MLB All-Star Game – The Denver Post https://www.denverpost.com Colorado breaking news, sports, business, weather, entertainment. Sat, 20 Jul 2024 05:02:13 +0000 en-US hourly 30 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.denverpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-DP_bug_denverpost.jpg?w=32 MLB All-Star Game – The Denver Post https://www.denverpost.com 32 32 111738712 Rockies’ Ryan McMahon says he’s not on trading block following first All-Star appearance https://www.denverpost.com/2024/07/19/ryan-mcmahon-all-star-trading-block/ Sat, 20 Jul 2024 01:49:20 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=6498787 Fresh off his first All-Star appearance, Ryan McMahon shot down the possibility he’s on this month’s trading block.

As the Rockies rebuild for the future amid another season on track for 100-plus losses, McMahon’s career year gives him value on the open market that the club could exchange for what they need most: pitching.

But McMahon, who is under contract through 2027, said he received assurance in a recent conversation with GM Bill Schmidt that No. 24 isn’t leaving LoDo anytime soon.

“I’m excited to stay here,” McMahon said. “Coming in as an 18-year-old kid, I’ve grown up a lot in this organization, and there’s a lot of guys I enjoy playing with here. I’m not sad about it, I’m happy about it, and I’m glad Schmidt and I had that talk.”

McMahon slashed .272/.350/.447 over 95 games en route to becoming the fourth Rockies third baseman to earn an All-Star nod. His six defensive runs saved at third are fourth-most in the majors, and his walk-off grand slam in the home opener on April 5 was one of the few notable highlights of an otherwise ugly first half for Colorado.

In the All-Star Game on Tuesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, McMahon came off the bench in the sixth inning, playing second base. It was his first appearance at the position since last season, when he played 22 games there (16 starts). At the dish, the 29-year-old was 0 for 1 with a strikeout.

“That was weird (playing second) because I hadn’t been there in a while,” McMahon said. “(San Diego’s) Luis Arraez had a little thumb (injury) he was dealing with, so (Diamondbacks manager) Torey Lovullo ran me through it the day before about getting me in the game at second, and I said, ‘Alright, let’s do it.'”

McMahon said he soaked in the week, from the red carpet to the Home Run Derby to the game itself, “like a kid on the first day of school.”

“I wanted to do everything and get the full experience,” McMahon said. “(Kris Bryant) told me to get everything I could out of the gift room, and that was really cool, so I’m glad I did that.”

And after watching Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez win the derby, McMahon said he’ll continue to try to get into the event at some point. As a prospect in 2016, McMahon was the National League winner in the Arizona Fall League’s Bowman Hitting Challenge, a derby where players can also earn points for hitting targets around the field.

“I would love to do it,” McMahon said. “I’ve tried to get into it a couple times, throwing the idea my agent’s way. Fingers crossed it happens eventually.”

Rockies injury updates. Rockies manager Bud Black said Kris Bryant will play this weekend’s series with Triple-A Albuquerque and then Colorado will re-evaluate the first baseman/outfielder, who has been on the injured list with a left rib contusion/oblique injury since June 3. … Black said outfielder Nolan Jones is “feeling better” from the lower back strain that’s kept him out since July 12. Jones took batting practice on the field ahead of Friday’s game, but there’s still currently no timetable for his return. … Outfielder Jordan Beck (fractured left hand) has resumed hitting in the cage and he’s going to start playing games in Triple-A again sometime soon, Black said. He’s been out since May 26. … Southpaw Lucas Gilbreath, who has yet to pitch this season in his comeback from last year’s Tommy John surgery, is throwing live batting practice on Saturday at the Rockies’ complex in Arizona. He’ll then throw in an Arizona Complex League game next week before heading on an extended minor-league rehab assignment. … Right-hander Antonio Senzatela, also coming off Tommy John surgery, is inching his way back. He threw a bullpen on Friday and he will likely move to throwing live batting practice sometime next week. A September return remains the target.

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6498787 2024-07-19T19:49:20+00:00 2024-07-19T23:02:13+00:00
Cody Johnson sings anthem smoothly at All-Star Game a night after Ingrid Andress’ panned rendition https://www.denverpost.com/2024/07/16/cody-johnson-sings-anthem-smoothly-at-all-star-game-a-night-after-ingrid-andress-panned-rendition/ Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:25:09 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=6494208&preview=true&preview_id=6494208 ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Country music artist Cody Johnson performed the national anthem without a hitch before the All-Star Game in his home state of Texas, a night after a widely panned performance by Ingrid Andress that led to an apology and an admission that she was drunk.

Johnson walked toward the microphone between the mound and home plate at the home of the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night wearing a white cowboy hat and cream-colored blazer. The 37-year-old Texan removed the hat just before he started singing and raised it in his right hand several times along the way.

Johnson had already thrown out a ceremonial first pitch at Globe Life Field earlier this season before drawing the assignment for the anthem.

It ended up being under more scrutiny after the drama surrounding Andress, who said in her apology on Instagram that she planned to enter rehab. Andress sang the anthem before the Home Run Derby on Monday night.

Johnson is performing at the home of the Rangers in November.

Nice Horse, the Canadian duo of Katie Rox and Brandi Sidoryk, sang the anthem for that country before Johnson’s performance. The harmony-filled version went smoothly as well.

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This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the first name of the national anthem singer at the MLB Home Run Derby to Ingrid, not Ingris, Andress.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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6494208 2024-07-16T18:25:09+00:00 2024-07-17T08:40:52+00:00
Rockies’ All-Star Ryan McMahon finds balance, on and off the field https://www.denverpost.com/2024/07/15/rockies-all-star-ryan-mcmahon-balance/ Mon, 15 Jul 2024 23:13:33 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=6492116 “Can juggle.”

That’s the final line in Ryan McMahon’s bio in the Rockies media guide.

It’s not what you might think. There are no flaming torches involved, no sharp-edged swords.

“Yep, I can juggle three baseballs,” the Rockies’ first-time All-Star third baseman confirmed.

More important to McMahon, 29, is how he’s balancing his play on the diamond and his life off it.

In February, his wife, Natalie, gave birth to a baby girl they named Austyn Brook. The circles are darker under Daddy’s eyes these days, but he’s having the best season of his eight-year career. Natalie doesn’t think it’s a coincidence.

“He comes home for the ballpark and Austyn is looking up, smiling at him,” Natalie said. “She’s just so happy her dad is there. I think it’s given Ryan the opportunity to separate the ballpark from home.”

McMahon, Colorado’s lone representative in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, admits his life has become a juggling act. And he couldn’t be happier.

“A lot of changes,” he said, laughing. “I had my first child in February. I change diapers, all of that. But I love it. And I feel like I had a really good offseason and I feel pretty focused.

“I’m so lucky. My wife is a rockstar and she handles the bulk of (parenting). She’s great at being a mom.”

McMahon, a three-time Gold Glove finalist, but never a winner, is terrific at talking about his teammates.  But he clams up when talking about himself, even when discussing his first trip to the Midsummer Classic.

“It’s cool. It’s an honor. I’m excited.”

That’s about all you get.

But Natalie knows what a big deal it is.

“Truthfully, I think it means the world to him,” she said. “I get to see how hard he works and then he comes home and is a husband and a great father. To be recognized in his craft means a lot to him. And I know it means a lot to his family and friends.”

In previous seasons, McMahon has enjoyed star-spangled months, followed by disheartening droughts.

Last season, for example, he slashed .349/.434/.644  with eight home runs, 11 doubles, two triples and 25 RBIs over 35 games from May 12 to June 19. But he slashed .206/.292/.357 with 11 homers and 29 RBIs in 80 games from June 20 through the end of the season.

“Baseball is such a long grind and it can be such an emotional ride,” Natalie said. “But I think he’s handling it so much better this season.”

Although McMahon entered the All-Star break without hitting a home run since June 22 (a span of 69 at-bats), he’s avoided a prolonged slump. Over his last 30 games since June 11, he’s hit .302 with a .859 OPS and 15 extra-base hits (including four homers).

“It is about balance, man, but over the course of a long season, that’s not easy,” McMahon said. “For me, it’s about experience and taking trips around the league and kind of understanding what (pitchers) are going to try to do to me. There are certain things you can only learn by playing at this level.”

He believes he’ll put together a star-worthy second half of the season.

“I feel good, I think I’m in a good place,” he said. “But I want to get back to playing really good baseball. It’s been kind of a grind for me, personally, the last month and a half. But I’m trying to do my best.”

Although McMahon didn’t become a full-time starter until 2019, he was part of the Rockies’ 2017 and ’18 playoff teams. The memory of that success drives him, even as the Rockies careen toward their sixth consecutive losing season and are likely headed toward their second straight 100-loss season.

“It’s not fun, it’s not what you want to be doing,” said McMahon, who’s three years into a six-year, $70 million contract. “I got spoiled because I got a taste of the playoffs my first two years in the big leagues. It was awesome. It’s definitely something I want to experience again, hopefully, a couple of more times, and hopefully in Colorado.”

Does he think the Rockies can turn things around?

“I do,” he said. “You see signs around the league, with a team like the Royals, with some good young players, making a little noise. I can see some of that with us.

“We have a little bit of that with (center fielder Brenton) Doyle and (shortstop Ezequiel) Tovar. Some of our starting pitchers are getting healthy again, so I think there is a possibility.

“You always have to believe there is a possibility. If you don’t think you can make the playoffs, you’re not going to, that’s for sure.”

Manager Bud Black views McMahon as essential to Colorado’s reconstruction project.

“He’s grown into a leadership role,” Black said. “He wants us to be contenders. This is his team, it’s part of him. Getting recognized as an All-Star is good for ‘Mac.’

“The fact that he was selected by his peers, coaches and managers, that’s important. He’s deserving. I think it’s helped him grow. He’s a key for us going forward.”


All-Star Credentials

Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon is putting together the best season of his career and it’s landed him a spot in the All-Star Game for the first time in his career. Here are his credentials:

• Leads all National League third basemen in on-base percentage (.350) while ranking second in batting average (.272), hits (98), OPS (.797) and total bases (161).

• Leads all NL third basemen in total chances (280), assists (214) and range factor (2.98), and ranks tied for third in defensive bWAR (0.9), and fourth in defensive runs saved (6).

• Named a Gold Glove finalist each of the past three seasons. Since 2021, his 7.0 total dWAR ranks second among all third basemen and his 55 total DRS rate is the third-most among all position players.

— Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post

Source: Baseball Reference

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6492116 2024-07-15T17:13:33+00:00 2024-07-15T18:16:22+00:00
Rockies’ Ryan McMahon named All-Star for first time https://www.denverpost.com/2024/07/07/rockies-ryan-mcmahon-named-mlb-all-star/ Sun, 07 Jul 2024 22:04:22 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=6481832 Ryan McMahon made the quantum leap from local Rox star to major league All-Star.

On Sunday, the Rockies’ veteran third baseman was selected to the National League All-Star team for the first time. He made the team as a reserve via the players’ vote.

“It’s a cool honor,” McMahon said. “For me, personally, getting voted in by the players is the biggest honor you can receive.”

McMahon will be Colorado’s lone representative in the Midsummer Classic on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The fans voted Philadelphia’s Alec Bohm as the NL’s starting third baseman.

McMahon, 29, is the fourth Rockies’ third baseman to be selected to the All-Star Game, joining Vinny Castilla (1995, 1998), Jeff Cirillo (2000) and Nolan Arenado (2015-19).

“We had a nice celebration in the clubhouse for ‘Mac’,” manager Bud Black said. “He’s deserving. He’s been close a couple of different times. Now his time has come (to be) recognized throughout the league by his peers.”

McMahon said being celebrated by his teammates was special.

“To be embraced by those guys, the (genuineness) of it all from those guys, felt really good to me,” he said.

Black talked to shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, center fielder Brenton Doyle, catcher Elias Diaz and starting pitcher Cal Quantrill to “give them a quick little nod” for their performances in the first half of the season. There is still a chance that one of those four could be added to the roster if some National League players are unavailable because of injuries.

McMahon entered Sunday’s game against Cincinnati slashing .272/.349/.456 with 14 home runs, 19 doubles and 45 RBIs. His 14 homers are two shy of tying the most he’s hit before the All-Star break. He hit 16 in 2021.

McMahon was leading all NL third basemen in on-base percentage (.349), and ranked second in average (.272), OPS (.802), hits (90) and total bases (151). He was tied for second in home runs and ranked third in RBIs.

The three-time Gold Glove finalist had five defensive runs saved, tied for second-most among major league third basemen.

“This is awesome for ‘Mac,” veteran left-hander Kyle Freeland said. “We came through the minor-league system together and I was able to see him grow into the baseball player he is today.

“It’s hard to put into words to see someone you grinding through the minor leagues with (become) an All-Star.”

This is a prove-it season for McMahon, who’s flashed promise since making his debut in 2017 but has been an inconsistent hitter.

“If you look, he’s an average player right now, and I’ve told him that,” general manager Bill Schmidt said during last December’s winter meetings. “He’s an above-average defender, which makes him the average player. He can be better. There are a lot of people who believe that.”

McMahon, who signed a six-year, $70 million contract in the spring of 2022, took Schmidt’s words as a challenge.

“It doesn’t hurt my feelings,” McMahon said just before the Rockies opened spring training. “Bill and I have a pretty open relationship about things like that. If you know Bill, he’s very blunt about things like that. But he doesn’t say that unless he wants (success) for you as well.

“He and I have had countless talks. I’ve heard it meaner than that. I’ve heard it nicer than that. I’ve heard it a lot of different ways from him.”

Last season, McMahon finished fourth in the majors with 198 strikeouts, setting a dubious Rockies single-season record. His 31.6% strikeout rate was also the fourth-highest in the majors last season (among qualified hitters) and the third-highest in franchise history. He’s reduced his strikeout rate to 27.5% this season.

“I want to see him consistently put the ball in play,” Schmidt said. “Cut down on the strikeouts and put the ball in play. He’s capable of being a .260-.270 hitter, not .240. There was a point in May when he was one of the better players in the league. He’s capable of doing that.”

From May 12 through June 19 of last season, McMahon slashed .349/.434/.644 with eight home runs, 11 doubles, two triples and 25 RBIs in 35 games. But he slashed .206/.292/.357 in 80 games from June 20 through the end of the season and hit just .183 in September.

“It’s always a work in progress,” McMahon said Sunday after going 1 for 4 in Colorado’s 10-1 loss to Kansas City. “I don’t think you should ever put a ceiling on a player. I still think there is a lot left in me.”

Black said he’s seen McMahon embrace the challenge of getting better.

“He’s in the process of taking that next step,”  Black said. “This is a step now for him, getting an All-Star nod. And not to put (too much) on Mac’s shoulders, I think he will tell you he can do more. And from a coach’s and manager’s standpoint, there’s more in there.”

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6481832 2024-07-07T16:04:22+00:00 2024-07-07T17:19:31+00:00
Festivus 2023: The airing of grievances, sports edition https://www.denverpost.com/2023/12/23/festivus-airing-of-grievances-sports-edition-2023/ Sat, 23 Dec 2023 12:45:10 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=5902028

Festivus is back! And with my aluminum pole, with a high strength-to-weight ratio, now pulled out of the crawl space we are ready for a tinsel-free Festivus miracle.

Another year has come and gone in the sports world, memories were made, champions were crowned and over the past 12 months, my basket was filled with content for this year’s piece.

We will start by paying our respect to the classic TV show Seinfeld with my favorite tradition, the “airing of grievances.”

I have a lot of problems with teams, commissioners, fans, owners, players, rules and mascots. And now, you’re gonna hear about it.

Here are all the ways the sports world has disappointed me over the past year:

Rockies mascot Dinger is the worst in professional sports 

Colorado Rockies mascot Dinger the dinosaur dons a costume to mark a promotion for
Colorado Rockies mascot Dinger the dinosaur dons a costume to mark a promotion for “Star Wars” before the Rockies’ baseball game against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Denver.(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Is this really the best the Rockies could do in the mascot department? Time to make a trade my friends, I’ll take another pantless mascot in Clark from the Chicago Cubs all day.

I thought Colorado letting Charlie Blackmon rob Monfort and Co. of $13 million with a contract extension was bad, but having Dinger on a contract that won’t end takes the cake.

Baseball Hall of Fame dropped the ball 

The 2023 class was filled with talent and real hall of famers. But again, the writers dropped the ball and left out some truly deserving players.

It was nice to finally see the “Crime Dog” Fred McGriff get the call to Cooperstown. Still not sure why a guy with 493 homers and one of the most feared hitters of the 1990s had to wait for the Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee to get in.

Scott Rolen also got the call he was headed to Cooperstown, but I would argue he shouldn’t get in before other deserving guys. I mean, Rolen only had 316 home runs and 2,077 hits. Whereas, Jeff Kent and Todd Helton were better players with stats on the back of their baseball cards to prove it.

Kent finished with 2,461 hits and 377 homers (most all-time for second base), and a .290 batting average. Helton tallied 2,519 hits and 369 homers while hitting .316 for his career.  Those are just a few stats to make my point.

Shannon Sharpe acting like a clown during NBA basketball game 

Sharpe got into a courtside yelling match at a Lakers game with the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant.

It is laughable how a grown man jumps onto the court and makes a huge scene that is all about him being a tough guy.

Anyone else pulls that stunt sitting on the hardwood at an arena would have been ejected from the complex. All we got was a weak apology from Sharpe.

“I’ve preached for the last six and a half years responsibility and accountability, and I take full responsibility for what transpired,” Sharpe said. “I’m never gonna say that wasn’t Shannon Sharpe because that was me. That was just me getting out of character. And I’m sorry for all those who saw my actions and took offense to my actions.”

We have said it before, but MLB commissioner Rob Manfred hates baseball.

Have a feeling Manfred will be on this list yearly until his time in MLB is done.

He keeps adding to the list with new rules that aren’t improving the game. The pitch clock and extra innings are at the top of my list.

Baseball was never intended to be a timed sport. If that’s your jam, head over to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and watch the Rapids.

Baseball is a classic game purists love. I enjoy the experience of going to the ballyard and not having anywhere to be.

The other change was extra innings with the California tiebreaker rule with a runner starting on second base. If you don’t want to play free baseball, win it in nine. Gone are the thrilling 15-inning games where a bench runs low and the teams have to claw out a win.

I miss old-school baseball

I’m an old-school guy and happy I worked in professional ball back when the game was played the right way. I miss throwing inside, sliding hard into bags/taking guys out and pitchers wanting to go 7-8 innings a start… none of this quality four innings junk. Yes, looking at you Kyle Freeland.

Would love to hear a manager tell the likes of Gibson, Koufax, Palmer, Gooden, Hershiser, Clemens, Maddux and other greats to give us a solid five. And while you’re giving us that quality start, you can’t throw inside. Players today are soft.

Golf Aurora 💰

Golf Aurora and other courses that charge full-price green fees in winter months.

I have heard it is because they don’t want to devalue the course. Well, I have news for those folks… it isn’t devaluing the course. A lot of high-end courses have seasonal rates.

Golfers will agree, a dormant course in winter months shouldn’t be charging premium green fees.

Will give a tip of the cap to the superintendents who work countless hours keeping a course in tip-top shape.

Rockies broadcasts due for some change 

With AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain shutting down, it’s unsure who will broadcast Rockies games in 2024.

The change may be a good thing in the end, as many fans feel this area needed an overhaul. There are only so many Supermo references, or clinics a guy can give during a broadcast. Baseball fans are knowledgeable, and don’t need seven people contributing during a game in and around the booth.

It would be a breath of fresh air for some new talent to take the reins in 2024.

Gary Player trashes Augusta National

Player might be a three-time Masters champion, but that doesn’t give him the right to trash its members or course. Player complaining about not being able to get tee times at Augusta National is one of the main reasons he isn’t invited more often.

It could also have to do something with his son being banned from the Masters for promoting golf balls during the opening tee shots in 2021… yes Player has won the Masters, but the traditions and way the club operates are what makes Augusta National a special place.

I will give Player some advice, stop running your mouth about how ANGC is just another course in Georgia. It’s not just another course, it is what we golfers consider hallowed grounds.

Sporting events should not start at 8 p.m.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field November 11, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field November 11, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

We had this on the list last season, and it still rings true today. The only difference this year is Coach Prime agrees with us and thinks the 8 p.m. game times are bad for all involved.

“Who makes these 8 o’clock games? Dumbest thing ever. Stupidest thing ever invented in life. Who wants to stay up until 8 o’clock for a darn game?” Sanders said on his weekly radio show. “What about the East Coast — do they even care about ratings? Is anyone watching it? What are we supposed to do with the kids all day until 8 o’clock? What are we supposed to do in the hotel?”

Members of the media covering teams acting like fans and not journalists

To all the media outlets and local journalists openly rooting over the top for Avs/Nuggets and Buffs on social media during the postseason runs must have forgotten that they are journalists who are supposed to be impartial and report the news. If you want to be a fan and pumped after the fact I’m all for it… to all my coworkers who are beat reporters, I applaud you for how you run your beats. Y’all are professionals and I’m happy to work with ya.

MLB All-Star Game needs some fixing 

Home run derby pitchers need to start throwing back at the bottom of the mound, go back to 10 outs and stop with the rapid-fire pitches.

The biggest change had to do with the uniforms. The ASG needs to go back to having players wear team uniforms. It made the game special seeing players in the home and away unis… baseball has lost its way over the years.

Golf course etiquette

This one is for all the players who decide they are special and need to hit in the lesson area at the driving range.

Those lesson grounds are for people who are paying a golf professional to give them a private lesson. And what comes with that is an area of more lush grounds to hit balls from. It’s one of the perks of paying for a private lesson at a course.

So next time you decide to hit a bucket of balls from the lesson grounds, just know the golf gods are looking down upon you with shanks and slices coming your way during your next round of golf.

Dick Monfort loves Wrigley West

Chicago Cubs fans hold up victory flags after in the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Chicago Cubs fans hold up victory flags after in the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Coors Field is Wrigley West when the Cubs come to town.

Monfort should be ashamed of the culture the Rockies have created around 20th and Blake. Saying his team will be a .500 ball club, striving to be average and then losing 103 games. How do you lose 100-plus games and not fire anyone?

But hey, at least when the Cubs come to town a packed house at Coors is a given.

MLB players wearing the oven mitts

The oven mitts these guys are wearing are a laughable joke. Players from years past are laughing at these guys… they aren’t about player safety. They are about getting an extra six inches closer to sliding safe into bags. Mr. “I hate baseball” Manfred won’t do anything about it, but clubhouse attendants across baseball need to throw these things in the trash where they belong.

College athletics are drunk with NIL, at least we know “now it’s legal”

All those California teams going to the ACC is pure comedy. Did those educated school presidents forget what the ACC stands for? I’ll give them the answer, Atlantic Coast Conference.

Everyone knows NIL and the massive power conferences are all about football and broadcast money. Other sports are going to feel the pain here. I feel bad for the normal student-athlete who has to deal with the brutal travel schedule.

Never thought I would see the day when players are staying in college longer and would rather go to class than make the jump to the professional ranks. Amazing what a few million dollars will make a student-athlete do.

We aren’t done here folks, it will continue to blow up in NCAA’s faces in 2024.

The No Fun League doesn’t like big hits

Big hits in football are not allowed anymore, even the legal ones.

Football has become so soft, at the sight of a big hit the laundry starts flying. The league needs to get back to some form of football or it will all turn into a glorified flag football league. And if you are going to have the FFL, you might hire Manfred as your commissioner since he has a thing for destroying legacy and creating unnecessary rules.

Festivus Yes! Bagels No!

As Festivus rolls on, we come to the feats of strength. As we have no room currently in the newsroom for such wrestling activities, I’ll leave ya with something relaxing you can enjoy: The Butler Cabin Yule log from Augusta National.

Tweet of the year

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5902028 2023-12-23T05:45:10+00:00 2023-12-23T09:24:26+00:00
Elias Diaz becomes first All-Star Game MVP in Rockies history with pinch-hit two-run homer, lifting National League to 3-2 win over American League https://www.denverpost.com/2023/07/11/elias-diaz-all-star-game-mvp-first-rockies-history/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 03:36:32 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=5726903 It’s another lost summer for the Rockies, but Elias Diaz didn’t get that message, or he’s just ignoring it altogether.

Colorado’s shiniest silver lining amid the potential of a 100-loss season made club history on Tuesday at T-Mobile Park, becoming the first Rockies player to earn All-Star Game MVP by blasting a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the eighth inning.

Diaz’s dinger off Orioles right-hander Félix Bautista gave the National League a 3-2 lead and propelled the Senior Circuit to its first win over the American League since 2012, snapping a nine-game win streak for the AL in the exhibition. Diaz sent Bautista’s 2-2 hanging splitter 360 feet into the left field seats in Seattle.

“That was absolutely electric!” Ryan McMahon told The Denver Post. “I know myself and a bunch of my teammates were all screaming at the TV in excitement. It was so cool to see that homer.”

The 32-year-old Venezuelan, making his All-Star debut as the first Colorado catcher to appear in the game, was pinch-hitting for Jorge Soler. Diaz’s clutch bomb came against the best bullpen arm in baseball, as Bautista leads all relievers in ERA (1.07 in 39 games), strikeouts per nine (18.00) and WAR (2.0).

If not for the MLB rule that every team is represented in the game, Diaz might not have even been there for his decisive stroke.

Diaz’s homer was only the sixth go-ahead homer in the eighth inning or later of the All-Star Game when a team was trailing, and the first in 20 years. He joins Hank Blalock (2003), Mike Schmidt (1981), Cookie Rojas (1972), Gus Bell (1954) and Ted Williams (a walk-off to end the 1941 game at Briggs Stadium in Detroit) in accomplishing that feat. Diaz is also just the sixth catcher to win the game’s MVP, joining Brian McCann (2010), Sandy Alomar Jr. (1997), Mike Piazza (1996), Terry Steinbach (1988) and Gary Carter (1981, ’84).

The AL tried to spoil Diaz’s Ted Williams MVP Award bid in a dramatic ninth inning, but Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel worked around two walks and shut the door by striking out Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez to end the game.

Diaz’s big moment in Seattle continued his stellar season as one of the top performing players on Blake Street. At the All-Star break, Diaz is batting .277 with nine homers and 45 RBIs. Behind the dish, he’s improved vastly from 2022 while emerging as one of the more reliable backstops in the NL.

He’s under contract through next season, and even though Diaz could fetch a decent return on the trade market ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline, it’s unlikely the Rockies would deal the veteran catcher in exchange for much-needed pitching prospects. Beyond Diaz, only veteran Austin Wynns (a waiver claim earlier this season) is on the roster, while Brian Serven is the lone catcher in Triple-A with big-league experience.

National League's Elias Díaz, of the Colorado Rockies (35), celebrates his two run home run with Nick Castellanos (8), of the Philadelphia Phillies, in the eighth inning during the MLB All-Star baseball game in Seattle, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
National League’s Elias Díaz, of the Colorado Rockies (35), celebrates his two run home run with Nick Castellanos (8), of the Philadelphia Phillies, in the eighth inning during the MLB All-Star baseball game in Seattle, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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WATCH: Rockies’ Elias Diaz hits two-run home run at MLB All-Star Game https://www.denverpost.com/2023/07/11/rockies-elias-diaz-home-run-mlb-all-star-game/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 03:03:14 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=5726895

Elias Díaz just flipped this #AllStarGame on its head! pic.twitter.com/a676EZsZ53

— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2023

Elias Diaz isn’t going to forget his first trip to the All-Star Game any time soon.

The Rockies catcher smashed a two-run, 360-foot home run in the top of the eighth inning Tuesday to give the National League a 3-2 lead in the midsummer classic.

Facing a 2-2 count against Orioles closer Felix Bautista, Diaz connected on a shot that sailed just past the left-field fence, driving in Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos.

The NL would hold on to win, 3-2, with Diaz being named the game’s MVP award. It’s the first time a Rockies player has received the honor.

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5726895 2023-07-11T21:03:14+00:00 2023-07-11T21:48:17+00:00
Rockies’ All-Star catcher Elias Diaz: “The Crazy Man” with a big smile https://www.denverpost.com/2023/07/10/rockies-elias-diaz-all-star-catcher-big-smile/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 21:01:20 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=5725046 SAN FRANCISCO — When Rockies reliever Daniel Bard enters the clubhouse at Coors Field, he’s often accompanied by his two sons.

Davis, 7, and Sykes, 5, usually wear miniature Rockies jerseys, complete with No. 52 and “Bard” emblazoned on the back. But they don’t hang around their dad for very long. They make a beeline for first-time All-Star catcher Elias Diaz, whose locker is a few doors down.

“He messes with my kids every time I bring them into the clubhouse,” Bard said with a chuckle. “They call him ‘The Crazy Guy.’ They’ll ask me, ‘Is The Crazy Guy going to be there?’

“They come in looking for him every day. They get into a wrestling match and Elias usually puts them in a laundry basket or something.”

It’s not just the kids who gravitate toward Diaz. His locker is the hub of the Colorado clubhouse.

“He’s a happy guy, always smiling,” said right-hander Antonio Senzatela. “He works so hard and he cares so much, but he’s a happy guy. You need guys like that. He’s my good friend.”

Last week, when manager Bud Black announced that Diaz had been selected for Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, the clubhouse erupted with cheers. Diaz shed some tears.

“It was special for me, for sure,” said Diaz, the first catcher in Rockies history to be named to the Midsummer Classic.

Diaz, 32, from Maracaibo, Venezuela, has been toiling behind the plate for a long time. He was initially signed by the Pirates at age 17 in 2008 and played his first season of professional baseball in 2009 for the VSL Pirates in the Venezuelan Summer League.

“He’s a grinder and he’s played the game a long time and it took him a while to find his stride,” Bard said. “But it seems like he appreciates the game every day he’s at the ballpark. It’s been fun to watch him grow.”

With an appearance in Tuesday night’s game, Diaz would become one of 10 Venezuelan-born catchers to play in an All-Star Game.

This season, he’s slashed .277/.328/.435 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs. Among big-league catchers, Diaz is tied for second in games behind the plate (74), tied for third in hits (77) and is tied for second in runners caught stealing (14).

It’s been a long, tough road for Diaz. The Pirates non-tendered him after the 2019 season and the Rockies, well aware of his reputation as a tough catcher, quickly signed him. After an impressive 2021 season, Diaz signed a three-year, $14.5 million contract, but then he struggled mightily last season.

He hit .228 with nine homers and his 11 errors were the most among all major league catchers and tied with Jeff Reed (1996) for the second-most for a Rockies catcher in franchise history.

He admits now that he put too much pressure on himself. He says he got away from being himself.

“Now I try not to worry about things,” Diaz said back in May when he hit .321 with four home runs and a .896 OPS for the month. “I just go day by day. I take care of today. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, so what matters is today.”

Behind the plate, Diaz is stoic. He wears his black-and-blue bruises like purple hearts.

“He’s really tough, he doesn’t want to quit,” Senzatela said. “He gets beat up sometimes with foul balls and everything. But he wants to be out there for every game. Nothing is going to stop him.”

Once Diaz is off the field, he lets his guard down and his smile lights up the room.

“It’s who I am,” he said. “And, baseball is baseball. I try to separate that from the rest of my life. You have to take care of your friends and your family. It’s just the way I am. I try to be happy all of the time and I mess around with everybody.”

Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz (35) hits a two-run single against Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) in the third inning scoring Ezequiel Tovar (14) and Jurickson Profar (29) at Coors Field in Denver June 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz (35) hits a two-run single against Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) in the third inning scoring Ezequiel Tovar (14) and Jurickson Profar (29) at Coors Field in Denver June 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Black understands why Diaz has become so important in the Rockies’ clubhouse.

“Players know when a guy is a good person, is invested in the team and truly cares,” Black said. ” ‘Ellie’ is one of those guys. He’s a workhorse. He’s a beast when it comes to work ethic and that’s admired by his teammates, especially at a demanding position like catcher.”

As for Davis and Sykes calling him “The Crazy Man,” Diaz is cool with that.

“That’s OK, they are my little friends,” he said with a smile.

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Rockies podcast: Elias Diaz becomes club’s first all-star catcher, plus midseason analysis and MLB Draft preview https://www.denverpost.com/2023/07/06/rockies-podcast-elias-diaz-all-star-break-mlb-draft/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 21:41:15 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=5721011

In this edition of the On The Rox podcast presented by BetSafe Colorado, Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders break down the ever-spiraling Rockies at the all-star break.

The packed show includes discussion on Elias Diaz becoming the first all-star catcher in team history, the most surprising, most disappointing and best teams at midseason, and analysis on Futures Game participant and rising Rockies prospect Yanquiel Fernandez.

Plus, who the Rockies might take at No. 9 overall in the first round of Sunday’s MLB Draft in Seattle.

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Rockies’ Elias Diaz becomes first All-Star catcher in team history https://www.denverpost.com/2023/07/02/rockies-elias-diaz-all-star-catcher/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 01:24:32 +0000 https://www.denverpost.com/?p=5718846 Strong as a bull and blessed with a heart of gold, Elias Diaz is one of the most popular players in the Rockies’ clubhouse.

Now he’s also an All-Star, the first catcher in the Rockies’ 31 years of existence to be so honored.

When manager Bud Black informed Diaz in the clubhouse before Sunday’s game vs. Detroit, Diaz teared up as his teammates applauded and cheered.

“I’m grateful for the way the season has gone, grateful for the team, grateful for my family’s support and truly honored,” Diaz said, with bullpen catcher Aaron Munoz interpreting.

“The guys have come to appreciate Elias in a number of ways,” Black said. “The care factor for the Rockies, the care factor for his pitchers as teammates. It’s great because it’s understated. He’s pretty quiet, but you can tell there’s a big heart in there.”

The fact that he made Rockies history wasn’t lost on Diaz.

“I was told I was the first catcher (to make it) before the game,” he said. “It’s an honor. Early on in the game, I (was thinking) this was something special. My name is going to go on in history here in Colorado. I take that as an extreme honor and it’s something special to me. Hopefully, the generations behind me can appreciate that.”

There was some speculation and hope from the Rockies that third baseman Ryan McMahon would also make his first All-Star Game, but Diaz is going solo. He will represent the National League team on July 11 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

Diaz, 32, has walked a long road to the Midsummer Classic. He was non-tendered after appearing in five seasons with the Pirates, from 2015-19. His career was reborn in Colorado when he joined the Rockies in 2020, but even then there were potholes in the road.

“Becoming an All-Star is always a huge honor for a guy, especially a guy who’s later in his career,” said Rockies veteran reliever Daniel Bard. “I know how hard it’s been for him. It wasn’t automatic and it wasn’t easy for him to get established to become this guy.

“I also know how hard he’s worked and he’s definitely deserved this. He’s carried us offensively and defensively, and he wears it behind the plate five or six days a week. It takes a special person, and a special type of toughness.”

Through Colorado’s 14-9 loss to the Tigers on Sunday, Diaz is slashing .284/.337/.452 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs, making him one of the most productive catchers in the majors.

But it’s also the catcher’s skills behind the plate that caused his teammates to lobby for his All-Star dream.

“He’s been fantastic,” left-hander Kyle Freeland said earlier this season. “To have that trust in your catcher, knowing that he’s going to block the ball if you throw a curveball in the dirt is huge.”

Diaz became Colorado’s primary catcher late in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He started slowly in 2021, hitting just .123  through June 1. But he caught fire, hitting .284 the remainder of the season, with 17 of his 18 homers coming after June 1.

Diaz and the Rockies avoided arbitration after the 2021 season with a three-year, $14.5 million contract. Diaz admitted that he pressed last season when he slashed just .228/.281/.368 and hit only nine home runs.

During the offseason, Diaz worked on becoming more positive with the goal of not allowing bad games or bad moments to carry over to the next day.

“I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been at this level for quite a bit now, and the game teaches you everything,” Diaz said. “I’ve been able to adjust when necessary. Being up here taught me to be a little bit more patient and take it day by day. If something didn’t happen that day, I know the next day I can be a little bit more positive and bring that energy.”

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