Series Preview: Atlanta Braves vs Colorado Rockies

Jul 3, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher K. Kendrick (38) throws during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

SERIES KEYS FOR THE ROCKIES

Um… win?

At this point, you’d like to see the Rockies show enough life to win a game or two, especially at home. After Chad Bettis got demolished Tuesday night against the Angels, Wednesday’s game was much better in terms of pitching and defense, but the bats never came around on Angels’ starter Matt Shoemaker.

That’s a problem, considering the Braves are going to be throwing some very good arms at Colorado this weekend, and it could be a very, very long series heading into the break.

Hale and Kendrick are pitching for their jobs

Considering all the recent talk about Jon Gray coming up after the All Star break (and though I said a few weeks ago that they should keep him in AAA, he’s going to be ready next week; post-All Star break would be the perfect time to bring him up), changes are coming in the Rockies’ rotation. Whether that’s Bettis, or David Hale, or Kyle Kendrick, at least one of those three (and, I believe Hale and Kendrick) are pitching for their jobs this weekend.

Jon Gray, and arguably John Lannan, or even the resurgent Eddie Butler, await time at Coors Field. Another bad start from one or both of Hale or Kendrick, and it’s time to dip down into AAA and see what the Rox have down on the farm.

Time to showcase for the trade deadline

So not to think about this, but we ought to think about this… will the Rockies showcase guys that could (should) be traded by the deadline? Not that Troy Tulowitzki or Carlos Gonzalez need any more showcasing, but what about Wilin Rosario? Nick Hundley? DJ LeMahieu? Any(every)body in the bullpen?

The Rockies are crazy if they don’t start trading guys now, and showcasing people like Rosario and assorted relievers would go a long way to pushing that goal forward. But what do I know? (Nothing.)

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