We are 3 games into the season and I'm pleased to see that the Rockies are still above .500 and in the hunt for the NL West crown. I didn't get to go to opening day for the first time in the last 4 years, but I did watch the replay on FSN that night. After watching the first three games against Arizona, there are definitely more things I like about this team than I don't like.
First off, the things I don't like or am not sold on. Willy Taveras. The guy can float, and has the ability to seal a lot of bases. In the first two games, he was able to get on base in the first inning and steal second. Unfortunately, those were the only two times he was on base in the first two games. In the two games he has played, he is 1-9 with a walk , 2 stolen bases , and 6 strikeouts. He is the real-life version of Willy Mays Hayes. He may run like Mays, but he hits like shit. Steve Finley got the start in center in game 3, but didn't fare much better. Overall, the Rockies leadoff spot has gone 2-15. Even though Rodrigo Lopez pitched very well in game 3 of the D-Backs series, I'm still not sold on him. I know he has won 12-15 games consistently the past several seasons, he was brutal this spring, but he did look good Wednesday afternoon. Like everyone knew, the Rockies rotation is probably the biggest weak spot for this team, but so far it hasn't been terrible. We'll see how Jason Hirsh and Josh Fogg fare against San Diego the next couple days.
Through the first three games, there are a lot of things I do like. I love the middle of this order, with Atkins, Helton, Holliday, and Hawpe. Helton is healthy again and I think will have a bigger year than most people expected. Plus, the bottom of the order with Tulowitzki and Ianetta has given the Rox key hits and RBIs, something that killed them last year. I also like the bullpen, especially late in games. LaTroy Hawkins struggled opening day, but bounced back with solid outings the next two games. Manny Corpas and Ramon Ramirez looked good in the 6th and 7th innings, and Brian Fuentes is still dirty in the 9th. Lastly, It would sure be nice to get Jeff Baker more at bats. He was 3-3 pinch hitting against Arizona with a HR, single, and double. Every hit was a line drive and solid. He has a great swing and would be a good play filling in for Hawpe against lefties.
The season is still young, but the foundation the Rox have built looks good, and hopefully the bright spots continue to shine throughout the season.
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