Thursday’s First Pitch

Leading Off

Today is the final day to vote Todd Helton in the All-Star final vote! Voting ends at 4 pm ET. You can vote online or text the number 89269 with N2 for Helton. I am hoping this won’t be another popularity contest, leading to Shane Victorino being voted in because he plays for the Phillies.

The Good

Catcher Matt Pagnozzi had one of his best games since being called up after Jose Morales was put on the Disabled List with a fractured right thumb.. Pagnozzi went 2-for-4 with the team’s only RBI when he hit Ian Stewart in during the fifth inning. On the field, Stewart’s glove has been playing like he never left. His fielding is still top notch and he was able to make plays only he could make at third. Unfortunately, fielding  is not the reason Stewart was sent to Triple-A in the first place.

The Bad

The Rockies don’t seem to want to win. The loss of both our lead-off hitter and  our No. 4 spot has taken a toll on the team. Outfielder Charlie Blackmon is no stranger to the first spot, but has been unable to hit like he did when he started in the majors. Same with Ty Wiggington. He was making contact and was consistant at the plate until he was needed to fill in for Tulowitzki, who is still day-to-day with his quad.

The Ugly

Aaron Cook-he was once a great pitcher, but was only semi-alright last season and since coming back, he has yet to have a win. With the trade deadline approaching and the continuos inconsistency of the Rockies starters, Aaron Cook seems like the most probable choice to trade. Last night’s loss could be the final straw in Cook’s career as a Rockie.

On Deck

Game four against the Braves. Time for the Rockies to step up and avoid the sweep.