Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Rock Solid Recap: Everybody Hits!

Rockies 12, Diamondbacks 1

The Rockies made Edwin Jackson pay for not being Dan Haren.

That's pretty much what it comes down to. This lineup was so frustrated last night by Haren that I don't think any pitcher they faced tonight would have stood a chance. Just as any pitcher after the Nolasco gem wouldn't stand a chance either.

Well, maybe Tim Lincecum... or Roy Halladay... or Ubaldo... would have, but not many others.

The point is when this lineup has a rough game this season they always seem to bounce back in a big way. Tonight was no exception.

Running Thoughts: Jimenez vs. E. Jackson

Ian Stewart was interviewed by the folks over at MLB Trade Rumors.

Quite the interesting lineup tonight for the Rockies.  Eric Young Jr. does get a start at second base... and he's leading off.  Fowler hits second.  The speed there is off the charts with those two.  Helton and Tulowitzki hit in their customary 3 and 4 spots.

Carlos Gonzalez slides down to 5th.  I like it.  I've been very anxious to see CarGo moved to an RBI position in the order.  I think he'll thrive there now, and I think he'd thrive there if the Rockies elect to trade Brad Hawpe at some point in the near future.

Olivo hits 6th, Stewart 7th, and there's Seth Smith hitting 8th.  That's one damn good #8 hitter.  Very excited to see how this lineup performs tonight.

Looking Ahead: It's Ubaldo Night

Having witnessed Roy Halladay lose his perfect 4-0 record last night in San Francisco doesn't concern me about Ubaldo Jimenez tonight. We all knew these guys were human.

The 250 total pitches he's thrown in his last two starts DO have me concerned about Ubaldo Jimenez, not only tonight, but going forward. Like I said, we all know they're human.

Concerned is the word... not worried or panicked. You know what I mean? Just slightly uncomfortable.

I'm less concerned about the injuries to Jason Hammel and Jorge De La Rosa. Yes, this team can't afford another injury right now, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little excited to see what Jhoulys Chacin and Esmil Rogers have in them.

Chris Iannetta Needs To Play Baseball

That's why I'm fine with the Rockies optioning him down to Colorado Springs, because at least I know he'll be playing everyday for the forseeable future.

People will support Chris Iannetta (I've been one of those people) through this "demoition" while others will see this as a reason to count him out. Personally, I just want Chris to have a chance to get on the field consistently and establish something... anything.

I feel like every time he has a 2-3 game slip up in performance, the rug gets pulled out from under him. He's gone from the lineup. His replacement takes off for awhile, which is fantastic for the team, but Chris becomes the afterthought. That doesn't help him develop, and it sure doesn't give me a good idea of what Chris can do, or how he can bounce back.

I imagine that's not too good for a player's confidence either. He sees the commitment being made to the talent around him (Ian Stewart, Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez, Clint Barmes) as they've struggled through rough stretches, but he's never seen that same confidence shown in him.