Colorado Rockies and Coors Field: Diamondbacks ‘Huffing and Puffing’

You can add the Arizona Diamondbacks to the list of those who are dealing with the effects that the Colorado Rockies feel for 81 games each season playing in the altitude of Denver.

Prior to Saturday game’s against the Rockies at Coors Field, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Luvollo was asked about his team not taking batting practice before the contest. He made it clear that fans coming early to the ballpark wouldn’t see his team in the batting cage during the remainder of their time in LoDo.

"“We want to keep them off the field as much as possible,” Luvollo told reporters. “It’s tough. We have a couple of guys who aren’t feeling so good and it’s well documented. I know that everyone is coming up here huffing and puffing and it’s causing shortness of breath. It made sense to keep them off the field today and tomorrow.”"

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Lovullo said the Diamondbacks have been dealing with illness since spring training. Often tabbed as “flu-like symptoms,” the illness and altitude has at least impacted Arizona’s lineup in one aspect during their weekend stay in Denver. Chris Owings was slated to be in the lineup on Saturday night, but Lovullo said he wasn’t feeling well enough to make the start. He will be available later in the game, but Nick Ahmed was scheduled to start Saturday at shortstop and bat second in Owings’ absence.

A recent article in FanGraphs discussed some of the challenges that comes along with playing at Coors Field, for both members of the Rockies and opponents. It’s an interesting read, especially looking at the aspect of sleep and the effects that altitude can have on it.

Of course, Arizona isn’t the only team dealing with playing at altitude. The Rockies know what playing in the Mile High City means for 81 games each season. How he would handle altitude is one of the questions that manager Bud Black was asked about the most at his introductory press conference in early November. It’s also one of the reasons why the Rockies carry an extra pitcher on their roster rather a position player like most Major League teams.

Next: We review the apple pie nachos at Coors Field

Chase Field sits at 242 feet above sea level. It seems the Diamondbacks will be ready to get back to that altitude and out of Denver sooner than later.