This month, I’ll be providing insights on all 15 games in the Cactus Leagues in Arizona, telling you who looks good and who does not and what to look for this upcoming 2011 campaign.
Colorado 6, Arizona 5
Salt River Fields, Scottsdale
This is actually the home for both teams, with the Diamondbacks the home team this day.
Rockies notes: The top of the Colorado lineup is flat out lethal. If Dexter Fowler could hit .275, walk more (80 would be good) and reduce strikeouts, he would be exceptional table setter for this offense. The sound when Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton hit the ball is just different, with more distinct crack. (Same goes for Justin Upton of D-Backs)
Young Jhoulys Chacin threw the ball well as starter in his two innings, as did Esmil Rogers. Chacin has good curveball with late movement that has hitters hesitating.
Hector Gomez was a butcher today at shortstop.
If Colorado can pitch, they will be in contention.
Diamondbacks Notes: The Snakes added Armando Galarraga to their starting staff and you could see why he pitched his way out of Detroit. Yes, it’s WAY early in spring training, but Rockies batters got good swings and ripped three hits (two runs) in two innings. The word around Detroit was Galarraga was not missing as many bats and that was the case today.
Barry Enright is a serviceable pitcher, especially on a mediocre club.
Jarrod Parker is the D-Backs' top pitching prospect in the minors and is coming back from Tommy John surgery. His velocity was back in the fall instructional leagues (mid-90’s), but on this day, he could not find strike zone.
Skipper Kirk Gibson gave veteran Geoff Blum as a run at shortstop, bad idea.
Matthew Davidson played third base like a first baseman, which is my guess at where he will eventually be.
Brandon Allen has a good looking swing and when he makes contact, he could be effective. However, he looks like he will strikeout a lot when pitchers are ahead in the count.
They have the appearance of last place team.
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