The Colorado Rockies take on Team USA tonight in Arizona at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. This is the ONLY time I will be rooting against Team USA.
For the Rockies newly acquired Chris Volstad takes the bump as he continues to battle for a rotation spot. Volstad has been effective this spring to the tune of 5 innings pitched and only one earned run. Continuing that effectiveness tonight against a talented USA squad would certainly help his chances to make the team.
Following Volstad will be lefty Drew Pomeranz who is looking to make a positive impression of his own. Pomeranz, also battling for a spot in the rotation, will likely need to be sharper this spring to avoid starting the season in triple-A.
Team USA is coming off of a 4-4 tie with the Chicago White Sox yesterday as they continue to prepare for the World Baseball Classic. Team USA will have Arizona Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez start the game.
Troy Renck tweeted that some Rockies pitchers will be available to pitch for Team USA tonight to provide depth. Rob Scahill was the only one he mentioned
Here are tonight's lineups:
Rockies
1. Eric Young Jr. LF
2. Dexter Fowler CF
3. Troy Tulowitzki SS
4. Michael Cuddyer RF
5. Nolan Arenado 3B
6. Tyler Colvin 1B
7. Jordan Pacheco DH
8. Yorvit Torrealba C
9. Jonathan Herrera 2B
Team USA
1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Brandon Phillips 2B
3. Ryan Braun LF
4. Joe Mauer DH
5. David Wright 3B
6. Eric Hosmer 1B
7. Giancarlo Stanton RF
8. Adam Jones CF
9. Jonathan Lucroy C
Unfortunately, the game will not be televised that I am aware of. However it will be on 850 KOA.
In other Rockies/WBC related news Carlos Gonzalez went 2-3 with a walk, double, RBI, and run scored playing RF for Venezula this afternoon and Ramon Hernandez played 1B and went 1-1 with a walk and an RBI also for Venezula.
Go Rockies!