Bud Black found himself in a gray area and left red-faced again. The Rockies had an opportunity to win the season-opener at Tampa Bay on Friday, and it was snatched from them when Black removed starter Kyle Freeland. The left-hander worked six innings on 67 pitches, including 53 strikes. He feature d impeccable command. And then he was gone, a concession to adrenaline, never working seven innings in spring training, the blistering sun, the small stadium and the sweat in his eyes. OK, the last three reasons were made up, but would it surprise you if they weren’t? Black is known for his ability to handle a pitching staff, but too many years in the altitude have left him light-headed. He did not watch to push it. It is too early in the season. Freeland admitted he told Black he was a “little bit” winded after the sixth. So push through it. Black should have demanded as much. This is how cultures change. You win games like this. Instead, it was the same ol’ try-hard Rockies. It would be one thing if Black was protecting Freeland because the Rockies were prepared to flip him for prospects at the trade deadline. That is a great reason. So you know it has never crossed the Rockies’ mind. Freeland eclipsed 75 pitches in the Cactus League. He could have started the seventh. If he looks gassed, take him out. Why the rush to use Tyler Kinley? He recorded one out, and was tagged for two runs as the Rays tied the score. But hey, Freeland will be well-rested for his next start in Philadelphia. This was a black-and-white decision, and the manager made the wrong one. Related Articles Renck: CU had no choice but to pay Coach Prime — and it’s the right one to keep Buffs relevant Renck: Michael Porter Jr. becoming problem for Nuggets’ championship hopes Renck vs. Keeler: Do Rockies have a plan? Why did they demote Zac Veen? Renck: Nuggets have big problems. They play no defense, and no one is listening to Michael Malone Renck & File: Shedeur Sanders is the next Bo Nix — and that’s a good thing Seeing Stars: The NHL playoff format stinks. The Avs, 12-1-1 in their last 14 games entering Saturday’s home matchup with the Blues, are all but destined to face the Dallas Stars in the first round, meaning one of the league’s top six teams will be knocked out. Colorado squaring off with Mikko Rantanen and Jamie Benn is delicious but should be reserved for the Western Conference Finals. Dumb puck luck could send either team home. Not ideal. At all. CSU’s March Madness: Maryland’s Derik Queen walked so Niko Medved could fly. The best coach in CSU history returned home, taking the Minnesota job. The Rams acted quickly, promoting assistant Ali Farokhmanesh. Everyone loves him, especially current and former players. Just remember the history of hiring from within is fraught with danger. For Farokhmanesh to succeed as a first-time head coach, he can no longer be the shoulder to cry on. That is the assistant’s role. Players must see him as their leader, not their friend, for this to work. AI Generated: Folsom Field replacing grass with artificial turf this summer is disappointing. CU has played on grass since 1999. It is how football is supposed to be, and safer, if you believe anecdotal evidence from competitors. An artificial surface makes it easier to hold concerts and other events. It is all about revenue. But whether it is turf or intelligence, artificial is not it. Final Thought: The Nuggets have spent the past two weeks tying a knot and desperately trying to hang on to a top-four playoff position. And the Avs refuse to lose and won’t move from their third spot. Both are facing grimy first-round matchups. If either wins a title, it will represent the hardest road taken since the 1997 Broncos. Want more Rockies news? Sign up for the Rockies Insider to get all our MLB analysis. ...read more read less