SPORTS Profit is “Marked” up
Reynolds providing maximum value
PHOENIX» In two recent games, Mark Reynolds displayed that he has been invaluable to the Rockies’ bid for their first playoff visit since 2009.
Sunday in Los Angeles, the veteran first baseman hit an eighthinning grand slam, sealing an 8-1 win over the Dodgers. In Colorado’s 4-2 victory at Chase Field on Tuesday night, Reynolds stretched like an Olympic gymnast to snare Nolan Arenado’s throw from third base. Somehow, Reynolds kept his foot on the bag as Arenado’s throw barely nipped the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Paul Goldschmidt for the final out of the eighth inning.
Reynolds’ recent heroics aren’t aberrations. He has been doing it all season.
Reynolds entered Wednesday night’s game hitting .268 with a .355 on-base percentage — more than respectable for a veteran slugger. His 29 home runs are his most since slugging 37 in 2011, and his 93 RBIs have tied a career high set in 2009.
“Mark’s contributions weigh heavily on where we are, no doubt about it,” manager Bud Black said. “He’s played above-average defense on a scouting scale, he’s been durable and he’s a huge part of where we are.”
That’s high praise for a 34-yearold journeyman who reported to spring training with a minorleague deal and no guarantee he would make the team after the Rockies signed Ian Desmond to a five-year, $70 million deal, announcing that Desmond would play primarily first base.
Reynolds turned down a $3 million offer to play baseball in Korea, in part because he wanted to return to Colorado.
“It’s been great, but I have to admit that I never expected to play this much,” Reynolds said. “Unfortunately, Ian had some injuries and I just took advantage of every chance I got. I’ve hit well enough to stay in the lineup.
“I obviously didn’t expect to do what I’m doing now, though I thought I was capable. Now, hopefully, we can finish this season strong and get to the postseason. Because I really like playing with this group of guys. It’s a special group.”
Rocktober reunion.
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Ten years ago, the Rockies won 21-of-22 games to advance to their only World Series, giving birth to a phenomenon that came to be known as “Rocktober.”
Friday night, 17 players and three coaches from that magical run will return to Coors Field for a celebration. First baseman Todd Helton, the only Rockies player honored with a retired number (17), heads the reunion cast.
Helton will be joined by former teammates Garrett Atkins, Clint Barmes, Jamey Carroll, Aaron Cook, Josh Fogg, Jeff Francis, Brian Fuentes, LaTroy Hawkins, Brad Hawpe, Matt Herges, Jason Hirsh, Rodrigo Lopez, Zach McClellan, Ryan Spilborghs, Cory Sullivan and Yorvit Torrealba.
Bullpen coach Rick Mathews, bench coach Jamie Quirk and bullpen catcher Mark Strittmatter are also scheduled to attend.
All of the participants, with the exception of Helton, will be handing out “Rocktober Rally Towels” at five entrance gates for a limited time, while Helton conducts a news conference.
Before the first pitch, there will be a a pregame ceremony, featuring walk-up songs and a highlight video.