As you may know, RHP Jason Hirsh has been assigned to minor league camp.  The monstrous starting pitcher was viewed as a solid candidate for the fifth starter position but has greatly disappointed, as seen by the continued presence of Jhoulys Chacin, Greg Reynolds, Matt Belisle and Josh Fogg, all whom Hirsh was favored over to start Spring Training. 

Also sent down were RHPs Samuel Deduno, Shane Lindsay, Ryan Mattheus, Matt Daley, Brandon Hynick and Steven Register, IFs Hector Gomez, Chris Nelson and Eric Young, Jr., LHP Cedrick Bowers, C Michael McKenry and OF Matt Miller were also assigned to the minors.

RHP Jhoulys Chacin may have posted a 9.00 ERA in his start Monday, but he pitched much better than that number would indicate.  Thanks to Troy Renck, Clint Hurdle's take on the youngster's start:

He does have a feel for what he’s doing. He’s being challenged at this level and we wanted to get him out there in a starting opportunity. I saw a kid with good mound presence that can sink the ball. I haven’t talked that far (on whether he will get another another start)

Tracy Ringolsby updated his rankings for the LF, 5th starter, bullpen and bench spots.  Nothing too surprising, although he has Omar Quintanilla ranked higher than both Jeff Baker and Ian Stewart. 

Injuries:  Baker really hasn't had much of a chance to make his case due to injury, but Baker will start at third base today.  Greg Smith is scheduled to return to the mound Wednesday in a minor league game.  Troy Renck reports that Garrett Atkins isn't getting any better, as his hip flexor injury has apparently mysteriously migrated to his groin.

If spring stats meant anything, we'd know that Todd Helton's back surgery completely reversed his ability, as his SLG% now sits 4 times higher than his OBP this spring.  All kidding aside, it sure is sweet to see Todd leading the team in home runs again.

What's on tap:  Ubaldo Jimenez returns to the Rockies to pitch against the Kansas City Royals at 2MDT at Hi Corbett Field.