Saturday, July 23, 2011

Lackluster Recrap: Hammel's struggles continue

D-Backs 12, Rockies 3 (boxscore)

Let's keep this short and sweet tonight.

Wish I could tell you what was wrong with Jason Hammel. Some people think he's distracted and disengaged. I wouldn't be surprised if he was hurting. Either the back injury that knocked him out a handful of starts ago, or something that developed because he pitched through that. Maybe it's a dead arm, or maybe he's just regressed to being a fringe rotation guy.

I don't know, but whatever it is is coming at the worst time. With Aaron Cook struggling. With Juan Nicasio learning on the fly. With Ubaldo and Jhoulys trading off being good, the Rockies need Hammel to ascend to and sustain being a dependable middle of the rotation guy. Instead, he's bouncing back and forth between decent outings and ugly outings.

Here's the line: 5 2/3 IP, 12 H (ick), 8 ER (career high), 4 BB, 7 K (not bad)

He actually rallied in the final 3+ innings to make the numbers look more respectable, but this was still a flat out ugly outing. He desperately needs a rebound next weekend in San Diego.

Three postives

1. Ty Wigginton two-out, two-run single: This was a mild upset. Wigginton has been less than efficient in these situations recently so it was nice to see him get a ball in play and plate a couple runs.

2. Eric Stults: Gave up the grand slam to Justin Upton. Got that. But he ate up three innings and gave some arms the night off.

3. Todd ties Manny: Anything little milestone for Todd Helton is newsworthy. On Saturday he smacked career double No. 547, tying him with Manny Ramirez on the all-time list. I'll be very happy when he blows right past that goofball.

Overall

Tomorrow's Sunday. I'd tell you to find something else to do with your afternoon (chances are you already are), but Ubaldo is pitching and that's a decent hook to watch. And who knows, it could be any number of Rockies final game with the team. Soooo check it out. Or don't. Whatever.

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