Rockies Mowed Down by Darvish In Loss to Rangers

Rockies 3, Rangers 5

Some guy named Yu Darvish got a lot of attention this offseason, and when the Rangers signed him their rotation maintained its place as one of the best in baseball. The Rockies will not have to face him in the regular season this year, and it’s now clear just how big a bullet they’re dodging. While they touched up Darvish for 3 runs over 6 innings, he banged out 11 strikeouts. In 6 innings. Let’s hope he stays in the American League where he can’t do that to us anymore. And now, a brief look at those still fighting for opening day roster spots.

Edgmer Escalona

Escalona has had a good spring, and he continued it yesterday when he took over for Jhoulys Chacin in the 7th. He allowed an inherited runner to score but then shut down the inning with a strikeout. Pitching remains a crowded field for the Rockies, though, and I don’t think there’s room for Escalona right now. Does he make the cut? No.

Brandon Wood

Wood had one plate appearance yesterday, and he used it to get on base, so that’s a good thing. I wouldn’t mind him on the final roster simply because third base is a bit of a mess and it couldn’t hurt to have as many available options as possible. In the end, though, I don’t think we have enough room on the bench to accommodate him. Does the make the cut? No.

Tyler Colvin

Colvin also made good use of his one plate appearance yesterday with a single in the 9th inning. He was erased by a double play, but he did his part. I think Colvin’s strong spring and Charlie Blackmon’s injury make him a shoo-in for a backup outfielder spot. Does he make the cut? Yes.

Jordan Pacheco

Pacheco had a really tough day, 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts and stranding 4 men on base. Not a typical game for him. He didn’t make any errors at third base though. And this game isn’t going to affect his chances. Does he make the cut? Yes.

Wilin Rosario

Rosario also had an 0-for day, but his numbers are as good as anyone’s on the team for the spring. Is it too much to ask that he be the starting catcher on opening day? Well, yes. But does he make the cut? Yes.

The Rockies face off against the White Sox this afternoon.

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