Rockies
It’s the last day of July and even though there won’t be fans in the stands or packing the streets of LoDo like most years, today still is the Rockies home opener. As such The Denver Post looked back at five of the team’s most notable home openers in its history. No. 5 on the list was Mike Hampton’s debut in 2001 after signing a record eight-year, $121 million contract in the offseason.
As for today’s opener (6:10 p.m., AT&T SportsNet, 850 AM), Jon Gray takes the mound against the San Diego Padres, a team he’s fared extremely well against in his career. Despite Gray’s overall record of success with Colorado it also will be the first time in his career starting the home opener.
“I’m ready for that real competition there, and I feel like I always have an edge (at Coors Field), so I’m excited. (At home I pitch) knowing that I’m going to out-do the other guy and knowing that our lineup is going to hit the ball. It’s a good combination and it makes you feel confident.”
Jon Gray told The Denver Post
As for the rest of the three-game series, lefty Kyle Freeland is scheduled to start Saturday (6:10 p.m.) and righty Antonio Senzatela will take the mound Sunday (1:10 p.m.)
- The Denver Post’s Patrick Saunders wrote about how the Rockies will do their best today to make it feel like a home opener inside Coors Field, despite no fans being there.
- TheAthletic.com’s Nick Groke wrote about what’s gone right with the Rockies so far that has them 4-1 on the season.
Nuggets
The NBA season started back up last night as the Jazz beat the Pelicans (106-104) and the Lakers topped the Clippers (103-101) in two tight games. The Nuggets still have another day to wait as they reopen play Saturday morning (11 a.m.) against Miami.
In the meantime coach Michael Malone told TheAthletic.com that where they Nuggets ended up seeded is not his biggest concern.
“Right now, to be honest, I am not concerned about our seeding. Having clinched a playoff spot, my No. 1 concern is health. That continues to be a huge concern for me, a huge point of emphasis. So, can we find a way to get healthy come August 17? With that being said, we have to find ways to start improving.”
Head coach Michael Malone
On the forefront of those concerns is the status of Denver’s Will Barton who has been dealing with right knee soreness while in the bubble.
- Another concern of Malone’s has been his team’s inability to hold onto the ball. During their three scrimmages Denver turned the ball over an average of 22 times a game.
- TheDNVR.com’s Harrison Wind wrote about Torrey Craig and how he still can be the defensive stopper the Nuggets will need in the playoffs.
- In the NBA’s first game back Thursday night all players, coaches and the three referees from the Utah-New Orleans game took a knee during the National Anthem.
My thoughts: The NBA has done such a tremendous job of being at the forefront of socials movements in our country. It’s great to see and at this point I wouldn’t expect anything less.
Avalanche
It’s the Rockies home opener today, the Nuggets first game back tomorrow and then Sunday is about the Avs as they kick off their NHL restart against the St. Louis Blues (4:30 p.m., Altitude) in the round-robin portion to determine the Western Conferences top 4 seeds.
TheDNVR’s AJ Haefele wrote about the glue guys on the Avs, who Colorado will need in order to go deep into the playoffs this season.
Broncos
Fullback/tight end Andrew Beck became the first Broncos player to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. NFL rules prohibit the team from revealing whether he tested positive for coronavirus or needs to be quarantined because he was around a person who tested positive.
- In an ESPN.com article Rivers McCown ranked the Top 25 young NFL players poised for a breakout season. No. 2 on the list is Denver defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones. Arguably Jones’ best game last season came in Week 16 against the Lions when he recorded 2.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss and was named the AFC Defensive Player of the week.
CU Buffs
The CU football team keeps adding to its 2021 recruiting class. The latest addition is Kaylin Moore, a three-star athlete out of Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian High School. Moore is Colorado’s 11th commit for 2021 and the sixth since July 13.
