Tonight provides another test in that regard. In the last couple days, the Brewers have been forced to shuffle a number of pieces around because of an inflamed rotator cuff for starter Chris Narveson. As a result, they have inserted spot starter and bullpen man Marco Estrada into the rotation. Estrada does have some experience starting games in the past, and pending the availability of Shaun Marcum at the time, was a fringe candidate to start at the beginning of this season.

Isn’t this a game that the Rockies should win? A veteran lineup against a relatively inexperienced pitcher who has been working as a reliever feels like a good formula to snag a tough series on the road.

Here is the lineup, which includes the return of last night’s hero, the card tricking turning, clutch hit getting Michael Cuddyer:

Marco Scutaro 2B
Dexter Fowler CF
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Todd Helton 1B
Michael Cuddyer RF
Wilin Rosario C
Chris Nelson 3B
Drew Pomeranz P

At a quick glance, I could only find evidence that Ramon Hernandez has ever recorded a hit against Estrada. Many of the Rockies have seen him, but only for a handful of at-bats. Pomeranz looks to improve on his previous outing, specifically his command and the effective of his offspeed pitches. Here is the lineup the Brewers will send against him:

Rickie Weeks 2B
Carlos Gomez CF
Ryan Braun LF
Aramis Ramirez 3B
Corey Hart RF
Mat Gamel 1B
Alex Gonzalez SS
Jonathan Lucroy C
Marco Estrada P

After Norichika Aoki pestered the Rockies all night on Friday, he cedes his spot in the lineup to the right handed hitting man they call “Go-Go” Gomez. Or, at least, that’s what they called him when I lived in Minnesota and he played for the Twins. And they were only kind of making fun of him for being such a clown…

…Troy Tulowitzki will look to continue his surge offensively as he tries to rid himself of his temporary defensive struggles this past week…

…In a small sample size last season, Pomeranz was average to mediocre in two road starts, surrendering 3 ER in 5.2 IP at the San Francisco Giants and 6 ER in 2 IP at the Houston Astros. He is facing Milwaukee for the first time in his short career…

…Matt Belisle continued his near-perfect start to the season last night. His ERA stands at 0.00 and he has yet to walk a batter…

…When John Axford gave up the winning run last night, it was not the first time he has struggled this season. He has now surrendered 4 ER in 4.2 IP with 5 BB on the season. Presumably he will get the benefit of the doubt longer than an average closer because of his stellar hair and goatee combination.

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Chacin hopes to deliver his first deep start of the season. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

When the Rockies open their three game series at the Milwaukee Brewers tonight, they will have to get by without Cuddyer, who will sit with the bruised toe that forced him to exit Wednesday night’s victory early. Tyler Colvin starts in his place.

Jhoulys Chacin was off to a good start last Saturday night before an extended rain delay shortened his outing. We know what the key is with him; I’m not going to say it, but it rhymes with “schmastball fommand.”

Here is the lineup Jim Tracy sends to face Shaun Marcum in the opening game of this six game road trip:

Marco Scutaro 2B
Dexter Fowler CF
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Todd Helton 1B
Ramon Hernandez C
Tyler Colvin RF
Chris Nelson 3B
Jhoulys Chacin P

Ramon Hernandez returns to the lineup after missing the last two games of the San Diego series with an injury to his left hand. Chris Nelson will try to carry over the success he has enjoyed ever since he was handed the full time third base job. The sooner CarGo and Tulo show their all star form, the better.

Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke will counter with the following lineup:

Rickie Weeks 2B
Norichika Aoki CF
Ryan Braun LF
Aramis Ramirez 3B
Corey Hart RF
Mat Gamel 1B
Alex Gonzalez SS
Jonathan Lucroy C
Shaun Marcum P

Anytime I think of watching the Rockies play the Brewers, visions of Rickie Weeks strolling into 2nd with a double flash into my head. It’s not just me; his career numbers against Colorado are stellar. Ryan Braun is off a slow start by his standards as the clouds of his offseason start to clear away. With 4 home runs already, Corey Hart has not shown many ill-effects from his offseason knee surgery. The Brewers have gotten outstanding production from their catchers so far this season, including Lucroy’s .310 BA and 2 early home runs.

The member of the Rockies who is probably the most familiar with Marcum is Ramon Hernandez. He has struggled against him with a .182 BA in 22 at-bats, although two of those hits were home runs…

…Marcum is off to a steady start in 2012, going at least 6 innings in his first two starts with a 12-2 K/BB ratio and a 0.77 WHIP…

…The Brewers enter the weekend series with the Rockies with a 6-7 record so far this season, and they are coming off a series win against the red-hot Los Angeles Dodgers.

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