The Colorado Rockies have returned home after a road trip where they went 2-4, but Thomas Harding of MLB.com believes the Rockies show signs of a club that is looking up.
Harding joined The Final Verdict with Notaro and Jacobs on Mile High Sports AM 1310 | FM 104.7 to discuss the Rockies’ recent struggles.
“Jon Gray sometimes is going to have hiccups or struggle at times with just the pace of a long season,” Harding said about the Rockies’ young ace. “It happens to a lot of guys, I don’t think it’s a big deal.”
Gray, who had been strong in his five outings prior, was pulled from the game against the Yankees Wednesday after only four innings and 80 pitches thrown. His command was the main issue, giving up three hits and five walks. The Rockies pulled him for “arm fatigue,” saying that he was just tired.
Rookie shortstop Trevor Story is another surprise this year for the Rockies, tied for third in the National League with 18 home runs. When Notaro asked Harding if he was surprised by Story’s maintained success this season, Harding responded positively.
“I would normally be, but there are things about him that I like. Here’s what I like about him, he can strikeout and then come up the next time up and swing with his full swing. If he ever gets strikeout conscious to where he doesn’t swing his same swing, then I’d be concerned. He didn’t have high strikeout rate or power numbers in the minors, so this is a guy that’s kind of growing into his power.”
The Rockies lost their first three games in Miami to the Marlins. After the third game, the team called a players-only meeting. “Whenever this happens it piques my interest because these meetings often turn into really angry, panic sessions,” Harding said. “But it turned out this one was ‘Hey guys we had a good home-stand, let’s try to keep the faith here. We’re going to struggle at times. Let’s not turn on each other.’ If they’re able to stay calm and get home and gain some traction at home, that’s the big thing.”
The Rockies are home for a weekend series with the Diamondbacks, followed by the Blue Jays.
Listen to the full conversation with Thomas Harding in the podcast below…
Catch The Final Verdict with Notaro and Jacobs Monday through Thursday from 6-8p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.
