Was Saturday Night A Preview Of 2013 For The Rockies?

Jhoulys Chacin was coming off a scratched start due to a pesky injury (lower back spasms) on Saturday night. In his return he did not look sharp, surrendering two home runs in a 10-4 Rockies victory. Jorge De La Rosa was scratched from starting that night’s game with a tight forearm. It served as a little two day preview of the unrest that will come from another season of inconsistency and injury troubles from the two most important pitchers on the roster.

Helton went deep Saturday night. Image: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

In the meantime the offense mashed the ball against any pitcher the San Diego Padres had to offer. Todd Helton hit a home run, providing hope that he can make meaningful contributions this season. Wilin Rosario swatted yet another home run, appearing poised to repeat his power outburst from 2012. Josh Rutledge knocked a home run of his own, hoping to prove that he is ready to be a consistent contributor from the elusive second base position. Even Gustavo Molina went deep, driving a three run homer.

Accepted wisdom dictates that a team cannot consistently win in Major League Baseball if they rely too much on a big, bad offense and do not have enough pitching. They will win some games, as the Rockies did Saturday night, but it is no way to sustain success. If we have been conditioned to accept that wisdom, then the struggles and nagging injuries for Chacin and De La Rosa take the shine off of an exciting offensive performance. If the last 48 hours are a preview of what 2013 holds for the Rockies, then we might be in for another long season.