No Time To Panic

Yes, it's true we currently have a hole in the #1 starter position. The Rockies lost their 5th straight game with the #1 Spot going whether it was Cook, Chacin or Fogg in the spot. The last time the Rockies won in that spot was July 31st in Cincinnati. Since then the Rockies are 16-3 from the #2-#5 slots, while 0-5 from the #1 Slot, which really now is #5.

The Rockies can skip the slot until next Saturday, or even fill it in the regularly scheduled spot next Tuesday, when Rosters expand. When Cook was unable to pitch, the Rockies tried to plug it with long relievers, which didn't work out so well. And even if the new starter can't pitch very long, the expanded roster will allow more relievers to pitch, so that the bullpen is no longer overloaded.

Here's a list of former Rockies pitchers at Colorado Springs:
Adam Eaton
Matt Belisle
Joel Peralta
Randy Flores
Jhoulys Chacin

There's also Russ Ortiz and Brandon Hynick as potential starters. For now, the next 8 games can be pitched by the other starters.

UPDATE: The Rockies are looking at Brad Penny released by the Red Sox last night and should clear waivers by Monday, as a possible addition. Penny pitched for Jim Tracy in LA. He wants to make the playoff roster however, and I'm not sure the Rockies should commit to that, although they wouldn't have to make that decision until October.

The Rockies also ran into a very hot pitcher last night in Randy Wolf. Today's starter, Vincente Padilla isn't even yet on the Dodgers Roster, and a win today would still put the Rockies in a good position and keep the pressure on the Dodgers. A loss wouldn't end the Rockies chances either. You also have to remember that the Rockies starting pitching has been pretty solid this year as Cook, Jimenez, Marquis, De La Rosa and Hammel have started 123 of the Rockies 127 games with Hammel having the fewest at 23 and Jimenez having the most at 26.

Juan Rincon was impressive in his 4 inning return last night, and Matt Herges also did a nice job in the last two innings, to save the bullpen.

Eric Young, Jr. had two hits last night 2 more hits but got picked off in the first inning for the 2nd time. Still looking forward to seeing him run.