Where have all the hitters gone?
You may remember the popular song from the ’60s, “Where have all the Flowers Gone?” I have been humming that melody with the change in lyrics to reflect the absence of run production by the Colorado Rockies.
Last Friday, the Rockies managed only three hits in a 2-1 loss to the New York Mets. And it got worse on Saturday, as Colorado only could get one harmless single in a 3-0 loss in New York.
The Rockies, at least on paper, should be a run-producing machine, at or near the top in most offensive categories in the National League.
But for some reason, this ball club has been unable to produce a consistent attack for most of the season.
Thus, the Rockies are some eight games out of the lead in the N.L. West as we move into the All-Star break.
It isn’t so much that the individual statistics are so far below previous seasons; it is the cumulative effect that is difficult to figure.
Most of the Colorado players are within reach of their past batting averages and runs-batted-in totals.
However, it is the inability to put runs on the board that is hard to explain. There are exceptions to that statement.
Who would have predicted that Troy Tulowitzki would be struggling as he has with a batting average several points under his weight? And that he would be unable to play because of a self-inflicted injury with a broken bat?
Last season, Tulo was the toast of the town and should have won the Rookie of the Year Award.
He is the one glaring example of a sophomore jinx, but most of the other Colorado players are hitting at least within shouting distance of their career numbers.
So why can’t this team score more runs? You’ve got me there. I have no idea, but can only hope for a turnaround when the regular season resumes this week.
On the other hand, one has to be impressed with the success of the Casper Ghosts. Tony Diaz’s ball club has shown the ability to win on the road in the Pioneer League.
That has to be a reflection of the new-found maturity of this year’s team. Individually, there is a group of solid players who are worth watching.
In the infield, I enjoy watching Carlos Martinez and Leuris Gomez play the game, and James Sims, Orlando Sandoval and Wilin Rosario have provided some welcome offensive punch.
This should be a big week for the Ghosts as they return home from a Montana trip.
Friday night’s game has been designated Tim Ray Bobblebelly Night, with the first 1,000 fans entering the ballpark receiving a figurine depicting the legendary physique of the popular broadcaster.
Then the next night, we will be entertained by the famous San Diego Chicken, who has become a popular attraction at Mike Lansing Field each summer.
With the major league All-Star break behind us, our summer is more than half over.
So I want to make sure I make the most of what is left, and that means spending more evenings at the ballpark.