Fantasy, reality converge with rising Rockies

For better or for worse, there are some who dismiss fantasy sports as a fringe game played by pimple-faced, backward-hat-wearing, comic-book-reading, bazooka-chewing dorks.

And that is totally offensive because I quit chewing bazooka years ago.

The truth of the matter is that fantasy and reality often converge.

I was reminded of this while watching Rockies highlights during Labor Day weekend.

As Colorado emerges as the National League Wild Card favorite with four consecutive wins to improve to 18 games above .500, more of its players have emerged as viable fantasy options. Or maybe it's vice versa.

Two years ago, Matt Holliday led the Rockies to their surprising postseason berth.

Now, the team is flooded with options, starting with Holliday's replacement in left field, Seth Smith. Despite prolonged slumps from Brad Hawpe and Clint Barmes, the Rockies have soared thanks largely to a little-known surge from Smith, who sports a scorching-hot .519 average with four homers and 10 RBIs in seven September contests, leaving him with strong overall numbers (.318 AVG, 15 HR, .573 SLG).  Yet he remains available for the taking in many leagues, probably even yours.

The same can be said for utilityman turned starting third baseman Ian Stewart. Remember when Garrett Atkins carried Colorado's offense? Neither does Stewart, who unseated Atkins at the hot corner earlier this season and has only gained steam since, connecting for four homers in six September games. He's also not getting nearly enough attention as he should, taking his eligibility at second base into consideration.

NL Rookie of the Year candidate Dexter Fowler goes on the 15-day disabled list? No problem, just plug second-half surger Carlos Gonzalez into center field. The reinvigorated Huston Street goes down? Don't worry, go ahead and replace him with former top prospect Franklin Morales, who's converted four saves in as many tries this month. Rotation anchor Aaron Cook needs time off? There still might be room on the Jorge De La Rosa bandwagon.

Meanwhile, Ubaldo Jimenez has established himself as one of the NL's top starters, while rotation mates Jason Marquis and Jason Hammel appear on their way to career years. And that's not even mentioning comeback campaigns from Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton, the heart and soul of Colorado's offense.

If you asked savvy fantasy owners months ago about the Rockies, most would have given you a dose of reality: There's no shortage of young talent out in the Mile High City.

--Alex Cushing, MLB.com