#Rockies putting Cuddy on DL. Blackmon will be called up.

— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) May 11, 2013

Those who hoped to see Charlie Blackmon or Tyler Colvin up with the Rockies certainly did not want it to happen in this context. It would have been nice to see Blackmon up to supplement the heart of this order rather than trying to replace Cuddyer’s production.

Cuddy. Image: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The decision to bring up Blackmon instead of Colvin means that Jordan Pacheco is in line for significant playing time at first base; he will be there anytime that Todd Helton cannot make a start. It also means that Eric Young Jr. will no longer have an exclusive claim to spot starts in the outfield. Depending on how playing time goes in the coming days, it might not be long before the Rockies also need Colvin for his bat and for his ability to play in those spots.

We always knew the Rockies could not afford injuries to their two best players, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. Now we will see how they do with an injury to their third best player and one of their most productive hitters in 2013.

Rockies Nation we are over .500 for this first time in nearly one whole, long, excrutiating year. So how does that feel? What are you most impressed by so far? What hurst the most? Let me tell you what is on my mind after these first 3 games.

Apr 2, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks (23) is forced out at second base as Colorado Rockies shortstop Josh Rutledge (14) completes a double play in the first inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Pitching: The 2013 Rockies pitching staff is off to a strong start. The starting rotation that everyone deemed to be horrible has actually been holding up quite nicely. A top notch start by Chacin on opening day was spoiled, but both Jorge and Juan held up their end of the deal. I don’t know if anyone could complain much about the starters. I sure can’t. The complaint on pitching for me comes in the use of the bullpen. Rex Brothers made his second straight appearance yesterday, Wilton Lopez has two games under his belt too, and it just seems we are using a lot of arms early. I am not sure there is a reasonable alternative; I just hope that we don’t get to July and have a ton of fatigue. If nothing else at least we have a small supply of pitchers in Colorado Springs we could pull up if needed. What started as a big question mark for the starting rotation has now turned into a gigantic question mark around the bullpen… I suppose as the starters get more comfortable and (hopefully) more confident and head deeper into games, we should see some relief for the relievers.

The Hitting: We all knew it could happen. Everyone that has followed these players know they are great hitters. But even I was impressed last night when the makeshift lineup of Pacheco, Young, & Brignac were major contributors. Whenever a manager can give regular guys a day of rest and still get production, you have something special going on. Cargo was barely robbed of his third home run on a spectacular over-the-wall catch, and Troy Tulowitzki continued his hot start. The Rockies hit 8 home runs in that opening 3 game series, and I can’t think of any reason that would slow down. The off-season hire of Dante Bichette as hitting coach has lit a fire under these guys. Sure, there will be slumps. But it is very encouraging to see the bats this live at this early point of the season. Dexter Fowler had his second knock of the year last night too, and Michael Cuddyer is playing out of his mind. He just looks pissed every time he steps to the plate — his two-run homer off Milwaukee closer John Axford was one of those “I’m gonna knock the cover off this ball” type swings. Which brings me to my last thought…

The Attitude: The attitude of these Rockies is a vicious mix of pissed off and pure business. Last night every time they showed the dugout there wasn’t laughing and joking, special handshakes, or players jawing around. No it was suprisingly, intensely focused. Firm handshakes, this is how we do our business, now go back out and do it again. I love it. The effort so far this year has been incredible. From Cuddyer’s diving catch and double-play hustle, to Cargo’s multiple outfield assists… this whole team is here to play. Kudos to the coaching staff because they have these guys more focused on a task and goal than any other Rockies team in recent history. Every player, including Carlos Gonzales (which shocked me) is hustling down the first base line. Have you noticed that? Every player is sprinting to first base. To me this new attitude is the most interesting aspect of this team. They didn’t come out on Monday and whimsically play an opener like “Oh, well, we have 162 of these…”. They played with passion, they played with heart, they played with pride. I hope that is the new baseline for Rockies baseball. A chip-on-your-shoulder attitude can get you a long way. A little luck doesn’t hurt either.

It is a long season, and I am cautious not to get too excited. There will be ebbs and flows just like any other season. But what I saw out of this Rockies team over the past 3 days gives me hope that we will not be disappointed in this team come September.