Running Thoughts: Smith. vs Benson

Miguel Olivo played just hours after passing two kidney stones?  That dude really does have stones!

How about this lineup... EY Jr. starting again, leading off again... and playing LF.  Alright.  Let's see how this goes.

Fowler, Helton, Tulowitzki, Gonzalez, Olivo, Stewart.  No surprises there.

Melvin Mora gets the nod over Barmes at second.  Could be an interesting defense day again as we've seen a few when Mora plays.

Only notable resting for Arizona is SS Stephen Drew.  That makes sense against the lefty Smith.

Alright... time to take another series.

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Looking Ahead: But Not Too Far Ahead

Have to focus on this big game at home before the big trip to San Francisco and beyond.

Greg Smith vs. Kris Benson

Hello, Greg Smith, you're now the #3 starter. That happened fast, didn't it? No pressure or anything, you just might need to go more than 5-6 innings these next few starts while we wait for everyone to get well again, or at least until we know what Rogers and Chacin are capable of.

It's possible they settle right in quickly, taking a lot of the pressure off you, but, for now, let's try to target that 7th inning.

Kris Benson on the mound for Arizona.

He's no Dan Haren. Heck, he's no Edwin Jackson, either. I would be extremely shocked if the Rockies don't pound him into the ground by the 4th inning. And even more so disappointed if they don't find a way to win the game. Gotta have it!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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