Colorado wildfires: Gov. Polis declares disaster emergency for fire burning on Western Slope

Rockies reporter

Patrick Saunders

A third-generation Colorado native, Patrick has worked for The Denver Post since October 1998 when he began covering the Denver Broncos. He’s been a Rockies beat writer since 2005, save for a two-year stint as The Post’s online sports editor in 2010-11. Patrick was honored as the 2018 Colorado Sportswriter of the Year and was president of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2017. He graduated from Arvada High School, earned a degree in history and education from Fort Lewis College and has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado.

Colorado Rockies' Jordan Beck, front, reacts after being called out on strikes as Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis heads to the dugout to end the seventh inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rockies’ late rally too little in 9-5 loss to Pirates at Coors Field

August 3, 2025 at 6:35 p.m.

Pittsburgh leadoff hitter Spencer Horwitz did the most damage, belting two of the homers and driving in a career-high six runs.

Seth Halvorsen #54 of the Colorado Rockies reacts as he exits the game with Head Athletic Trainer Keith Dugger and Pitching Coach Darryl Scott of the Colorado Rockies (R) in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Coors Field on Aug. 2, 2025 in Denver. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Rockies moves: Closer Seth Halvorsen to IL, struggling Michael Toglia optioned to Triple-A

August 3, 2025 at 6:12 p.m.

The Rockies' roster shuffle on Sunday provided insights into the direction of the team.

Colorado Rockies' Orlando Arcia gestures as he crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run off Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera in the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rockies deck Pirates ace Paul Skenes, clinch series victory with 8-5 win

August 2, 2025 at 6:34 p.m.

The Colorado Rockies, owners of a 6-8 record since the All-Star break, clinched the three-game series against. It was Colorado's fifth series win of the season.

New York Yankees' Ryan McMahon celebrates after hitting a walk-off RBI single during the 11th inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Rockies Journal: Ryan McMahon, wearing Yankee pinstripes, ready for pressure

August 2, 2025 at 5:45 a.m.

The 30-year-old third baseman went from player-friendly, laid-back Coors Field to Yankee Stadium, where baseball is a religion and failure is not an option.

Colorado Rockies' Brenton Doyle follows the flight of his two-run walkoff home run off Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana in the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Brenton Doyle’s walk-off homer lifts Rockies to wild 17-16 win over Pirates on Grateful Dead Night

August 1, 2025 at 11:30 p.m.

You could almost hear the Deadheads muttering, "Man, what a long, strange trip it's been."

Bill Schmidt, general manager of the Colorado Rockies, looks on as players warm up before a baseball game against the New York Yankees Friday, May 23, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rockies GM Bill Schmidt ‘looking for continued growth’ over final two months

August 1, 2025 at 6:53 p.m.

They've taken the training wheels off the Kid Rox. Will they improve or crash and burn?

New York Yankees' Ryan McMahon sits in the dugout before a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Rockies trade deadline: Ryan McMahon big winner, German Marquez big loser

July 31, 2025 at 7:54 p.m.

As Major League Baseball's trade deadline drew to a close Thursday, things got wild.

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 19: Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jake Bird (59) celebrates a strike out in the 4th inning at Coors Field on April 19, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. The Colorado Rockies took on the Pittsburgh Pirates. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Rockies trade reliever Jake Bird to Yankees for prospects

July 31, 2025 at 5:57 p.m.

The Rockies traded right-handed reliever Jake Bird to the Yankees for two prospects Thursday.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Tyler Kinley reacts after giving up a double to allow in two runs to New York Mets' Pete Alonso in the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, June 6, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rockies trade Tyler Kinley to Braves for pitching prospect Austin Smith

July 30, 2025 at 7:51 p.m.

Tyler Kinley, the Rockies' veteran right-handed reliever with the wicked slider but a high ERA, was traded to the Braves on Wednesday, the Rockies announced.

Colorado Rockies right fielder Mickey Moniak (22) points to the sky after hitting a two-run home against Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) in the 4th inning at Coors Field in Denver, on Friday, June 20, 2025. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Rockies Journal: Mickey Moniak’s hot streak creates trade dilemma for Colorado

July 24, 2025 at 10:53 a.m.

Rockies fans could fall in love with Mickey Moniak, but only if they get the chance for a long-term relationship.