Collin McHugh: “I’m Really Excited About This Chance”

Collin McHugh will make his Colorado Rockies debut Saturday night against the Brewers. Image: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

With Jon Garland, the hope was that he could help because he’s a proven veteran. With Roy Oswalt that was the hope and then some, bolstered by his career accolades and the success he has had at Coors Field. With Jeff Francis the hope was that he could rediscover his old form and fortify the back of the rotation.

With Drew Pomeranz the hope was that he would finally look like a top-5 pick and provide the extra arm the Rockies needed. With Juan Nicasio the hope continues to be that his mid-90’s sinking fastball will translate into sustained success.

It’s different with Collin McHugh. The hope is what? That he’ll be more than a fill-in, right? If it doesn’t work out, no real harm done, right?

For his part, McHugh sees this chance with a new franchise as a big opportunity. Quotes provided by the Denver Post:

"“I think whenever you get to a new team, you think it’s your chance…I’m really excited about this chance, excited to be here. But my focus is just for (Saturday). I can’t afford to look beyond that.”"

It sounds like a pretty reasonable approach, and McHugh would seem to be set up for success. Sure, he has to make his debut in Coors Field (horrors!), but he gets to face a Ryan Braun-less Brewers team that is absolutely reeling. If the Rockies can provide some more offensive support, hopefully that will take additional pressure off of McHugh.

If it doesn’t work out, well, then the Rockies will just turn to Francis or Oswalt (if he can get healthy again)…

…

…on second thought, maybe we should put some pressure on McHugh tonight.