As Charlie in the Trees pointed out in his season preview, it was hard to know in March whether Colorado would win the division or "make a run at 100 losses."

After a dreadful start, not only are the Mountain Men playing .700 ball since Clint Hurdle took the reins, they're right in the thick of the race with the other 3 contenders. They're not even near the bottom of the league in pitching stats... And all this with Babe Hampton's ERA still hovering around 8! Can it just be that Denver humidor for the home-game baseballs?

(Note: I picked the Rockies to take the West; CITT said 74 wins.)

[quote]Originally posted by Bill W:
And all this with Babe Hampton's ERA still hovering around 8! Can it just be that Denver humidor for the home-game baseballs?

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Eight! Eight! Try 6.40, bucco.
Even with his Texas Ranger-high ERA, Mike Hampton continues to be the one man who could get me to seriously question my absolute rule against having any sort of relationships with married men.

Maybe -- just maybe -- his balls just aren't getting the same amount of moisture as the rest of the staff's?

[quote]Originally posted by Charlie in the Trees:

Maybe -- just maybe -- his balls just aren't getting the same amount of moisture as the rest of the staff's?

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Let's volunteer to personally remedy that.

Sorry for the statistical error, but what I was thinking of is Hampton's bizarre split: 8.24 ERA on the ROAD, 4.24 at Coors! If he really is trade bait. perhaps the buyers should beware.

As big a Bagwell fan as I am, Todd Helton is clearly the best 1B in the league now.