Are these the final days of fans observing DJ LeMahieu in a Rockies uniform?

Kiz: Ask Hollywood, and the movies will tell you Kevin Costner and Robert Redford are perfect baseball players. “Bull Durham” and “The Natural” are great flicks, but here’s the reality: DJ LeMahieu is a far better representation of everything a ballplayer should be. Tough as nails and a teammate beloved in the clubhouse, he pays attention to all the details that make this game so tough. We’ve assumed LeMahieu is gone at the conclusion of this season, when his contract expires. Is there any way the Rockies bring DJ back for 2019? Saunders: Kiz, there’s no crying in baseball, but it’s going to be a crying shame when DJ plays his final home game in a Rockies uniform. That could happen as soon as Sunday if the Rockies don’t make the playoffs. I periodically check in with DJ about this topic, and he’s pretty certain he will not be coming back. There have been no contract negotiations, at least not that I am aware of, but that doesn’t mean it’s a completely dead issue. That said, I’d be surprised if DJ returns. By the way, he recently hired Joel Wolfe, Nolan Arenado’s agent, so DJ’s primed for his big career payday. Kiz: I understand why the Rockies would say goodbye to LeMahieu. He’s 30 years old. Hot prospect Brendan Rodgers waits in the wings. There’s uncertainty with the future of Nolan Arenado. But what are the chances LeMahieu and general manager Jeff Bridich can find some common financial ground that makes sense for both parties to keep their second baseman in purple pinstripes? Put a percentage on the likelihood that DJ is back in Colorado next season. I won’t bash you if you’re wrong. Promise. Saunders: OK, Kiz, I’m going to trust you on this one. I’ll say there is a .333 battingaverage chance of LeMahieu returning. Typically, a franchise lets a player of LeMahieu’s age and ability walk away, thinking it’s the nature of the business to let the veteran move on and start playing prospects like Rodgers and Garrett Hampson. But LeMahieu’s situation is a bit different. For one thing, his teammates, as well as manager Bud Black, love the person and the player. They’re going to lobby for him to stay. For another, I don’t think Rodgers made as big a step forward this years as many hoped he would. That’s why the door’s still open.

I know the Rockies refuse to believe their 2018 season will end Sunday, when the final out of the regular season at Coors Field is recorded. But you never know. So just in case, Colorado baseball fans, do yourself a favor. Get up on your feet an applaud every time LeMahieu picks up a bat and walks toward home plate this week. For seven years and nearly 1,000 games wearing a Rockies uniform, LeMahieu has been everything you could want a hometown player to be. Saunders: Darn it, Kiz, you stole my thunder! When DJ hit his first career walkoff homer to beat the Dbacks on Sept. 12, the fans started chanting “DJ! DJ!” It gave me chills, and I know it meant a lot to DJ. What I’m going to miss is the graceful way he slides on the grass to stop those hot shots headed toward right field, and then he calmly fires the ball to first base. Just beautiful. You started off talking about baseball movies. I see DJ as a Gary Cooper kind of player: “Pride of the Rockies.”