As our most recent FanShot mentions, the Rockies' Official Website lists Jason Hirsh as the probable starter for tonight's game against the Pirates' Ian Snell. But both papers today are speculating that the more likely candidate is Valerio De Los Santos. The RMN's Jack Etkin believes that De Los Santos was held out of Saturday's game (which allowed Josh Towers to suck in that game) so he could be ready for today's game. The Denver Post says the Rockies "are likely to call up" De Los Santos.
De Los Santos, a southpaw, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2005 when he was with the Marlins. Did I mention yet that he's only started two games in the majors, both for the Brewers in 2000? Not that they mean much, but they were his first two games of that season. In the first one, he allowed one run on two hits in five runs. In the second one, he was rocked for eight runs on nine hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings. If anyone looks at Game Scores, that start was good enough to garner a nine. Just to make some comparisons, Kerry Wood's 20-K game had a Game Score of 105 and Kip Wells had a seven in his third-of-an-inning start on July 21.
Calling up De Los Santos makes sense if Jeff Francis is indeed activated later this week. If Jason Hirsh comes up, I want to see him get more than just a start. No need to jerk him around.
Who or what did U-Ball thank for his recent performances? "'I have to say thank-you to July,' said Jimenez."