Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies

The Coors Field crowd stood and cheered in a possible -- maybe probable -- goodbye to Rockies right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano after his 6 2/3 strong innings in a 3-1 victory over the Royals on Friday night. Sugano spoke in Japanese through interpreter Yuto Sakurai in appreciation of a message from the fans that transcended language. With the Trade Deadline coming Monday at 4 p.m. MT, Sugano is a prime candidate to be sent elsewhere for talent the Rockies need in their rebuild. “It’s a special moment for me, given the circumstances,” Sugano said. “I feel really happy that I came to the Colorado Rockies.” Friday’s outing served as a summary of what he has given the Rockies since signing for one year and $5.1 million just before Spring Training -- not to mention a showcase for contending clubs wanting to improve their starting pitching. Sugano’s time with the Yomiuri Giants marked 12 of the greatest pitching seasons in Japanese baseball history. He joined the Majors with the Orioles last year, then proved that Coors can be conquered (7-2, 3.78 in nine home starts).