Monday Rockpile: Rox need more from De La Rosa and Anderson

One of the big things we talked about all winter here at Purple Row was the importance of Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa, Brett Anderson and Tyler Chatwood at the top of the rotation because those were the best chances Colorado had to win games. So of course, that's completely flipped itself in the first week of play. Chacin and Chatwood are on the DL (although Chatwood should be back on the 13th of April) and the Rockies are now just 1-3 in the four games started by De La Rosa and Anderson. As a result, Patrick Saunders writes about how these two lefties have to start producing more.

Nick Groke tells us how the roster started the season stuffed with outfielders so it could be shuffled for a game like yesterday and give Justin Morneau a day off. While that makes sense, it unfortunately still doesn't defend Walt Weiss's decision to allow Morneau to bat against lefty Mike Dunn in the eighth inning game two with the tying run on second and one out while Brandon Barnes and Corey Dickerson (who could have been brought in had the Marlins countered with a righty for Barnes) were on the bench. The piece also explains that Dickerson is likely the one headed down to Colorado Springs once Boone Logan is activated.

Jon Gray has some quotes in this piece about his debut Saturday night for the Drillers.

This will be our transition link into stories around MLB. Doug Kern has some interesting tidbits on some games and performances from around baseball this week including some on Charlie Blackmon's six hit home opener.

Around MLB

The Tommy John epidemic continues around baseball. The two latest victims are Mets closer Bobby Parnell and Pittsburgh's highly touted Jameson Taillon who could have had a big impact on the second half of their season.

Another pitcher who may be having problems is Jonathan Papelbon as he's seen his velocity and effectiveness plummet in recent seasons. After throwing his teammates under the bus last season though, it's awfully hard to drum up any sympathy for him.

The National media is here to pump more sunshine up the skirt of the San Francisco Giants, but notice something very key as you reach for the puke bucket amid all the fawning and rose petal throwing, this piece completely neglects to say anything about the most important thing that led to the San Francisco's success in the past; the rotation. So while the Giants offense is good (and yes, it is very good), I'll gladly take that in exchange for teams playing home run derby against Matt Cain, Ryan Vogelsong, and Tim Lincecum.