Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Spring Training Hits & Misses: Game 19 vs. San Diego

Hits

Jonathan Herrera and friends

Last week I told you to just assume Herrera was doing good things until you heard otherwise, but I can't help but acknowledge his big two-run triple tonight. It was actually a good offensive night all around for the Rockies starting lineup. Aside from Carlos Gonzalez — who will probably make up for this at a far more important time — every spot in the order contributed an RBI or run scored (Wilin Rosario pinch ran and scored for Ramon Hernandez, who left with a bruised knee after a HBP) in the first four innings.

Misses

Jhoulys Chacin

3 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K and 70 damn pitches.

Tonight was one of those nights where Chacin struggled to locate, missed few bats and the ball was carrying well, so the disappointing line is not all that difficult to figure out. I don't think there's anything here to be overly concerned about big picture unless the blister was a lingering problem. If so, he may need to take a few days off which would set back his progression towards opening day. Otherwise, just chalk it up to Arizona in mid-March.

Edgmer Escalona

Escalona pitched well in 25 appearances with the Rockies last season and had been pitching well this spring until tonight. But tonight was not good (0.2 IP, 5 R (3 ER), 3 H, 3 BB, HR) and for a guy WITH options remaining in a crowded arms race, he needed this night to not happen. A good bounce back effort will be required.