Over the last few weeks, until very recently, both the press and the many commenters on this forum have really been piling on Gonzales, Story, and Desmond, proclaiming that WHEN the Rockies do not make the playoffs, those guys will be the reason. Funny how baseball works—"that's baseball"—in that now that they are a whisker away, these guys' ascendence is the very thing that is propelling their team forward. So, while Black's handling of the pitchers has been awesome, his patience with these guys may, at the end of the day, be the difference-maker.

All it will take now to get into at least a play-in is:

Rockies go 0-3, Brewers must finish 3-1 in their last 4 games, 3 of which are against the Cardinals.

Rockies go 1-2, Brewers must finish 4-0.

Rockies go 2-1, they are in without a play-in.

Note: For the Cardinals to get in it will take a miracle. But if they come close, the Brewers are out.

If the Rockies go deep into the playoffs, I would hope that Black would get it....