(PhatzRadio Sports / AP) —- ST. LOUIS — The sound of the showers hitting the tile floor in the Colorado Rockies’ visiting clubhouse at Busch Stadium was deafening.
The Rockies, one of baseball’s most surprising teams with their kiddie corps rotation, may still be wearing that glass slipper, but it is now cracked, chipping with every step they take.
The Rockies, appearing destined to end their eight-year postseason drought, suddenly are looking vulnerable after being swept by the St. Louis Cardinals, embarking on a weekend series against the Washington Nationals. They have dropped 19 of their last 30 games, winning just two road games since June 14, and their once-commanding National League wild-card lead has trickled down to a mere four games.
Maybe the Rockies’ kiddie-corps rotation can’t handle the stress of a pennant race. Maybe they can’t overcome the season-long struggles of outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and their catching tandem.
Maybe, they’re just not ready.
Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich, sensing their stunning performance the first half could be washed away by their sudden struggles, knew it was time for action.
He went out and scoured the market before acquiring veteran All-Star reliever Pat Neshek from the Philadelphia Phillies, giving up only three low-level prospects: infielder Jose Gomez and right-handed pitchers J.D. Hammer and Alejandro Requena. Neshek, a free agent at the season’s conclusion, is a welcome addition for a bullpen that is yielding a 4.53 ERA — third-worst in the National League.
“It’s good, it’s a really good pickup for us, it’s what we got to do,’’ Rockies All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “We are a winning team, and this is what happens when you have a chance to win.
“And we need help out there.’’
Says first baseman Mark Reynolds: “It shows the guys upstairs are trying, trying to give us a little bump. It’s a pick-me-up for all of us.’’
The Rockies’ instant reaction to the Neshek trade, before the two-time All-Star even throws a single pitch, was exactly what Bridich intended with his loud and clear message from the front office:
We believe in you. Thank you what you’ve done. Now go win a playoff berth.
“These things have a way of picking the club up,’’ Rockies manager Bud Black says, “especially when a guy comes in and does what he’s capable of doing. If he pitches like he has been, it picks you up for sure.
“It sends a great message, no doubt about it.
“And I don’t think we’re done.’’
Clear out a locker for veteran All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who should be next to join the Rockies. Bridich has been in intensive talks with the Texas Rangers about Lucroy, trying to bolster their fatigued catching corps.
And no matter how Neshek fares, or even if Lucroy trade talks collapses, the Rockies’ players at least know their front office is trying, giving them an adrenaline rush that could last until October.
The Cubs, this year finding themselves in a fight for the NL Central title, are repeating their strategy from last year when they acquired closer Aroldis Chapman. This time, they grabbed Chicago White Sox ace Jose Quintana at the All-Star break for four prospects — including prized outfielder Eloy Jimenez and right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease.
Once again, instant gratification. The Cubs have gone 9-2 since the All-Star break, vaulting into first place for the first time since May 26, giving them a shot to repeat as World Series champions.
“I think when the Cubs got Quintana,’’ Arenado said, “that was their wake-up call. They’re going for this. I think we’re trying to do the same.’’
The Kansas City Royals decided to not only keep their prized free-agent quintet after losing 20 of their first 30 games, but bolstered their staff, acquiring veteran pitchers Trevor Cahill, Brandon Maurer and Ryan Buchter from the San Diego Padres.
The Royals have yet to lose a game since the trade, and entered Thursday with a season-high eight-game winning streak, keeping pace with the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central.
The Minnesota Twins, who are fading from contention with a 5½-game deficit after being the biggest surprise in the first half, may not believe they’re real themselves, but at least rewarded the players by acquiring Jaime Garcia and Bartolo Colon from the Atlanta Braves.
The Dodgers have the best team in baseball. Yet, they have no choice but to show their team and fan base they want more than just a fifth consecutive divisional title.
They are trying to acquire Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish, and if they don’t get him, Dodgers president Andrew Friedman will grab a left-handed reliever to help out closer Kenley Jansen.
Yes, they’ve got a chance to even be better.
The same goes in Houston.
Astros GM Jeff Luhnow is aware he has to make a move. It doesn’t matter whether it’s acquiring starter Sonny Gray from the Oakland A’s, or a left-handed reliever like Brad Hand of the Padres.
He better get somebody, or be prepared for a mutiny.
It’s the same sentiment in Pittsburgh and Cleveland and any other team who believes they’ve got a chance to reach the postseason, but need a boost.
The moves won’t always work, of course. The Royals grabbed ace Johnny Cueto in 2015, only for him to go 4-7, with a 4.76 ERA in 13 starts, but getting redemption with a two-hitter in their World Series triumph over the New York Mets.
“It’s not like you want to make a trade just to make a trade,’’ Rockies first baseman/outfielder Ian Desmond said, “but it can really help. When I was with Texas last year, and we got Lucroy and (Carlos) Beltran, that was big. Real big.
“We weren’t throwing a party, but the energy just skyrocketed in there.’’
It’s that euphoria the Rockies, and other contenders, hope to capitalize on these last two months.
“It’s now up to us,’’ Arenado says. “It doesn’t matter whether we got Neshek or not, if we don’t start playing better than we are, we ain’t going nowhere.’’
Whether the Rockies make it or not, the difference this time is they’re in position at Monday’s July 31 non-waiver trade deadline for the front office to provide them a chance.
“This is what you work for,’’ says outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, the Rockies’ longest-tenured player who hasn’t been to the postseason since 2009. “You want to get these opportunities. You don’t want to be the team that sells. You want to be the team that gets players.
“It’s great to have that kind of scenario.’’
And, oh, so much better, the players will tell you, when your front office actually believes in you, too.
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