Rockies Notebook: Colorado trying to avoid a letdown at home

DENVER – Here’s a taste of the discussion between Bud Black and the media before game one of a three-game series with the San Diego Padres:

On continuing the momentum of recent play against tough opponents:

“First of all, you have to pitch well. I think that’s the thing that’s been the common theme the last month-and-a-half. I think the bullpen is starting to come together. That’s critical. Our rotation has been very steady and that’s one thing we need to continue to do.”

On the rotation taking pressure off the bullpen (fewest innings of any NL team):

“I don’t see our bullpen wearing down. I like the fact that we’re in the position where our innings are down, compared to other clubs.”

On concern for a letdown in facing the Padres after the string of games against teams over .500:

“No. No concern at all.”

On the buzz currently surrounding the Rockies:

“There’s nothing better than August and September baseball when your team is in a pennant race. Like I’ve said all along: I think this thing is going to go down to the end.”

On a sense of calm in the clubhouse:

-Black mentioned that last year’s experience was really beneficial to learn what it takes to win games late in the season. He felt the word “poise” describes the team a bit better.

On Ian Desmond’s season:

“You can go back and look at a number of games where his big swing has helped us win. The game in Washington. The game in New York… His defense, stolen bases, aggressive baserunning, what he means in the clubhouse, what he means in the dugout. Just the overall intensity he brings as a player. It rubs off on the other guys. How he plays is the thing that’s big for us.”

-Black continued to point out that Desmond is still learning first base. His 2017 season was interrupted, but he’s made some hard plays this year and he’s become more comfortable with more repetitions.

On reason for Charlie Blackmon leading off after a run of games with DJ LeMahieu in the first spot (before his injury):

-Black says there isn’t any particular reason for the change other than the lineup runs better for LeMahieu when he’s hitting second because of the things he can do handling the bat with runners on base.

“You can’t hang on to a bad game, a bad outing, a bad at-bat—whatever it may be. You’ve got turn the page because the next day and the next game comes awful quick. You can’t be hanging on to poor outcomes and bad results because this game is based on being in a great frame of mind, being refreshed, being focused. The good players are really conditioned to move on past that.”

On predicting the effectiveness of a bullpen:

-Black feels a track record is usually a predictor, but relievers have some variability of success. He likes the Rockies bullpen and while they may be making good money, he thinks they will prove their worth.

On the most stylish teammate he’s ever had:

-Only former Cleveland Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel came to mind, but Black did mention Carlos Gonzalez and Ian Desmond as stylish players in their clubhouse.