Yes, it's September. Usually the crappiest month of the year, until last year, when it was AWESOME! But it turns out that was just a teaser, and Septembers really are crappy. September is when you have to start looking at the schedule, reaching back into the dark, cobwebby corner of your brain where you left your math skills the day you graduated high school, and figure out that yes, the Rockies have once again clinched themselves a losing record.
The Beard has done everything he can, but as he said repeatedly, he is only a guide. He seems very frustrated, and I am worried he will take his greatness to another team next year that deserves it more. The Rockies had to do it themselves, and they didn't. Unreliable pitching pretty much from top to bottom, too many strikeouts at the plate, too many left on base in scoring position. Even though the Rox had a decent record after the first 6 weeks or so, they just weren't a contender. They had flashes of good play, but when they had almost caught up and were beginning to make things interesting about a week ago... bam! Seven-game losing streak, the Dodgers have got it wrapped up.
I have been a Hurdle supporter the entire time he's been manager, until this year. Fans have been calling for his head for years, but until this season, I've been defending him. No more! And I'm finally beginning to agree with those who have called the Rockies' owners out for standing behind a guy for so long. If Hurdle has a job next season, I'm going to have to really start questioning the decisions of ownership. A team doesn't come out of the gate as flat as the Rockies did this year when they're well-prepared and coached.
The Mets had high expectations, and when they didn't meet them, their manager got canned. And now, they've got themselves in position to make the playoffs. The Rockies had high expectations, and when they didn't meet them... they did absolutely nothing, apparently satisfied that the expectations were the actual problem.
And how about O'Dowd? Pretty much every move he made with the pitching staff did not pay off. And the one guy who was solid, Fuentes (who in my opinion was the best closer in the game after the All-star break), is a guy who won't be here next year. By going with Jayson Nix, who failed completely, the Rockies basically went through the year without a real second baseman (I'd like to see them just give the job to Barmes and trade Baker). And why didn't he trade Tavares? The guy's been leading the league in steals all season, and he could have got something for him, because he's clearly not in our long-term plans (or shouldn't be, anyway. Fowler's their man).
Well, poop. Lots of teams lately have tasted success, and then taken steps back the following year only to mature into solid playoff contenders for years to come. Maybe the Rockies are no different. This September has been no different, though. Winter comes early yet again.
