Monday Morning Shortsop: Opening Weekend First Impressions

Two games down, and one hundred and sixty to go. We have merely scratched the surface of the 2011 campaign for the Colorado Rockies.

But after witnessing just the opening weekend, we have already watched an extra inning game, a wild pitch decide a game, Huston Street almost blow a game, Dexter Fowler save a game, and Mother Nature postpone a game.

A whole lot of commotion for just 1/81 of the season in the books.

Here are some other Opening Weekend First Impressions –

Breaking News – Cargo and Tulo are good defensively. Both flashed their leather in fantastic fashion, with Cargo’s full-on dive finding it’s way into Sportcenter’s Top Ten Plays.

Chris Iannetta is hitting great early in the season, knock on wood. He is batting .500 so far, which is leaps and bounds better than his career average in April, which is sub .200.

Both Colorado stud pitchers have finger issues – Ubaldo with a cuticle issue and De La with blister troubles. It doesn’t sound disastrous in either case, but it is troubling that both pitchers have problems with their hands, considering the Rockies level of success this season is literally in the hands of these two marquee pitchers. (Pun definitely intended)

Jose Lopez looks to be a solid acquisition, hitting a homerun in his first appearance as a Rockie. In fact, he’s the only Rockie who has gone yard, which is encouraging production from a second basemen, a position the Rockies have not received good power numbers from historically. (Remember Roberto Mejia?)

Fowler still can fly in the outfield, and took away a potential game-breaking hit in the ninth on Saturday, leaping against the wall and making a sweet catch.

Fowler and Cargo look to have their positions locked up, but is Seth Smith going to continue to hold down right field. He leads the team in hits (4), but also in strikeouts (3.)

Is Lopez going to be the every day second basemen?

Will the bullpen hold up? Dicey beginning.

Can Ian Stewart find his stroke and then in turn find a home at third, or will Wigginton jack his playing time.

Will Father Todd stay productive and will he stay healthy?

Who is going to step up when injuries occur? Because injuries are almost inevitable. (ie. The Rockies horse, Ubaldo, might already miss a start, and has an early ERA of 7.50)

These questions are just some of many which remain unanswered in Rockies country. 160 games to go, I can’t wait for some answers.

-Zach Cohn

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