Comment on Mike’s Blog Round-Up

“Women and Children First,” by Alina Grabowski (SJP Lit, 2024) This novel examines the impact of an unexpected and unexplained tragic event on a small town in rural Massachusetts. The story unfolds through the perspectives of 10 different women living there. An understated exploration of grief, family and community, and how relationships and even truths can shift when tragedy upends your world.

Writers and historians have labeled Denver’s South Platte River a melancholy stream. An open sewer. A miserable, nothing river with so fickle a flow a dog could lap it away — maybe the sorriest river in America. Even now, after decades of revitalization and efforts to stabilize flows, sections of the urban South Platte still smell of decay and waste, and city officials discourage swimming.

The Rockies’ ever-evolving starting rotation will look much different in the coming seasons. Lefty Austin Gomber is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season, as are right-handers German Marquez and Cal Quantrill. However, there are several talented prospects in the system. Here are five who could become impactful starters over the next three seasons. 1.

On a Tuesday in Timnath, the game of golf knelt at Austin Barry’s feet. Barry was vintage Tiger with the drive. He was classic Mickelson with his irons. And the senior was superhuman with the putter, all en route to an eye-popping round of 59 during a league meet at Harmony Golf Club on Aug.

Chase Dollander is the Rockies’ ace-in-waiting. At 22, he holds the promise of a pitcher with enough talent and confidence to defy the odds in Colorado’s mile-high altitude. Ubaldo Jimenez in 2010 (19-8, 2.88 ERA, third in NL Cy Young Award voting) and Kyle Freeland in 2018 (17-7, 2.85 ERA, fourth) had phenomenal seasons with the Rockies, but their star power proved unsustainable. With Dollander, selected ninth overall out of Tennessee in the 2023 draft, there is legitimate hope he can become an ace for the long haul — something the Rockies have never had. Of course, that won’t be determined until Dollander tests his potential in the majors.

Dear Eric: Twelve years ago, I was a foster parent for a 12-year-old. “Angel” was reunified with her father after a year and when that blew up, she came back to live with me. At one point I petitioned the court and was granted legal custody. She has left and come back multiple times over the years. Angel just had a baby and is struggling in every way.