DENVER -- The Rockies begin September as contenders, holding the second National League Wild Card spot, and their strategy when rosters expand on Friday will be different than their approach in recent years.
Contending teams can specialize in certain aspects, manager Bud Black said. Giving more time to left-handed specialists, pinch-runners and defensive standouts are among the options. That's a different strategy than the one used by most rebuilding teams, which may bring up players who hope to make a strong impression for the next season.
"Both in contention or not contending, you just don't want to bring guys up [without] planning on using them," said Black, who has been part of contending and rebuilding teams in his 38 years as a player, coach and manager.