Looking Ahead: Game 6 (Jimenez vs. Garland)

Meet The "B" Team

It's always a safe bet that you'll see the "B" lineups trotted out there on a Sunday afternoon. That becomes even more likely when teams engage in a 14-inning marathon the night before.

Jim Tracy has already confirmed that Todd Helton will start at first, so no Jason Giambi. That's a little surprising, but I reckon it has a lot to do with Giambi's 2-for-20 lifetime against Jon Garland.

I fully expect to see Olivo at catcher, Spilborghs in center, Smith in left, and Mora at third. Ian Stewart, while hot, hasn't had a day off yet. Barmes sat the final few innings last night. Hawpe had his day off in Milwaukee. And Tulo never really needs one.

Unfortunately, Adrian Gonzalez is the Padres' workhorse, so don't expect him to sit. Yorvit Torrealba should play his first game against his former teammates. I'll also predict we'll see at least once Hairston.

Ubaldo Jimenez vs. Jon Garland

Advantage Rockies... assuming Ubaldo is in Ubaldo form.

I can tell you another reason I'm really confident Melvin Mora will play. He's 10-for-28 with a double against Garland. That's the nice thing about bringing in these veterans like Giambi, Olivo and Mora. Not only do they provide great depth, their past AL careers have afforded them more looks at some veteran AL pitchers that have changed leagues. Garland is a good example of that.

MLB 10 The Show Simulation

Rockies 8, Padres 1

Ubaldo Jimenez needed just 102 pitches to throw a complete game gem. He only allowed one earned run, four hits and three walks, while striking out four. Boy wouldn't it be nice if that's how it played out this afternoon.

Todd Helton and Melvin Mora provided most of the offense. Helton was 3-for-4, falling a HR shy of the cycle. Yes, he managed a triple. Melvin Mora also tripled, while going 3-for-4 with 3 RBI. His fine history off Garland carried over into the simulated world of The Show. Seth Smith chipped in three walks and scored twice.