Clint Barmes News

The Rockies have said they would like Rafael Betancourt back. By Tuesday's 10 p.m. deadline, they can prove it.

Yes, I am fully aware that this was yesterdaya TMs news, but ita TMs hard to write when you leave your laptop in your office and your home computer catches a virus.

Under Jim Tracy's watch, the Rockies went 74-42 and reached the playoffs, an accomplishment that should result in Tracy winning the NL manager of the year award today from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

What will the Rockies do with Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe? -- Paula Q., Broomfield, Colo.

Salary arbitration has been collectively bargained since 1974. It has been misunderstood for nearly as long.

By any measure, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is a great defender. But, he is not yet a Gold Glover.

After covering a tremendous distance in 2009 -- from 18-28 to the National League Wild Card -- the Rockies find themselves trying to figure out how to take the next difficult step.

This week, I suspect, the Rockies will give general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Jim Tracy new contracts.

Colorado Rockies' Todd Helton, right, is congratulated by teammate Clint Barmes after Helton scored on a hit by Garrett Atkins during the third inning of Game 3 in a National League baseball division series against the Philadelphia Phillies in Denver on Sunday, Oct.

Both teams changed pitchers again in the bottom of the sixth. Colorado pinch hit for Contreras with two outs and Ryan Spilborghs on first.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, left, and first baseman Todd Helton will be back for more in 2010.

The weather warmed considerably after a cold front moved out of Colorado, with temperatures in the mid-40s Monday after Game 3 was played in the mid-20s. Tracy moved Atkins up to fifth following his 2-for-4, two-RBI performance in the sixth spot Sunday night.

For more than a decade, he has achieved a level of consistency and durability no other Colorado player has ever equaled.

Colorado Rockies second baseman Clint Barmes, left, throws to first base to turn a double play after forcing out Philadelphia Phillies' Jayson Werth at second base.

Rockies: Todd Helton . While he might not have the power he did earlier in his career after back surgery a year ago, he came back to lead team in batting average , hits , walks and on-base percentage .

Carlos Gonzalez gives the Rockies the speed-power combination they need at the top of the lineup.

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers praised Parra for what seems to be limitless potential and an arm and frame capable of supporting his rise.

Fri Oct 2, 2009 5:40am EDT -Colorado Rockies batter Brad Hawpe celebrates hitting a home run in the eighth inning with team-mate Clint Barmes in their MLB baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Denver October 1, 2009.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin, left, tags out Colorado Rockies' Clint Barmes as he tries to score on a base hit by Carlos Gonzalez during the fourth inning of their Major League Baseball game, Friday, Oct.

Todd Helton, Ian Stewart, Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Barmes celebrate after the final out.