Rocky Bottom

Cliff Lee dominated the Colorado Rockies in game 1 of their best of 5 NLDS playoff series.  Mr everything for the Phillies even singled and stole a

Cliff Lee shut down the Rockies in game 1 of the NLDS

 base in the third inning.

The Rockies had chances to score in the first and second innings, but failed to come up with a timely hit.  Lee then settled in and was tossed a six hitter en route to the 5-1 win.  The Rockies must now put this game behind them quickly if they wish to have a shot at this series.  While game two is not a must win situation,  with Aaron Cook on the mound for game 2 and Jorge De La Rosa left off the roster because of a groin pull, the Rockies must find a way to win this game.  The Phillies are starting another left hander in Cole Hammels.   Colorado needs to get into the Phillies suspect bullpen. 

The Rockies looked tentative and overmatched in game 1

The Rockies looked lost in the wind blown sixth inning.  They looked lost at the plate all day.  They need to make some changes in todays line up.  The Rockies took off after Jim Tracy became their manager.  He made 2 changes that ignited the team.  One was to make Clint Barmes the every day second baseman.  The other was to place Ian Stewart at third base.  Garrett Atkins had struggled there and at the plate.  I understand the lefty-righty platoon that had Atkins at third yesterday, but the spark is needed from Stewart.  He needs to start today despite the lefty on the mound today from Philadelphia.  In addition, Ian Stewart needs to be behind the plate.  And watch for Mr late night, Seth Smith, to make an appearance in the outfield if Dexter Fowler looks lost in the moment again in the outfield.  Fowler is a good outfielder, and his speed is a plus, but the guy started the season in AA ball and looked tentative yesterday.  Expect him to start today, but watch for a mid inning substitution if a spark is needed. 

Speaking of replacement, I was surprised that yesterday’s starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez came back out to the mound for the 6th inning.  Jimenez had lost it in the 5th, but the Rocks were still in the game, down 2-0.  With a bullpen that had performed admirably down the stretch, and with the importance of each game magnified by the short series, it was not the time to work on pitcher confidence.  And the Phillies pounced in the sixth inning to put the game away.  All 5 runs were charged to Jimenez.  Tracy needed to give his team a better chance at that point.  so look for changes in the line up this afternoon for the Rockies.  The biggest tell will be the rested right arm of Cook.  If he keeps the ball down and the sinker is working, the Rockies will square this series at a game each, and head back to Colorado with their swagger back.