The Colorado Rockies find themselves navigating a tumultuous season, projected to face a record-breaking number of losses. However, there’s an emerging sense of optimism among the players since Bud Black was replaced by interim manager Warren Schaeffer nearly a month ago.
Austin Gomber, a left-handed pitcher for the Rockies, candidly reflected on the team’s challenges earlier this season, stating, “The start of the year was tough, if we’re being honest about it. We weren’t very competitive.” Gomber feels a shift under Schaeffer’s leadership, noting that the Rockies have been “in every game.” While the results on the scoreboard may not yet reflect the effort—5 wins against 17 losses under Schaeffer compared to a staggering 7-33 under Black—the team’s competitive spirit is evident. “It’s easier to keep the attitude positive,” he added, emphasizing the crucial difference in approach since the managerial change.
Despite the struggles, the Rockies are experiencing incremental growth, particularly in areas like team ERA, which has seen improvements. This minuscule progression means that they are now competing in closer games, lessening the magnitude of their run differential. The Rockies also recently achieved their first series sweep in over a year, a glimmer of hope amid a challenging season.
Tyler Freeman, who joined the Rockies from Cleveland—a team familiar with winning—also feels a positive shift. “We treat every day as a new day,” said Freeman. “It’s tough to look at the record right now, but everyone is working hard.” He stressed the importance of patience, especially in recognizing how far the team’s mentality has come since the early days of the season. “If we take a look at the beginning of the year to now, it’s way different. I think we’ve turned a corner.”
Kyle Freeland, a proud Denver native and a veteran presence in the clubhouse, echoed Freeman’s sentiment about maintaining morale. He acknowledges the importance of guiding younger players through this process, asserting, “You can’t be mailing it in right now or closing up shop. We have a lot of learning to do as a team, with a lot of young guys doing that learning.” Freeland’s commitment to fostering a positive environment amidst the losses is a testament to the Rockies’ long-term vision.
As the Rockies gear up for a three-game series at home against the first-place Mets following an off-day, there is a tangible resolve within the team. Even in the face of adversity, they are determined to keep pushing forward and carving out their identity for the future. While the road ahead remains steep, the foundation for progress may already be taking shape. Here’s hoping the Rockies can build on this momentum and demonstrate their potential in the games to come.
