Rock Solid Ryan Spilborghs Show Recap

Rockies 10, Blue Jays 3

Winning Player: Ryan Spilborghs

Not just today, but the entire weekend.  He set the tone for the offense on Friday night with an opposte field HR.  He set the tone today with TWO opposite field HRs (#1 & #2) and a triple.  Heck, if he had a few more ABs in the Houston series, who knows, he could be looking at NL Player of the Week honors.

He was simply a beast all three games.

Or as they say on the Toronto broadcasts: Ryan Spilborghs was quite the O-ffensive force this weekend.

Now I just wish guys like Ian Stewart could condition themselves to consistently drive the ball the other way.  That's the power alley.  Extend the arms, drive it, watch it fly.  Spilborghs is so good at that when he's on his game.  As is Todd Helton.  It's just so... beautiful... to watch.

I'm such a sucker for good fundamental hitting.  I can't help myself.

By the way, Toronto's broadcasts are actually pretty good.  Not filled with much personality or anything, just solid play-by-play, game analysis and knowledge of the opponent.  I appreciated that and always enjoy hearing different voices talk about the Rockies.  It helps keep a good perspective.

Needless to say they were very complimentary this weekend.  Especially of Ryan Spilborghs and Rockies pitching.  Oh, and they couldn't stop gushing about Carlos Gonzalez either (Highlight).  Neither can I, and I can't get over how much I love Helton hitting 2nd and CarGo hitting in an RBI position.  That's a dream come true from about five weeks ago.

Another thing I took from their broadcast is a new understanding for how incredibly popular Jeff Francis is in the entire country of Canada.  They almost treated his start today as if it were Stephen Strasburg making his debut again.

Note that I said almost.  It wasn't quite that over the top, but it was still a big deal.

Jeff didn't disappoint either.  That was a very strong outing against an offense I didn't think he'd fare well against.  He had solid command of his entire arsenal, and changed speeds well enough to slow their power bats.  Good stuff from Jeff.

Also, a well called game by Chris Iannetta behind the plate.  That hasn't been a strong suit for him lately, but I suspect it's something he was coached on between starts.  The game plan was good.  The execution was better.

And Chris threw a couple hits out there as well.  Literally threw (Highlight) them out there, but we'll take them.  Can't forget Clint Barmes either.  He continues to pacify his critics with some very solid baseball.  Two big RBI doubles today and more great defense at shortstop.

This was a terrific weekend of baseball for the Rockies entire team.  Now they take a trip to Minnesota to take on the team they try to mirror themselves after.  Can't wait for the action to begin on Tuesday night at brand new Target Field.

Until then... enjoy your Tacos Rockies fans.  You've been waiting for two weeks!

Lineup Card: Rockies vs. Blue Jays

This one just has an empty the bullpen type feel going into it.

Jesse Litsch: Making his first ML start in over a year after Tommy John Surgery.

Jeff Francis:  A little off his game the last couple starts.  If that issue isn't solved today, against a mostly right-handed power hitting club, he could be in line for a short opening.

Not to mention two offenses that seem destined to break out sometime soon.

Rockies Lineup (2-0)

• SS Herrera 
• 1B Helton
• CF Gonzalez
• RF Hawpe
• LF Spilborghs
• 3B Stewart
• C   Iannetta
• 2B Barmes
• P   Francis

So Ryan Spilborghs is now on the plus side of the platoon with Seth Smith.  Nothing wrong with that.  It gives Jim Tracy his best pinch-hitting option back in the late innings and allows Spilborghs to build up the ABs.

Blue Jays Lineup (34-29)

• RF Bautista
• 2B Hill
• LF Lind
• CF Wells
• SS Gonzalez
• 1B Overbay
• C  Buck
• 3B Encarnacion
• P   Litsch

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