[BigRapidsJackass]

I've pronounced the patient dead, but the patient just won't let me bury him.

The Rox climb up off the mat to live another series ... just barely.

This series played exactly according to form:

Their #1 (Zito) vs. our #5 (Fogg): loss
Their #2 (Cain) vs. our #7? (Morales): loss
Their #3 or 4 (Lowry) vs. our #1 (Francis): win

I'm trying to construct a scenario that gets us back in the race. It's tough, but it starts with the D'backs collapsing and the Dodgers sputtering along, leaving the Rockies with the chance to take 5 of 6 remaining games against the Padres, gaining 4 games on the Pads in the process.

So yes, now the NL Division title (longshot that it is) is more likely than the wildcard. We've simply got too many clubs ahead of us (with easier schedules ahead of them) in the wildcard race. The intense intra-divisional play in September will probably result in a losing month for our Rockies, but a few balls bouncing our way and a few unexpected performances (Iannetta gets hot? Spilborghs goes on another tear? Morales clicks?) and some bad luck for the other guys (Chris Young/Padres stays hurt, the D'backs bullpen implodes) and ...

... as a starting point HOW ABOUT TRYING A LITTLE HARDER, CLINT AND DANNO? How about waiving your "DL'd players must make a rehab start" rule for Aaron Cook? Isn't 80% of Aaron Cook better than a 100% Franklin Morales right now? How about maybe passing by Morales in the rotation next time (given the off day tomorrow) and letting Francis go on his normal 4 days rest? How about acting like there's really something at stake here?

Aspire: you call me a pessimist for throwing in the towel. I'm just reflecting the "we're just glad to be in this position; let's call the season a success and continue playing like it's April" attitude of the Rockies management.