Today’s Matchup – July 18, 2011

Sorry for the lack of posts the past week – I’ve been playing catchup ever since I got back from the East Coast, and life in general is really picking up for all our writers.

Anyway, let’s move on to today’s game.

How close are the Rockies getting to hitting the ‘panic’ button on this season? In my personal opinion, when you even hint at trading the ace of your pitching staff to anyone, you’re getting pretty close. Watch for a post coming soon about just how much the Rockies might sell come the end of the month.

Also, I wanted to let you know that we’re suspending Minor League Mondays for a week or so while we conduct a search for a Minor League Correspondent. More to come on that.

As for today’s game, hopefully the Rockies can get back on track with four games against the NL East powerhouse Atlanta Braves. Here we go again – all this team needs is a four game set with one of the best teams again. Lovely. The good news? The Rockies miss Jair Jurrjens. Whew. Here are today’s lineups.

Today’s Matchup: Game #96 – Derek Lowe (5-7, 4.30 ERA) vs. Jason Hammel (5-8, 4.23 ERA)

56-39
Games Back: 3.5 (NL East), First Place (Wild Card)
Games Left: 67
Streak: Won 1
Last 10: 7-3
Elimination Number: 68

Atlanta Braves
The lineup had not been announced yet at the time this was posted. 

45-50
Games Back: 9.5 (NL West), 11 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 67
Streak: Lost 2
Last 10: 4-6
Elimination Number: 58

Colorado Rockies
Carlos Gonzalez, LF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Todd Helton, 1B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Seth Smith, RF
Ty Wigginton, 3B
Chris Iannetta, C
Dexter Fowler, CF
Jason Hammel, P

First pitch is set for 6:40pm Mountain time from Coors Field in Denver. On TV, ROOT Sports will have the call in the Rocky Mountain region, and Fox Sports South will have the call in the Atlanta market. On the radio, 850 KOA will broadcast the game in Denver, and 680 AM will have the call in Atlanta.