Cook, bats wrap up playoff berth

The Rockies finished off a three-game sweep of the Brewers at Coors Field today and, in the process, put the finishing touches on a surprising playoff berth. Garrett Atkins was the star of the day, notching three hits and three RBI, but it was an all-around superb effort by the offense that led to a 9-2 win. Seven different players had hits, and the two that didn't -- including starting pitcher Aaron Cook -- drove in runs on bases-loaded walks.

As important as the offensive output, though, was the excellent performance by Cook on the mound. Cook was his old self today, pitching eight innings of one-run ball on just 85 pitches. Were Cook not coming back from injury, he probably could have pitched a complete game. On a day when the Rockies got such a complete effort from the offense, the Rockies didn't really need that kind of an outing from Cook to win. But heading into the playoffs, the team clearly needs Cook to be a rock: Jason Marquis has struggled in September, while Ubaldo Jimenez has had rough outings here and there this month. And it's never a good idea to rely too much on Jorge de la Rosa, no matter how good he's looked in the second half.

So now, the Rockies head to Los Angeles for the weekend playing with house money. With the playoff spot wrapped up already, the Rockies can try to win the division with a three-game sweep. Or they can concentrate on getting the stars rested up for the playoffs, and let the kids get some playing time.