Happy Opening Day!

We got action in Milwaukee. Our favorite drinking town with a baseball problem.

Rockies @ Brewers -- Miller Park

Ubaldo Jimenez vs Yovani Gallardo

Seth Smith starts, Dexter Fowler sits, and it's alright

A non-story any other day but Opening Day. I'd say this was an easy decision for Tracy. One that I'm actually quite pleased he went ahead with. You're facing a legitimate right-handed ace, so why not start your obvious best left-handed hitters? Give yourself the best chance you can to win. He doesn't have to explain that to me.

As for Fowler, hopefully it will take A LOT more than sitting on Opening Day to rattle his confidence. If it doesn't, then there's a more to develop than just his right-handed swing. You know he'll be in the game late for defense, and he'll start games 2 & 3 against a couple lefties. You'll see Ryan Spilborghs get one start for sure, maybe even two. Everyone in the pool for series one. I like it.

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Blessing in Disguise?

I don't know what's going on with the Rockies pitchers and their sore shoulders and armpits. I mean seriously... a sore armpit? Late April Fools joke? Did he sleep wrong? Allergic reaction to deoderant? You have to admit Francis looks like the kid at your high school that was allergic to everything.

I do know I feel awful for Jeff. He traveled a long, long road of rehab and recovery to get this close to that next MLB start that seemed like it was never coming. I'm fairly certain this won't prove to be anything too serious, but you have to figure a little doubt creeps into the back of his mind when this pops up now of all times.

Okay, so being down two pitchers (in addition to Buchholz) before you even play game #1 of 162 isn't what you're hoping for. However, I do believe this latest thing to Francis gives the Rockies their best possible starting rotation on Opening Day. Maybe not in the correct order -- thanks to Tracy oddly naming Francis #2 -- but definitely the right five guys.

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Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 31

Cubs 2, Rockies 0  (Boxscore)

No hits and misses today.

What I saw out there were two teams far more interested in catching a flight out of town than playing baseball. Who can blame them? Arizona is a great place to be and all, and they're playing baseball of course, but there's only so much meaningleess baseball these guys can take. I think we all have our limitations in that regard. Mine ran out about three weeks ago.

That said, I congratulate Jeff Francis on his outing today. I'm sure a more patient lineup would have given him a little more trouble, but when you add the Cubs to getaway day, lots of early swings are going to happen.

The Rockies had been showing more patiences as a team this spring. That was non-existant today. Hopefully that sloppiness doesn't creep over into the weekend and opening day.

Hmm... aside from that, not much to add here.

Four days until the fun begins!

Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 30

Rockies 4, D-Backs 3 (Boxscore)

Hits

Ubaldo Jimenez

The only person more ready for opening day than you or me is Ubaldo.

Jason Giambi

His first inning two-run single was a 390 foot job off the top of the right field wall. What a rocket. He also drew a bases loaded walk that shows the type of patience the veteran slugger has. I think we're pretty lucky to still have him around.

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Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 29

Rockies 3, Dodgers 1  (Boxscore)

Hits

Greg Smith

I think Smith has been a hit pretty much every time he's pitched this spring. He was my sleeper at the beginning of camp and he's gone on to be more than that. I like the kid a lot.

Todd Helton

I like how all these guys are saving the big home run for the last week of spring. It's the perfect time for the regulars to find that HR stroke.  By the way, in case you haven't heard, Helton can flash a little leather from time to time as well.

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