Looking Ahead: Rubber Match

Jorge De La Rosa vs. Chris Volstad

A similar matchup to Smith vs. Nolasco, only De La Rosa is a more refined, more talented, better equipped to handle power right-handed hitters version of a left-hander than Smith is at this point. DLR can get swings and misses when he's ahead or behind in the count, and he can change speeds effectively enough to keep them off balance.

Volstad is a power right-handed arm like Nolasco, but he's not nearly as talented or effective. He's capable of having a Nolasco type day, but I don't one will come at the expense of the Rockies. That's more likely to happen to a Houston or San Diego.

EY Returns

Tough situation for Brad Hawpe. Placing him on the DL and getting him back to full strength has to be a priority, no matter how much his bat and production will be missed. Two weeks is better than 2-3 months.

I thought the Rockies may go with Jay Payton as the replacement, since Young hasn't exactly turned it on yet this spring. I guess you can never argue with the speed dimension he brings off the bench, but I'm not as big a fan of EY Jr. as most Rockies fans seem to be.

Anywho... more ABs for Smith and Spilborghs aren't the worst thing in the world either.

My Lineup Card

LF Gonzalez
CF Fowler
1B Helton
SS Tulowitzki
LF Smith
C Iannetta
3B Stewart
2B Barmes
P De La Rosa

Simulation

Marlins 10, Rockies 6

Bad

Jorge De La Rosa: 5 IP, 7 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 4 K
Hanley Ramirez: 4-for-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
Jorge Cantu: 2-for-5, HR, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R
Ronny Paulino: 3-for-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI

Good

Troy Tulowitzki: 4-for-4, 2B, 3B, 3 RBI, R

As you can see, much more bad than good.