Morning Links: Rockies News 3/27

Jon Garland made his Rockies debut last night as the team defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-6. Opening day starter Jhoulys Chacin will have his final tuneup this afternoon against the Oakland Athletics. Here’s what else is happening with the Rockies and around the NL West.

Weiss. Image: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

From Thomas Harding: Debuting as skipper, Weiss discusses philosophies (MLB.com)

"MLB.com: Do you believe your pitchers are good enough to win now?Weiss: I do. I’ll also say some of those guys need to take the next step in their development to make a serious run at our division. I do think the talent is there."

From ESPN MLB: Previewing the NL West

"THE PICK5th Place76 wins if … Troy Tulowitzki finally lives up to his $157 million, Carlos Gonzalez has another 20/20 season and smart new manager Walt Weiss gives the Rox future hope.66 wins if … MLB’s worst 2012 rotation (5.81 ERA) is somehow just as bad, the team has no answers at second or third, and Todd Helton, who hasn’t hit 20 homers since 2005, finishes his glorious career with a not-so-glorious final lap.Unpredictability score — 0.85: The Rockies have a little potential upside thanks to the reunion of a rotation that essentially lost everyone to injury at some point last season. But not too much: It’s hard to believe the O that led the NL in batting will get much better any time soon."

From Thomas Lynch: One spot still undecided in D’Backs’ camp (Venom Strikes)

"Based on the numbers, it would appear that (Patrick) Corbin has won the fifth spot in the starting rotation.  Plus, he performed well in Arizona at the Major League level in 2012 and had comparable statistics with (Randall) Delgado last season when the righty was with the Atlanta Braves."

From Bryan Rosa: Giants’ Pablo Sandoval Says He Has Two Years To Stop Being Fat (Around The Foghorn)

"In fairness, the numbers, when Panda has been on the field, have been impressive but staying on the field hasn’t been easy as he’s only played 225 games the past two seasons. The injuries have been more freak in nature than a direct result of his weight, but you do have to wonder how Sandoval’s injury history will progress as he grows older and continues to play at a hefty weight."