Rockies/Phillies Preview
By Nick Abel | October 6, 2009
Here we go, the eve of the NLDS and we have learned that our best pitcher of late, Jorge De La Rosa will not pitch against the Phillies. This means our rotation will be this… Jimenez, Cook, Hammel, and Marquis. The Rockies will go up against Cliff Lee in game one. 2009 will be much different than 2007, as there will be no sweep for either side.
The Rockies come into the series with lots of confidence. They all most pulled off the greatest division turnaround in history and went from the basement of the NL to playing for a shot to be world champs. Here are some keys to the series ill be looking at.
1. Atkins or Stewart? Due to the amount of lefty’s they will be facing, I see Atkins starting at least game one and two in Philly. If he shows signs of life (which he has as of late), he will play game 3 and beyond. Stewart has not hit very well this season and is batting under .200 against left handers.
2. Will we get the timely hitting we need to win the close games? Players like Seth Smith, Jason Giambi, and Ryan Spilborghs will be key in pinch hitting situations in the later innings. Our pitching will keep up in the games, but when it comes to playoff baseball, it takes both great pitching and timely hitting.
3 Bullpen must stand strong! We have seen signs of greatness and signs of weakness in the bullpen this year. The big question would be Franklin Morales. Can he be trusted in high pressure situations in the 7th and 8th innings. He loses control easily and loses focus on getting outs. Jim Tracy speaks highly of Franklin, but he will be key to holding on to leads or keeping the Rockies within reach of winning the game.
With all that said, here comes my all mighty prediction.
Game 1 - Rockies 3 Phillies 4 - Jimenez pitches well, but just short against Lee.
Game 2 - Rockies 4 Phillies 1 - Cook comes out and pitches 8 strong and ties the series.
Game 3- Rockies 5 Phillies 3 - Hammel shows he can pitch in the cold behind a rowdy Coors Field crowd.
Game 4 - Rockies 7 Phillies 6 - Marquis struggles but Rockies hitting steps up and walk-off the Phillies to the NLCS.
Rockies in 4
My other series predictions.
Dodgers vs. Cardinals - Cards in 5
Yankees vs. Twins/Tigers - Yankees in 3
Red Sox vs. Angels - Red Sox in 4
UPDATE: NLDS ROSTER:
Lineup
CF Dexter Fowler
LF Carlos Gonzalez
1B Todd Helton
SS Troy Tulowitzki
3B Garrett Atkins
C Yorvit Torrealba
RF Brad Hawpe
2B Clint Barmes
P Ubaldo Jimenez
Left-handed reserves
Ian Stewart
Jason Giambi
Seth Smith
Right-handed reserves
Ryan Spilborghs
Chris Iannetta
Switch-hitting reserve
Eric Young Jr.
Bullpen
LHP Joe Beimel
LHP Franklin Morales
RHP Jason Marquis
RHP Jose Contreras
RHP Matt Belisle
RHP Matt Daley
RHP Rafael Betancourt
RHP Huston Street
Game 2 starter — RHP Aaron Cook
Game 3 starter — RHP Jason Hammel
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Time: October 6, 2009, 8:06 pm
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Time: November 5, 2009, 3:59 pm
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