Morning Links: Rockies News 4/2

The Colorado Rockies opened their 2013 season with a 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday. Here’s what else is happening with the Rockies and around the NL West:

Chacin. Image: Benny Sieu-USA Today Sports

From Troy Renck: Rockies pitcher Jhoulys Chacin turns in strong effort in first start (Denver Post)

"Before the bullpen dissolved before the Rockies’ eyes Monday, Chacin turned in a performance that ran contrary to his uninspired spring. The right-hander worked into the seventh inning, allowing just a single run on three hits. The idea that he would be around late seemed ambitious after he threw 24 pitches in the first inning."

From Logan Burdine: Opening Day Wishlist (Blake Street Bulletin)

"Rosario has to get significantly better behind the dish.  I hate the idea of moving him to another position, but if there isn’t improvement on the defensive end, the Rockies may not have a choice.  When the Rockies win (see 2007, 2009, and 2010), great defense is always part of the equation.  It’s the one real way you can neutralize Coors Field.  Last year, they were atrocious defensively, and their young catcher was a big part of that.  It starts with him."

From Drew Goodman (via Twitter)

From Michael Engel: MLB Opening Day 2013: Stars Come Out On Opening Day (Call To The Pen)

"(Matt) Cain left after his six, but (Clayton) Kershaw was just getting started. Not only did he homer off of Giants reliever George Kontos leading off the eighth inning, but he went the distance, giving up only four hits (all singles) in a shutout effort. He struck out seven and walked none. If you could draw up the ideal performance for an ace, Kershaw followed every step."