Weekend Recap: They Beat LA!

Friday

Rockies 13, Dodgers 3 (boxscore) 

Winning Players: The offense... again

The offense continued sizzling on this night against the surprisingly effective 2012 version of Chris Capuano. The boxscore was pretty to look at with Dexter Fowler contributing three more hits (two runs, two RBI), Michael Cuddyer touching the plate four times (home run included) and Wilin Rosario delivering the knockout punch with a three-run 6th inning homer.

There wasn't a single hole in the lineup among position players, and that was ultra-important given the piggyback pitching plan going into this game.

Josh Outman's Line: 3 1/3, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 K, 55 pitches (37 strikes)

Couldn't ask for much more out of Outman under the circumstances. A very effective line.

The Bullpen's Line: 5 2/3, 3 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, 4 K

The walks and two runs belonged to Carlos Torres (two innings). Adam Ottavino (1 2/3 - 0 R), Matt Belisle (1 IP - 1 ER) and Esmil Rogers (1 IP - 0 R) closed it down efficiently.

Highlight of the Game

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Memorial Day Special: Two Recaps For The Price Of One

Game 1: Rockies 9, Astros 7 (boxscore)

Winning Player: Jordan Pacheco

Pacheco started the Rockies offense with a 1st inning RBI triple to center field, scoring Dexter Fowler. And then he broke a 7-7 tie in the 8th inning with a clutch two-out, two-run single to center, scoring pinch-runner Jeremy Guthrie and Dexter Fowler... again.

Highlight of the Game: Watch Pacheco's big hits

I love watch Pacheco hit. This lineup is full of excellent hitters when they're clicking, and Pacheco currently takes a back seat to none in terms of my confidence when the Rockies need a good at-bat.

Obviously Todd Helton has a made career delivering clutch hits. Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler have also had their share. But with Pacheco, (much like Helton) you know you're going to get a professional approach — yes, I realize he doesn't walk — regardless of the score and inning.

Those are the guys I'll take my chances with and feel good about it every time, and it's nice to see the Rockies add another to the mix.

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Rock Solid Recrap: Monfort Speaks, Rockies Lose. Again.

Marlins 7, Rockies 6 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: The offense produced enough to win tonight. There's no question about that. But they still had several of those moments where you just shake your head at the opportunities they waste because they can't be bothered to change their approach in situational plate appearances.

There are no better examples of this possible than the three — yes, THREE — leadoff doubles they wasted tonight.

In the 4th and 6th innings respectively, it was Michael Cuddyer who doubled. He never moved either time. Wilin Rosario would strikeout swinging the first time and then groundout to second. Dexter Fowler popped to third and struck out in his two chances. The innings ended with Juan Nicasio and pinch-hitter Tyler Colvin striking out.

Then in the 9th, Jordan Pacheco doubled off Heath Bell with the Rockies trailing by the single run. Credit to Carlos Gonzalez, he moved Pacheco over with a grounder to second. That put Troy Tulowitzki in a spot where he could drive the tying run home several different ways, but as we've seen far too often from Tulo, he put forth a lousy at-bat at the worst possible time, ultimately popping up to short.

That put the pressure on a scuffling Todd Helton, who battled Bell as he has so many times in the past, but watched strike three sail by to end it.

The approaches have to improve and the importance of productive outs needs to be better understood by this ballclub. But that's something we've been saying as far back as 2010. Nothing new. It doesn't seem to matter who passes through, that message continues falling on deaf ears.

Turning Point: Simple. With the game tied at three in the 3rd inning, Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco laced a two-out, two-run double to the gap in left center. That's a turning point and a dagger.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Marlins 5-22-12

Monday's Recrap: Still 121 Chances To Write A Perfect Recrap

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-26)

1. Jonathan Herrera (2B)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

The one night experiment that worked for one inning is over. Everything is back to abnormal with Jonathan Herrera leading off and Dexter Fowler hitting eighth.

Go on about your Rockies pregame ranting as you normally would.

Miami Marlins (23-19)

1. Jose Reyes (SS)
2. Bryan Petersen (CF)
3. Hanley Ramirez (SS)
4. Austin Kearns (LF)
5. Giancarlo Stanton (RF)
6. Logan Morrison (1B)
7. John Buck (C)
8. Donnie Murphy (2B)
9. Ricky Nolasco (P)

No changes in the Marlins lineup. No need, either. They are red hot and not about to cool off before Colorado leaves town. 

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Rock Solid Recrap: Blake Street Brutality

Diamondbacks 9, Rockies 7 (boxscore)

I had a bad feeling we'd be in store for a miserable game this afternoon while writing last night's all positive recap. Sure enough, that bad feeling played out before my eyes. Well, at least until I stabbed them with a fork during the top of the 8th inning.

What Went Wrong: I hope you have some time on your hands. 

Rockies pitching walked nine. Five of those came from starter Juan Nicasio, but only one of his scored. Josh Outman (1 walk) and Rex Brothers (2 walks), on the other hand, were not effective enough to overcome theirs, and while Matt Belisle's didn't score, it forced Jim Tracy's hand and made him use up Josh Roenicke for one batter to finish the 7th.

That's worth nothing because had the game gone extra innings, Colorado would have been out of pitchers.

I also didn't understand Jim Tracy's use of the double switch there since Roenicke didn't return for the 8th. He brought in Michael Cuddyer during that switch to replace Tyler Colvin in right, so I don't think he gained much of anything defensively (a better arm for less range). Of course this comes just two days after Tracy didn't use a double switch when he absolutely should have to avoid Josh Outman leading off an inning, so who knows what the hell kind of logic this guy is using. If any.

PS: The Rockies also ran out of position players forcing Alex White to pinch-hit with the bases loaded in the 9th. Not that the double switch made a difference in that happening. Jim would have found another way to kill his bench I'm sure. In fact, I'm pretty sure Jim would have gone through the whole 40-man roster today if that was available.

Anyway, back to the pitching. Walks are killer as we know. So are two-out runs. Today, the Diamondbacks scored all nine of their runs with two outs. And they all came in the final five innings.

Brutal.

Also brutal? How about Ramon Hernandez's final two at-bats.

In the 8th inning, Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez had just walked Todd Helton and gone full with Jason Giambi (who singled to load the bases) when Ramon offered at the first pitch and popped out to shallow center. No advancement from the runners there.

Arizona's Hernandez would walk two more in the inning helping Colorado tie it, while further driving home my frustration with Ramon's AB.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs D-Backs 5-17-12

Wednesday's Recap: Nine Innings. No Complaints.

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-21)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Tyler Colvin (RF)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

Arizona Diamondbacks (16-22)

1. Gerardo Parra (CF)
2. Willie Bloomquist (SS)
3. Justin Upton (RF)
4. Miguel Montero (C)
5. Jason Kubel (LF)
6. Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
7. Ryan Roberts (3B)
8. Aaron Hill (2B)
9. Trevor Cahill (P)

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Rock Solid Recrap: Nicasio's Dominance Not Enough To Overcome Rockies Offensive Woes

Dodgers 2, Rockies 1 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: I could just copy and paste what I wrote last night and change Chris Capuano to Aaron Harang. Just another one of those typical west coast Rockies game where the offense failed to put pressure on the opposing pitcher. Been there. Seen it 1,000 times. What more can you say?

Turning Point: The entire top of the third was Rockies baseball at its lousy in-game managing, awful execution worst.

Well, maybe not all awful. Juan Nicasio did successfully bunt Wilin Rosario to third after his lead-off double. But that only led to Jim Tracy putting on the dreaded contact play, which predictably failed when Marco Scutaro grounded sharply to James Loney. Loney dove to his right to make the stop and still had plenty of time to gun down Rosario by several feet at home plate. Not close.

Naturally, Jonathan Herrera followed this with a bloop double, putting runners at 2nd and 3rd with two outs. Los Angeles then passed on Carlos Gonzalez to load the bases for Troy Tulowitzki. Tulo fouled off the first pitch before flying out harmlessly to straight away center on the second, meaning his RBI total for May is still the same as yours and mine.

That's not good enough, obviously. And I say that fully understanding Tulowitzki will eventually get it together and put up fantastic numbers this season. But the Rockies really need that to be happening now. There's just no denying or escaping that, and because of it the universal frustration with Tulo is becoming more justifiable by the day.

Juan Nicasio's Line: 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 9 K, 102 pitches (64 strikes)

Nicasio is so much fun to watch when he's on.

Tonight, he was ON... and then some.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Dodgers 5-12-12

Friday's Recrap: Rockies Can't Solve Chris Capuano Or Dodger Stadium

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (13-18)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jonathan Herrera (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Tyler Colvin (CF)
8. Wilin Rosario (C)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

Perhaps this is a routine day off for Dexter Fowler, or perhaps Jim Tracy is growing tired of the inconsistent and frustrating approach at the plate, in addition to the sloppy outfield play that possibly cost the Rockies a baseball game last night. One couldn't blame him for citing either reason individually. Put together, he almost has no choice but to start Tyler Colvin to see if he can gain some traction in centerfield. 

Also, slightly surprised Chris Nelson hasn't started either game after his two-hit performance on Wednesday. It still appears his days could be numbered, maybe as soon as Eric Young Jr. returns. We shall see.   

Los Angeles Dodgers (21-11)

1. Dee Gordon (SS)
2. Mark Ellis (2B)
3. Matt Kemp (CF)
4. Andre Ethier (RF)
5. Bobby Abreu (LF)
6. Juan Uribe (3B)
7. James Loney (1B)
8. A.J. Ellis (C)
9. Aaron Harang (P)

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Rock Solid Recrap: Same Starting Pitching. Less Offense. More Bad Results.

Braves 7, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: At the risk of becoming repetitive, I will skip this section. You already know.

Turning Point: Two up, two down for Juan Nicasio to start the 3rd inning.

Three batters later. Three-run home run Freddie Freeman. 3-0 Braves.

I've said it repeatedly in these Recraps, Rockies pitchers must become stronger finishers. That doesn't mean throwing 95-97 in the 7th-8th innings, either. That means throwing quality pitches with two strikes and/or two outs to finish off hitters and close down innings. They have to be the absolute worst at this in baseball, and it seems to cost them every single time an inning is extended.

It's how you lose close games. It's how you blow big leads. It's how you lose games before they're even started. It's losing baseball.

Make some damn pitches and let the offense do work.

Juan Nicasio's Line: 5 IP, 6 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 93 pitches (49 strikes)

Not the outing Colorado needed from Nicasio. Not enough strikes. Not enough outs. Just not enough. But I won't come down too hard on him individually. He's carried a heavy load so far and I expect much better his next time out.

Meanwhile, Adam Ottavino made his Rockies debut and tossed two completely perfect innings this afternoon. Carlos Torres then threw a perfect 9th after throwing a perfect 8th last night.

You know what was really cool about those four innings?

47 total pitches, 33 strikes.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Braves 5-6-12

Saturday Night's Recrap (if you can stomach it): Pitching Continues Circling The Drain

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (12-14)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jonathan Herrera (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Jason Giambi (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

I think Jim Tracy got the memo on his Sunday lineups. He'll never admit that, of course, but they have definitely improved since he commented on them a couple weeks back. 

Atlanta Braves (17-11)

1. Michael Bourn (CF)
2. Martin Prado (LF)
3. Freddie Freeman (1B)
4. Dan Uggla (2B)
5. Jason Heyward (RF)
6. Juan Francisco (3B)
7. David Ross (C)
8. Tyler Pastornicky (SS)
9. Brandon Beachy (P)

No Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Eric Hinske or Matt Diaz? So, you're saying there's a chance? Or are they all going to show up in the later innings to destroy our weekend? 

Don't answer that. 

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Rock Solid Recap: CarGo Stays Hot, Helps Cool Off Dodgers

Rockies 6, Dodgers 2 (boxscore)

Winning Player: Carlos Gonzalez (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 broken bats)

Just to give you an idea of how productive he was tonight, even the lone out he made was an RBI grounder in the first. He really played his offensive role perfectly tonight and is so locked in right now it's making life much easier for the pieces around him.

Also, he made a really good catch. (Watch)

Honorable Mentions: Troy Tulowitzki - Only one hit, but it was the game-breaking two-run double in the decisive 4th.

Ramon Hernandez - We've seen his power early in the season, but tonight he impressed with his situational hitting. In the 4th, it was a sacrifice fly that capped the three-run rally. In the 6th, Ramon delivered a two-out RBI double that pushed the advantage to 5-2. Big insurance runs.

Turning Point: Ramon's double led us to 7th inning, where Jim Tracy surprised most of us by putting Juan Nicasio back on the hill after he needed a season high 108 pitches to get through the first six. Granted, Nicasio had held his own all night long and the bullpen was certainly gassed from the weekend series with New York, but it just felt like Nicasio had reached his limit in a stressful 6th and this was going to be a really bad idea.

Exactly seven pitches later, it proved to be a really bad idea as pinch-hitter Jerry Hairston and lead-off man Dee Gordon smoked back-to-back singles. That forced Tracy to finally budge and make his call... to Esmil Rogers. Rogers then made a difficult situation an impossible situation by walking Mark Ellis to load the bases for Matt Kemp.

*GULP*

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Dodgers 4-30-12

Sunday's Recrap: Rockies Still Can't Hit Santana, Drop Series Despite Late Heroics

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (10-11)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jonathan Herrera (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Ramon Hernandez (C)
7. Tyler Colvin (RF)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

Michael Cuddyer catches a breather tonight with Tyler Colvin getting a start in RF. Not sure if this is at all connected to Cuddyer to banging his foot against the right field wall yesterday or just a routine day off/chance to get Colvin in the lineup.

Ramon Hernandez moves up one spot to fill Cuddyer's hitting shoes while Jonathan Herrara and Dexter Fowler are once again hitting 2nd and 8th respectively.  

Los Angeles Dodgers (16-6)

1. Dee Gordon (SS)
2. Mark Ellis (2B)
3. Matt Kemp (CF)
4. Andre Ethier (RF)
5. James Loney (1B)
6. Juan Uribe (3B)
7. Tony Gwynn Jr. (LF)
8. A.J. Ellis (C) 
9. Aaron Harang (P)

Los Angeles is the hottest team in the National League having just swept the next hottest team (Washington) over the weekend. Needless to say these next three games are going to be challenging and will require the Rockies to play near perfect baseball. Or as I sometimes like to say, "nine innings or no chance".

I would also advise Juan Nicasio to keep Dee Gordon off the bases ahead of Kemp and Ethier, and to be the first Rockies pitcher to make A.J. Ellis look like A.J. Ellis at the plate instead of Buster Posey.

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Quick Game 1 Recap and Game 2 Lineups

Rockies 2, Pirates 1 (boxscore)

Winning Player: It probably feels like Juan Nicasio deserves the nod here, but how about the bounce back effort from Esmil Rogers?

Called upon in the eighth inning with a one-run lead, Rogers not only accepted the challenge from Jim Tracy, but owned it by striking out the Pirates 2-3-4 hitters. A dominant, emphatic and damned impressive shutdown inning when the Rockies desperately needed one. Also, our short relievers take a pounding when things go poorly, so why not pat them on the ass when they come up big?

Well done, Esmil.

And well done by Matt Reynolds (got his one batter) and Rafael Betancourt (1-2-3 ninth for his sixth save).

Turning Point: Eric Young's wheels have been changing games all month, and that's what happened again with the game tied at 1 in the eighth.

With one man already out, the speedster reached base on a hit by pitch. Marco Scutaro directly followed that with a single through the hole on the LEFT side created by Clint Barmes cheating towards second (looking for an EY steal attempt), which allowed Jr. to move first to third without hesitation. That set up Tyler Colvin, who hit nothing more than a medium pop fly to right field. But that's all EY needed to score from third and give the Rockies the lead.

Watch EY get down the line for the win

Just that simple. That just quick.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Pirates 4-25-12 (Game 1)

Last Night's Recrap: Rockies Killer B's Kill Rockies

A real quick look at the Game 1 lineups while I have a moment.

Colorado Rockies (8-8)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Tyler Colvin (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Jason Giambi (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Chris Nelson (3B)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

Pittsburgh Pirates (7-9)

1. Alex Presley (LF)
2. Jose Tabata (RF)
3. Andrew McCutchen (CF)
4. Neil Walker (2B)
5. Casey McGehee (1B)
6. Pedro Alvarez (3B)
7. Clint Barmes (SS)
8. Michael McKenry (C)
9. James McDonald (P)

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Rock Solid Recap: Bottoms Up

Rockies 8, Padres 4  (boxscore)

Winning Player(s): As the title may or may not indicate, I'm going with the bottom third of tonight's starting lineup. That includes Chris Nelson, Jonathan Herrera and Juan Nicasio. All three played a huge part in tonight's win, and you're about to read how.

Turning Point: Sometimes the turning point can be obscure, other times it's blatantly obvious. Tonight's was the latter, because it came via Chris Nelson's two-run double in the second that gave Colorado a 2-1 lead.

The most important thing is that it did just that, gave Colorado the lead. But with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out, I felt like it was ultra important for the Rockies to not settle for one, or even worse, none in that spot. Nelson's hit not only guaranteed they would put up the crooked number, but it opened the flood gates to a five-run inning that San Diego never recovered from.

Nelson would finish up his night with a pair of doubles, a walk, two runs scored and two more driven in. That's how you take an opportunity and run with it.

Juan Nicasio's Line: 6 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, 99 pitches (65 strikes)

Terrific outing for Nicasio on the heels of that unexpectedly disastrous effort against San Francisco. If you recall, Nicasio walked FIVE in that game (career high), but came back firing strikes with all of his pitches tonight and worked effectively outside of the zone when he had to. The only Padre that got to him was Chase Headley (two home runs), but he's been getting to every Rockies pitcher since he came into the league so we're used to seeing that.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Padres 4-18-12

Colorado Rockies (5-6)

1. Marco Scutaro (SS)
2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Wilin Rosario (C)
7. Chris Nelson (3B)
8. Jonathan Herrera (2B)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

To the surprise of very few, Troy Tulowitzki gets the night off. 

People have been calling for that dating back as far as Saturday, but last night's two errors and the non-effort to run out a groundball — controversial or not, just run — sealed the deal. Now he has two full days to clear his mind, rest his hip, or whatever it is he needs to do to get back on track. 

To replace Tulo, Marco Scutaro, a shortstop by trade, slides over to his more comfortable position while Jonathan Herrera — coming off three hits on Sunday — will try to continue being a professional pain in the opponent's ass. 

It's also worth noting that Wilin Rosario receives another start behind the plate. We understand Ramon Hernandez tweaked a hand during his final at-bat on Monday, which is a contributor in this decision, but Rosario more than earn the opportunity with his performance last night. I'm looking forward to seeing how he builds on that. 

San Diego Padres (3-9)

1. Will Venable (CF)
2. Chris Denorfia (RF)
3. Chase Headley (3B)
4. Jesus Guzman (LF)
5. Yonder Alonso (1B)
6. Nick Hundley (C)
7. Jason Bartlett (SS)
8. Orlando Hudson (2B)
9. Clayton Richard (P)

What They're Saying About Jamie Moyer's win

— Last Night's Recap: Jamie Moyer Earns His Place In The History Book

— Michelle Hoag over at Rox Pile

— David Martin from Rockies Review

— Andrew Fisher from Purple Row

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Rock Solid Recap: Rockies Resilience On Display In Comeback Win

Rockies 7, Diamondbacks 6 (boxscore)

I have to say, as encouraging and fun as Wednesday night's hit parade against Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants bullpen was, this performance and result tonight actually made a bigger impact with me.

It's one thing to have a night where everything just clicks offensively and the stats quickly become inflated. It's quite another to scratch, claw and battle all the way back from a 6-2 deficit against a quality opponent — team and pitcher — and then never give it back once you've taken it.

I loved this win. The team owed it to Juan Nicasio after last Sunday. Everybody contributed to the comeback one way or another. No at-bats were given away... especially with two outs. The bullpen was simply lights out.

Bottom line: Resilient effort. Quality win.

Winning Player(s): The Bullpen

Esmil Rogers has been outstanding (damn near perfect) so far in his relief role and that definitely includes tonight's CLUTCH two and a third scoreless. Rogers took over for a scuffling Juan Nicasio in the third, cutting off what had already been a four-run inning. He then ran into trouble of his own  — 2nd and 3rd, no outs — in the fourth, but showed poise and maturity well beyond what we've seen from him in the past by getting through it unharmed with a groundout and two strikeouts.

Rogers then gave way to Matt Belisle, who pitched a clean sixth and then dealt with a two-base Michael Cuddyer error starting the seventh. Yes, all three Rockies outfielders have dropped a flyball within the first seven games, although this one was by far the furthest away from being routine. Anyway, Belisle was unfazed by the situation and left Miguel Montero standing right there.

Rex Brothers would then pitch a rocky but scoreless eighth, ultimately earning the victory. Which leads to...

Betanclock: 8 minutes, 58 seconds was all Raffy needed to convert this tight, one-run save. He's now 2-for-2 on the season.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs D-Backs 4-13-12

Colorado Rockies (2-4)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Chris Nelson (3B)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

Fifth time we've seen this lineup is seven games, so the pre-written complaints about Jim Tracy tinkering with the lineup remain on hold. Though I obviously wouldn't have minded some tinkering at the expense of Dexter Fowler after yesterday's defensive display, but I certainly didn't expect Tracy to hold him accountable, either, so it's business as usual here. 

Arizona Diamondbacks (5-1)

1. Willie Bloomquist (SS)
2. Jason Kubel (LF)
3. Justin Upton (RF)
4. Miguel Montero (C)
5. Chris Young (CF)
6. Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
7. Geoff Blum (3B)
8. Ryan Roberts (2B)
9. Daniel Hudson (P)

This Arizona squad was relentless in 2011 and is starting off the same way here in 2012. What that means for the Rockies is that they will need to put NINE solid innings together if they hope to start this weekend off on the right note. I'd hate to go as far as to say nine innings or no chance, but if less than nine wasn't good enough to beat Houston or San Francisco, I doubt it'll be enough to beat Arizona.

Links

— Andrew Fisher put together an extensive and well organized preview of the Rockies minor league system over at Purple Row this week. If you have a few moments to check that out by all means get on it. Purple Row

— Delmon Young had a difficult time dealing with the swirling winds at U.S. Cellular Field this afternoon. A really difficult time. MockSession

— Yesterday's Recrap: Heaven & Helton

Rock Solid Recrap: Sundays are back in Colorado

Astros 3, Rockies 2 (boxscore) 

What Went Wrong: Same as last night. Same as practically every Sunday from the 2011 season. Colorado's offense mounted few relevant threats against Bud Norris and the Astros bullpen. They were awful with runners in scoring position — 0-for-5 (3-for-17 in the series). And they backed that up with defensive letdowns at the absolute worst possible time.

That's the formula we've grown accustomed to. That's the formula Dan O'Dowd desperately tried to destroy with his string of offseason changes. It's not off to a promising start.

Of course Jim Tracy is going to catch a lot of flack for his usual Sunday lineup antics. Understandably so. But I have to admit I understood his thinking today (scary I know) initially, and didn't hate it, either. Of course my 20/20 hindsight vision hates it now, but five hours ago I was willing to give him a pass.

Yes, it would be ideal to spread the off days out. (Hopefully he does from now on) But the opening weekend congest things a bit. I think Tracy wanted to show consistency starting the same lineup on both Friday and Saturday, which is fine. You're obviously not going to bench regulars in the home opener. And he didn't want those bench players — most of whom were swinging hot bats at the end of spring — sitting idle for an entire week.

It's a tough thing to balance. For all his faults, I won't go after him for his thought process or the actual lineup. His late game strategy is much easier for me to target.

He made the call to bring in Dexter Fowler for defense with a one run lead in the eighth. That was a good start. Colvin shifted to right, upgrading that position as well. Cuddyer moved to first leaving Todd Helton on the bench. That proved costly. But the biggest move was the one he didn't make, leaving Jordan Pacheco to man third while Chris Nelson stayed glued to the bench.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Astros 4-8-12

Colorado Rockies (1-1)

1. Tyler Colvin (CF)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Jason Giambi (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Jonathan Herrera (2B)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

As always, Jim Tracy empties the bench for a Sunday game. But you know something? This lineup doesn't appear to suck. This lineup is actually intriguing. This lineup is, dare I say, a little bit exciting. Now I hope they're a lot bit productive.

Houston Astros (1-1)

1. Jordan Schafer (CF)
2. Jose Altuve (2B)
3. J.D. Martinez (LF)
4. Carlos Lee (1B)
5. Brian Bogusevic (RF)
6. Chris Johnson (3B)
7. Jason Castro (C)
8. Marwin Gonzalez (SS)
9. Bud Norris (P)

Here's something to think about; If the Astros win this game today, they will have a winning record for the first time since July 29, 2009. I'd really prefer the Rockies not be the team directly responsible for that.  

Links

— Recrap: Rockies Off Little Support For Jamie Moyer. Heaven & Helton

— Rockies bumble and get bombed... Purple Row

— Always a good idea to check in with Michelle Hoag after Rockies games. Here's what she had to say about last night's setback. Rox Pile 

— Looking for a thorough review of some baseball apps for your iPhone or iPoc Touch? Frank has you covered over at Rox Blox.

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton