Saunders arguing with an umpire, or something. Image: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

This deal involves two familiar faces for the Rockies. Most of the initial discussion of the trade has been focused on what this does to help the Orioles as they make a final push for the playoffs. With another former Rockie, Jason Hammel, and other starters on the shelf, this provides Baltimore with a battle tested veteran starter to hopefully lead the way. As far as the Rockies are concerned, this means there is one less soft-tossing left hander in the division which, for my money, is a good thing, even if Saunders has struggled this season.

What is getting overlooked is the Diamondbacks’ half of this deal, in which they require an electric back-of-the-bullpen guy in Lindstrom. Due to Hammel’s issues last year, I was more upset to part with Lindstrom in the ill-fated Jeremy Guthrie trade. I believe he continues to be undervalued because of some injury troubles and can definitely be a difference maker as Arizona tries to keep up with the Dodgers and Giants.

In any other season, a post-deadline deal like this one might garner more attention, but it is a mere blip on the transaction radar thanks to the high-rolling Los Angeles Dodgers.

And the two games they lost, they squandered some chances, meaning their six and two record could have been even better.

The Rox and Helton are off and running

Plenty to be happy about in Rockies country, with the Rox coming out of the gates playing solid baseball, both offensively and defensively.

Rockies teams from the past have failed to meet expectations because they have struggled against NL West opponents, and underperformed on the road.

Well, Colorado has made large strides trying to buck both those trends, and the proof is in the purple pudding.

The Rox are 3 and 1 against the West, with a satisfying mini sweep of the Dodgers, and 3 – 1 on the road, even if was against the lowly Pirates, who haven’t had a winning season in 18 years (Ouch).

And all this success has come with the Rockies main horse (Ubaldo Jimenez), on the 15-day DL with an injured hoof (cuticle issue).

So in honor of the Rockies 6 and 2 start, here are six more reasons why the Rockies are off to one their best starts in franchise history, and two reasons why Rockies fans should remain cautiously optimistic after only 3 series.

Six Reasons to Get Hyped

The pitching has been made magnificent. The Rockies ERA is 2.71, which is currently the best in the majors. That wasn’t a typo. The Rockies have the best ERA in the league, albeit only 8 games in.

The bench is deep. Jim Tracy has an arsenal of options to choose from when filling out his lineup card. Herrara could be the Rockies best contact hitter and he is pretty much a backup. Spilborghs and Giambi are great options off the bench and reliable pinch hitters.
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