Good morning, all. I hope you had a great weekend and enjoyed the Super Bowl!

I am not posting about the Super Bowl, because I cannot wait until the game is completed to write this newsletter. In fact, I may fall asleep by the middle of the five-hour halftime show. Better to write something, when I still have my senses than droopy eyed. I will, however, comment via a podcast either today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, you can watch the video below, which I posted on one of my You Tube channels last week. It’s a great way to get a good laugh, or find out, if I actually picked one correctly for a change.

Rockies are getting roasted

The Colorado Rockies are getting roasted in the national and local media for trading superstar Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals for five players whose names are unrecognizable to most baseball fans. The criticism is expected, but I am not ready to throw in the towel on this club, even before the season starts.

Yes, I broadcast for their AA affiliate in Hartford with Yard Goats voice Jeff Dooley, so label my optimism as tainted. I plead guilty. But I know some of these up-and-coming players, know how hard they work, know how high the ceiling is on their talents, if they give it their all.

I have met one of the Rockies’ owners, Dick Monfort, interviewed GM Jeff Bridich and know most of the coaches and instructors on the big league staff and in their minor league system. They are not only great people but tremendous coaches and instructors. The front office staff is tops. It is not a stretch to write that everyone I have encountered in the Colorado organization in the last six years has been first class. Everyone!

If I am Rockies manager Bud Black, I am giving the greatest, inspirational talk to start spring training, since Patton implored the troops to march on. I pull no punches. Be upfront. Mention Arenado in a positive light, but then move on, reminding players his departure should not be used as an excuse for their approach to the game. When he gets done, his players will want to run through the brick walls of Coors Field.

Hey, didn’t the Vegas Golden Knights almost win the Stanley Cup in their first season? Didn’t the expansion LA Angels challenge the New York Yankees for the pennant in their second season? Today’s players are in tip-top condition and possessors of tremendous ability. Why can’t the Rockies compete in the tough NL West?

Let’s face it. Do you think Monfort is in this game to lose? Do you think Bridich is in this game to lose? Do you think Black is in this game to lose?

Do I think the Rockies can make the playoffs? Who knows? That is why they play the games. I am also a realist, meaning that in order to convince fans and critics that the organization is not stuck in reverse, the Rockies need to produce a winning record in 2021, then let the chips fall where they may.

It’s just one person’s opinion, but anyone piling on and ruling them out on Feb. 8 is making a big mistake. The Rockies have a golden opportunity to play with a chip on their shoulder, and sometimes those are the toughest clubs to beat.

Treasure trove for Red Sox fans

You Tube is a treasure trove for sports fans, especially those of games from past seasons. Pick your sport and have at it. If for example, you are a fan of the Boston Red Sox, you might want to check this out.

READ MORE

How to solve our vaccination crisis

I wish this was my idea, but I took it from a Facebook post on how to accelerate our Covid-19 vaccination numbers:

“Have Amazon Prime drivers give the shots. You will have everyone vaccinated by Saturday. By Thursday, if they are Prime members.”

That is it for today. As always, thank you for your support and have a tremendous week.

SPORTSCASTER DAN