The Colorado Rockies will square off against the New York Mets on yet another sub-freezing temperature day. But at least the sun is out! Jon Garland is taking the hill for the Rockies, fresh off two straight quality starts against the San Diego Padres (one at Coors, one at Petco). The Rockies acquired him to eat innings out of the fifth starter's slot without being a disaster, and so far he's delivered on those modest expectations. But both those starts were against the depleted Padres, so caution should be in order.
Opposing him is Jon Niese, who also abstains from the letter "H." He was the Mets' Opening Day starter, and also tossed a quality start against the Padres (see how easy that is?). In his last outing in Minnesota he struggled a bit, giving up 5 runs in five innings while walking four and striking out one.
Michael Cuddyer is sitting this game out with a sore hamstring. It doesn't sound too serious, and Eric Young Jr. is a capable replacement.
Rockies Lineup
1. Eric Young (RF)
2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Wilin Rosario (C)
6. Todd Helton (1B)
7. Josh Rutledge (2B)
8. Chris Nelson (3B)
9. Jon Garland (P)
Mets Lineup
1. Jordany Valdespin (LF)
2. Daniel Murphy (2B)
3. David Wright (3B)
4. Ike Davis (1B)
5. John Buck (C)
6. Marlon Byrd (CF)
7. Mike Baxter (RF)
8. Ruben Tejada (SS)
9. Jon Niese (P)
It would be ice to see a win today. There's snow way the Rockies don't dominate. Let's hope Garland keeps his cool. Hey Dinger, guess what killed the dinosaurs? The Ice Age! Okay, I'm done.