Patrick Saunders, who has been a staple of The Denver Post’s sports coverage for almost 28 years, announced that his latest mailbag column would be his final one before stepping away from the newsroom. In it, he took the opportunity to look back on a career that has spanned some of the franchise’s most memorable chapters.
The column centered on the Colorado Rockies, beginning with the recent promotion of infielder Cole Carrigg. Saunders explained that the move was driven by the organization’s evaluation of Carrigg’s minor‑league progress rather than any manipulation of service‑time rules, and he praised the player’s early impact at the plate.
Another highlight was the unexpected breakout of right‑hander T.J. Rumfield, who has exceeded many observers’ expectations this season. While Saunders noted that Rumfield’s odds for Rookie of the Year are limited by the Rockies’ subpar record and the hitter‑friendly nature of their home park, he emphasized the significance of the performance for a team seeking a new identity.
The writer also flagged the Rockies’ pitching staff as a major concern, pointing to the need for reliable arms beyond the current rotation. He highlighted veteran Antonio Senzatela’s recent outings and the potential impact of Japanese import Tomoyuki Sugano, both of whom could shape the staff’s trajectory.
On the All‑Star front, Saunders speculated that catcher Hunter Goodman is the most likely Rockies representative, while acknowledging that other prospects such as Charlie Condon, Zac Veen and JJ Wetherholt are also in the conversation, though the final selections will depend on voting and positional needs.
A career that bridges baseball and Colorado’s sporting heritage
Throughout the piece, Saunders reflected on his own career milestones, from covering the Rockies’ “Rocktober” runs to chronicling the Broncos’ Super Bowl victories, underscoring how the intersection of baseball and broader Colorado sports culture has defined his reporting.