Aaron Cook admitted yesterday to "some tightness in getting loose for his two previous starts," and as a result he will not start Friday night against the Diamondbacks. Instead, Jason Hirsh will make his first and only start of the 2008 season. In three relief appearances, this is what Hirsh has done for the Rockies this season:

Maybe this will be a good way for Hirsh to start his bid early for a spot in the 2009 rotation. The first three spots are already locked up (in no particular order) with Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, and Ubaldo Jimenez. Hirsh, Greg Reynolds, and Franklin Morales [EDIT]and Jorge De La Rosa[/EDIT] are likely to battle for those final two spots with whomever the Rockies bring in to compete. I guess we could also throw in Brandon Hynick and Sean Smith. Of course, we won't have to watch tonight's starter, Livan Hernandez, take part in the competition. We won't have that nightmare haunting us throughout the off season.

As for Cook, his decision to skip his final start is a good one. Sure, we'd like to see him win a 17th game, but he'll have more chances to win 17 games in the seasons ahead.

Clint Hurdle takes responsibility for this season and says it's on him for the team to play better baseball. But for how much longer will it be his responsibility?

Jack Etkin looks at Rai Henninger, who was injured in 2007 during a fireworks display.