Today’s Matchup – July 22, 2011

Must win.

That phrase sums up what the Rockies have to do in the next week to avoid falling into baseball mediocrity, and losing their season completely.

Today (roughly) marks the two-thirds mark of the season. So how have the Rockies been doing?

In a word, bad.

Carlos Gonzalez is on the 15-day disabled list, signs point to Eric Young, Jr. (who was called up today to replace Gonzalez) and Ian Stewart being played to show them off for potential buyers closer to the deadline, Jason Giambi talked to GM Dan O’Dowd about a deal to an American League team, and even though the Rockies have backed off trading Ryan Spilborghs, it’s all but certain the Rockies will be sellers at the break.

More to come on their trade possibilities coming this weekend. As for now, here are today’s lineups.

Game #100:  Aaron Cook (0-5, 5.82 ERA) vs. Daniel Hudson (10-5, 3.56 ERA)

Games Back: 4 (NL West), 5 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 62
Streak: Won 1
Last 10: 5-5
Elimination Number: 60

Arizona Diamondbacks
Willie Bloomquist, SS
Kelly Johnson, 2B
Justin Upton, RF
Chris Young, CF
Miguel Montero, C
Geoff Blum, 3B
Brandon Allen, 1B
Gerardo Parra, LF
Daniel Hudson, P

Games Back: 10 (NL West), 11 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 62
Streak: Lost 1
Last 10: 5-5
Elimination Number: 54

Colorado Rockies
Dexter Fowler, CF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Todd Helton, 1B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Seth Smith, RF
Ty Wigginton, 3B
Ryan Spilborghs, LF
Chris Iannetta, C
Aaron Cook, P

First pitch is set for 7:40pm Mountain time from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. On TV, ROOT Sports will broadcast the game in the Rocky Mountain region, while Fox Sports Arizona will broadcast the game in the Arizona market. On the radio, 850 KOA will have the call in Denver and KTAR 620 will call the game in the Phoenix area.