cases and dozens of deaths .
By July , however , the virus was being found more often in places the general public goes , such as stores and restaurants .
In the week ending Wednesday , the state health department reported new outbreaks in seven restaurants , four long-term care facilities , a child care center , a gymnastics facility , a church and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations .
No deaths have been linked to the newest outbreaks , and all are tied to fewer than 20 cases .
To view the full list of outbreaks , visit covid19.colorado.gov/data/outbreak-data .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado’s prison and jail COVID-19 outbreaks continued to grow in the second week of August, though some showed signs of slowing down.
Sterling Correctional Facility added one new case, bringing its total to 606 cases and three deaths since the outbreak was discovered April 14. It was the third week of new cases in the single digits at the state prison. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment doesn’t deem an outbreak over until a location has no new cases in 28 days, though.
Denver’s Downtown Detention Center continued to add cases rapidly, with 19 found since last week. So far, the detention center has reported 506 cases, but no deaths, from the new coronavirus.
The other largest outbreaks still considered ongoing were:
JBS meatpacking plant, Greeley: 292 cases, six deaths (one new case)
Buena Vista Correctional Complex: 209 cases, no deaths (seven new cases)
Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs: 146 cases, 26 deaths (no new cases)
People experiencing homelessness in Denver: 140 cases, no deaths (eight new cases)
Steven Roberts Original Desserts, Aurora: 136 cases, one death (three new cases)
Jefferson County Detention Facility, Golden: 97 cases, one death (one new case)
Laurel Manor Care Center, Colorado Springs: 86 cases, 14 deaths (no new cases)
Jewell Care Center of Denver: 82 cases, eight deaths (no new cases)
The Denver Post’s count includes confirmed and suspected cases reported by the state health department.
The state had 22 new COVID-19 outbreaks in the last week, which was in line with recent weeks. The state defines an outbreak as two or more cases of the new coronavirus linked to a common place or event.
In the spring, most of the outbreaks were in long-term care facilities, where close quarters and residents’ already compromised health led to scores of cases and dozens of deaths. By July, however, the virus was being found more often in places the general public goes, such as stores and restaurants.
In the week ending Wednesday, the state health department reported new outbreaks in seven restaurants, four long-term care facilities, a child care center, a gymnastics facility, a church and a dentist’s office, among other locations. No deaths have been linked to the newest outbreaks, and all are tied to fewer than 20 cases.
To view the full list of outbreaks, visit covid19.colorado.gov/data/outbreak-data.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--Rockies bullpen falls flat against D-backs, Charlie Blackmon’s hitting streak ends at 15 games

The roof caved in on the Rockies ’ bullpen again Wednesday afternoon at Coors Field .
The Arizona Diamondbacks scored eight runs off right-handers Tyler Kinley and Yency Almonte in the seventh inning to spark a 13-7 victory and take the three-game series .
It was the first series loss of the season for Colorado , which slipped to 12-6 .
Over the three games , Arizona ripped Colorado pitching for 32 runs , tied for its most ever at Coors Field in a three-game series .
The Diamondbacks also scored 32 on June 3-5 , 2014 .
The bullpen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as Coors Field cheapies — was the Rockies ’ weakest link .
Manager Bud Black , however , said he ’ s not overly concerned , despite the fact that his relievers , so stingy early in the season , now have a combined ERA of 4.68 and it ’ s rising quickly .
“ ( Arizona ) put the bat on the ball this series , for sure , ” Black said .
“ You can reconstruct a lot of the innings and draw your own conclusions about how they scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullpen .
“ We think our guys are very capable of performing and getting their outs .
I think you saw that through the previous series ( in Seattle ) .
This one , we got knocked around a little bit .
They chipped away , some balls fell , we didn ’ t make plays .
So , overall , we still have a lot of faith in our bullpen.
” Kinley , who was charged with five earned runs , faced five batters and didn ’ t retire any .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but his fastball command has been off in his last two appearances .
He ’ s issued five walks in 6 1/3 innings and his ERA has climbed to 7.11 .
The D-Backs have become the Rockies ’ nemesis over the past year , going 9-3 against them since July 5 , 2019 .
The Rockies face Arizona seven more times this season , so that trend needs to be reversed .
Another bit of bad news for the Rockies Wednesday was the end of Charlie Blackmon ’ s 15-game hitting streak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dip from .500 to .472 .
Colorado ’ s first five runs came via the long ball .
Nolan Arenado hit two homers , a leadoff shot to left in the second off Luke Weaver and another solo blast to left off Taylor Clarke to tie the game at 5-all in the fifth .
It marked the 20th multi-homer game of Arenado ’ s career .
Arenado also doubled home Trevor Story in the eighth inning for his 746th career RBI , moving him ahead of Vinny Castilla for fourth-most in franchise history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep slump that includes a 47 % strikeout rate ( 28 in 59 at-bats ) , finally busted out with a three-run , high-fly , opposite-field homer to left , giving Colorado a brief 4-2 lead .
McMahon became the first Rockies batter to homer on a 3-0 count since Michael Cuddyer let loose on May 24 , 2014 , at Atlanta .
In six innings , Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela gave up five runs on nine hits , including a solo homer to Starling Marte in the fourth , but he deserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he threw the ball fine , I really did , ” Black said .
“ His fastball was great and was the best velocity we have seen this season.
” Arizona scored three runs in the fifth to grab a 5-4 lead , though they never hit the ball particularly hard .
Senzatela ’ s frustration was apparent on the mound .
Stephen Vogt skied a ball to shallow center but Sam Hilliard lost the ball in the sun and it plopped in for a double .
Nick Ahmed ’ s bloop single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marte ’ s single scored Ahmed , who beat Raimel Tapia ’ s throw home from right field .
Tapia ’ s throw was a fundamental mistake because it allowed Ketel Marte to advance to second and he subsequently scored on Starlin Marte ’ s single .
“ It ’ s hard because I felt like I threw some pretty good pitches and balls hit the pitching mound or were soft and ( became ) base hits , ” Senzatela said when asked how he dealt with a frustrating day .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than that .
”

The roof caved in on the Rockies’ bullpen again Wednesday afternoon at Coors Field.
The Arizona Diamondbacks scored eight runs off right-handers Tyler Kinley and Yency Almonte in the seventh inning to spark a 13-7 victory and take the three-game series. It was the first series loss of the season for Colorado, which slipped to 12-6.
Over the three games, Arizona ripped Colorado pitching for 32 runs, tied for its most ever at Coors Field in a three-game series. The Diamondbacks also scored 32 on June 3-5, 2014. The bullpen — which gave up hard hits as well as Coors Field cheapies — was the Rockies’ weakest link.
Manager Bud Black, however, said he’s not overly concerned, despite the fact that his relievers, so stingy early in the season, now have a combined ERA of 4.68 and it’s rising quickly.
“(Arizona) put the bat on the ball this series, for sure,” Black said. “You can reconstruct a lot of the innings and draw your own conclusions about how they scored, but we feel good about our bullpen.
“We think our guys are very capable of performing and getting their outs. I think you saw that through the previous series (in Seattle). This one, we got knocked around a little bit. They chipped away, some balls fell, we didn’t make plays. So, overall, we still have a lot of faith in our bullpen.”
Kinley, who was charged with five earned runs, faced five batters and didn’t retire any. He has a sharp, biting slider, but his fastball command has been off in his last two appearances. He’s issued five walks in 6 1/3 innings and his ERA has climbed to 7.11.
The D-Backs have become the Rockies’ nemesis over the past year, going 9-3 against them since July 5, 2019. The Rockies face Arizona seven more times this season, so that trend needs to be reversed.
Another bit of bad news for the Rockies Wednesday was the end of Charlie Blackmon’s 15-game hitting streak. He went 0-for-4 and saw his average dip from .500 to .472.
Colorado’s first five runs came via the long ball. Nolan Arenado hit two homers, a leadoff shot to left in the second off Luke Weaver and another solo blast to left off Taylor Clarke to tie the game at 5-all in the fifth. It marked the 20th multi-homer game of Arenado’s career.
Arenado also doubled home Trevor Story in the eighth inning for his 746th career RBI, moving him ahead of Vinny Castilla for fourth-most in franchise history.
Ryan McMahon, mired in a deep slump that includes a 47% strikeout rate (28 in 59 at-bats), finally busted out with a three-run, high-fly, opposite-field homer to left, giving Colorado a brief 4-2 lead. McMahon became the first Rockies batter to homer on a 3-0 count since Michael Cuddyer let loose on May 24, 2014, at Atlanta.
In six innings, Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela gave up five runs on nine hits, including a solo homer to Starling Marte in the fourth, but he deserved a better fate.
“I thought he threw the ball fine, I really did,” Black said. “His fastball was great and was the best velocity we have seen this season.”
Arizona scored three runs in the fifth to grab a 5-4 lead, though they never hit the ball particularly hard. Senzatela’s frustration was apparent on the mound. Stephen Vogt skied a ball to shallow center but Sam Hilliard lost the ball in the sun and it plopped in for a double. Nick Ahmed’s bloop single to left scored Vogt, and Ketel Marte’s single scored Ahmed, who beat Raimel Tapia’s throw home from right field.
Tapia’s throw was a fundamental mistake because it allowed Ketel Marte to advance to second and he subsequently scored on Starlin Marte’s single.
“It’s hard because I felt like I threw some pretty good pitches and balls hit the pitching mound or were soft and (became) base hits,” Senzatela said when asked how he dealt with a frustrating day. “I just put in my mind to be better than that.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-12--Black Hills Energy plans solar project in Pueblo, awaiting OK from state regulators

Black Hills Energy has reached agreements with county and state officials on a 200-megawatt solar project in Pueblo that the utility said would boost the share of its electricity coming from renewable sources to 51 % .
The project is the centerpiece of the utility ’ s plan to lower customers ’ costs across its service area , Black Hills Energy said in a statement Tuesday .
If the installation is approved by state regulators , the utility estimates it could lower costs by $ 66 million over 15 years .
Construction would begin in 2021 and the arrays would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of solar energy can supply electricity to 200 to 250 homes .
Black Hills Energy said the project has support from the community , consumer and environmental advocates , staffers at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and Office of Consumer Counsel and Pueblo city and county officials .
The PUC will consider whether to approve the project .
Black Hills Energy spokeswoman Julie Rodriguez said an extension of a transmission line between Pueblo and Canon City is needed for the solar project to move forward .
The Pueblo County commissioners are considering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy ’ s vice president in southern Colorado , said the solar installation is expected to create 250 construction jobs , produce $ 178 million in economic benefits , including tax revenue , and help cut carbon emissions 71 % by 2024 .

Black Hills Energy has reached agreements with county and state officials on a 200-megawatt solar project in Pueblo that the utility said would boost the share of its electricity coming from renewable sources to 51%.
The project is the centerpiece of the utility’s plan to lower customers’ costs across its service area, Black Hills Energy said in a statement Tuesday. If the installation is approved by state regulators, the utility estimates it could lower costs by $66 million over 15 years.
Construction would begin in 2021 and the arrays would start operating in 2023. One megawatt of solar energy can supply electricity to 200 to 250 homes.
Black Hills Energy said the project has support from the community, consumer and environmental advocates, staffers at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and Office of Consumer Counsel and Pueblo city and county officials. The PUC will consider whether to approve the project.
Black Hills Energy spokeswoman Julie Rodriguez said an extension of a transmission line between Pueblo and Canon City is needed for the solar project to move forward. The Pueblo County commissioners are considering the upgrade.
Vance Crocker, Black Hills Energy’s vice president in southern Colorado, said the solar installation is expected to create 250 construction jobs, produce $178 million in economic benefits, including tax revenue, and help cut carbon emissions 71% by 2024.