Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
It’s the same story, different night for the Colorado Rockies versus the Atlanta Braves.
An early lead by the Rockies was erased due to the collapse of the starting pitcher. A golden opportunity was once again presented, and a golden opportunity was once again lost for Colorado, putting them a season-worst seven games out in the NL West.
It was an unfortunate series of circumstances for starter Juan Nicasio, who has been solid since the Rockies called him back to the big club after placing Roy Oswalt on the DL earlier this month. Nicasio took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning, where the proverbial wheels completely came off. Nicasio gave up a season-worst eight runs, six in the fourth alone.
Just when you thought the season couldn’t get any worst, Tuesday proved you wrong.
Rockies fans have to be disgruntled; how could they not? A promising season is self-destructing before their very eyes, and they see no movement or sense of urgency from the front office as the trade deadline looms.
Of course, it’s certainly not a true surprise for anyone that knows the history of the organization. A nonchalant stance in light of trade deadlines is the rule in Colorado, not the exception. Maybe longtime followers of the Rockies are supposed to instead feel grateful that management didn’t place a “for sale” sign on the franchise.
In the end, it’s truly a shame.
Walt Weiss and co. faced impossible odds in a season where they were not supposed to be relevant in the NL West. Despite the consensus of preseason prognosticators, the Rockies were relevant. Not only were they relevant, they were competing as legitimate contenders.
Mile-High Magic is the urban legend of the occasional fortuitous events that lead to Colorado sports miracles. One thing that is for sure: the Rockies’ campaign is imploding with their current personnel. They need help, they need the backing of management — and they may just need some Mile-High Magic.
Jim Heath is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_heath, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
