We're Just Toying With Them

The Rockies Wild Card lead has dropped from 5.5 games to 2.5 in just [gasp] 3 days. This is caused by a 3 game losing streak by the Rockies, and a 3 game Winning Streak by the Giants. And 2 of those games have been against each other. I had to chuckle this morning when I read in the last remaining big daily paper in Denver that last night was "their biggest game of the season" and "Colorado is in trouble."

Nothing like going all negative and calling for a choke. The focus doesn't change. Forget about whether you won or lost the last game or the last 4 or the last 8 or the last 146. Work on winning today's game. As the past few weeks have shown us, things change quickly. The Giants left Coors field trailing by 3.5, and within 6 days were tied. The Rockies then grabbed a 5.5 game lead in the next 11 and only lost just over half that lead in 3 days.

But what people forget is that they still lead by 2.5 games. Fortunately, Jim Tracy doesn't forget that. He's absolutely right when he says that a win tonight puts the Rockies comfortably ahead at 3.5 games, while a loss still gives them a lead.

Obviously there are concerns, the pitching has faltered over the past 4 games, and a few fielding miscues have hurt, and there has been next to no hitting for the better part of 6 weeks. But a single spark can get things ignited.

I hate to bring up 2007 again, but prior to the final 14 regular season games, the Rockies had lost 3 games in a row, two of them badly. The start of that final streak was a 13-0 win over Florida, an innocuous win at the time.

Beyond tonight the Rockies and Giants have similar games to play--3 each at LA, and Arizona, and 3 against San Diego, Rockies at home, Giants on the road. The only differences are Giants play Chicago and Arizona at Home, while the Rockies go up against the Cardinals and Brewers at Coors.

And remember, you never surrender when you have the lead.