Saturday, June 5, 2010

Rock Solid Recrap: Role Reversal

Wasn't the Arizona bullpen supposed to be the implosion waiting to happen?

Wasn't the Colorado bullpen supposed to come right in and lock things down for Aaron Cook when he exited with a three run lead?

That's not how things played out tonight, and for second time this season, Arizona steals a win from the Rockies they had no business stealing.

Diamondbacks 7, Rockies 6

Arizona Bullpen -- 3 IP, 1 BB, 6 K

Colorado Bullpen -- 3 1/3 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

That's a hideous breakdown if you're a Rockies supporter.. or their pitching coach.

The only guy who came in and did his job was Rafael Betancourt. Daley, Beimel, Belisle, Flores,and Corpas all struggled to varying degrees, with Corpas ultimately blowing the save and taking the loss.

Not. Pretty.

But nothing about this game was pretty.  And at least with the bullpen you feel strongly it's a one night hiccup.

Losing Player: Aaron Cook

Despite leaving with the lead, Cook was far from what you'd call effective or good, and was pretty lucky to last long enough to even qualify for the win.

He once again had no sinker in his arsenal. I've never seen him rely so much on every pitch but his sinker. Is this by design? If so, that's a stupid idea.

Or maybe it's because he's ailing to some degree. Maybe he can't grip it like he wants to. Maybe it doesn't feel good to throw. I don't know what the deal is for sure, but it's a bad deal for the Rockies if he can't be himself.

The offense did enough to win. They came through with three bombs, including a monster 3-run shot by Ian Stewart in the sixth. But the offense also did its typical disappearing act in the final innings. Too many times we seem them rest on a lead and put the bullpen in the ultimate pressure cooker.

It caught up to them tonight.

So did the 14 times Colorado struckout. Ick.

Turning the page to tomorrow very quickly. Big game for Jhoulys Chacin. Rockies can't afford to lose another road series to a bad team.

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