Rockies Lineup – August 11, 2012: More Tracy Tinkering

Despite my frustration with Jim Tracy, particularly his decisions regarding pitching changes and lineups, I have to admit that the man has been given a very difficult task this season. Last year I would always complain that he was constantly shuffling things around, never allowing anyone to get into a groove or build some momentum. He’s doing the same thing now, but as much out of necessity as out of incompetence. From the opening day lineup, key pieces Troy Tulowitzki, Todd Helton, and Michael Cuddyer are on the disabled list. Tulo has been on the 15-day DL for something like one hundred days, and Helton is out for the season. Also missing from opening day: Marco Scutaro, traded to San Francisco, and of course Jeremy Guthrie. We’ve had all sorts of call-ups that probably happened too soon; some (Edwar Cabrera) were woefully unready; others (Josh Rutledge) have risen to the occasion. I certainly don’t blame the evils of this season on injuries and trades, but wow. I really wouldn’t want to have the pencil in my hand right now.

That said, the Rockies are still sending out a markedly competent batting order. It ought to be able to get the job done against the Giants and … oh. Never mind. It’s Matt Cain on the mound. Let’s hope Drew Pomeranz is planning to pitch a shut-out, because that’s what he’ll have to do.

And one other thing. Despite my sympathy for the job Tracy has to do right now, I still do not understand him 99% of the time. Ramon Hernandez at clean-up? Seriously??

Eric Young Jr CF
Josh Rutledge SS
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Ramon Hernandez C
Jordan Pacheco 3B
Tyler Colvin 1B
Matt McBride RF
DJ LeMahieu 2B
Drew Pomeranz P

Angel Pagan CF
Marco Scutaro 3B
Melky Cabrera LF
Buster Posey C
Hunter Pence RF
Brett Pill 1B
Ryan Theriot 2B
Joaquin Arias SS
Matt Cain P

First pitch is 2:10 MDT from AT&T Park in San Francisco.