It’s clear they are not budging on their hitting philosophy. If they were not moved to fire hitting instructor Hensley Meulens after last season, when they ranked second in strikeouts and 26th in walks, then they are entrenched.
Nothing, it seems, will make them change. Not even a start so awful that it makes their propane bullpen look functional.
Perhaps Friday’s frigid home-opening loss to the Athletics will cause owner Dick Monfort and general manager Bill Schmidt to think outside the batter’s box. (It won’t.)
They are 1-6, losers of five straight, and average 2 runs. They have struck out 82 times, or 11 per game. And they are batting .169 with runners in scoring position in 59 at-bats.
This team couldn’t deliver a hit if they performed a collaboration with Post Malone. Friday, they went 1 for 15 with a chance to hit someone in.
Another RIP with RISP.
And we can’t even blame Kris Bryant. He needed another day to get his swing right after starting the season 1 for 14. His biggest contributions on Friday were using a torpedo bat in batting practice and absorbing the loudest boos during introductions, a few octaves higher than those reserved for manager Bud Black.
Bad teams like the Rockies lack big swings but never excuses.
Guys are trying too hard. The schedule has been a mess, including three home openers, one in a spring training park, another on the East Coast and Friday in conditions more suited for the Iditarod. Opposing pitchers have been nasty. And the factory default: “It’s early.”
