The Rockies might make a move now and then to create the impression they could be a part of the NL West race. Then reality hits.
They don't have the starting pitching to be consistent enough to contend. Fresh off a four-game sweep of Pittsbrugh, the Rockies had a chance to make a statement against NL West co-leader Los Angeles on Monday night. Instead, they got pounded, 16-10. Kip Wells had the worst start in franchise history, becoming only the third starter to be removed after retiring just one batter -- for non-medical reasons -- and gave up eight runs, the most of any of the pitchers who worked only one-third of an inning.
Six batters into the game, Wells got his first out -- and last. Ten batters into the game, Wells got the hook, While Wells spoke of balls finding holes and gaps, and of Coors Field being a place where big-time comebacks are possible, the bottom line was that Wells didn't get the job done.
"I'll look at (Wells') start again when I get here (Tuesday) and see if I saw what I saw," said manager Clint Hurdle.
It took Wells 25 minutes to throw 40 pitches and face 10 batters, nine of whom reached base and eight of whom scored. It's going to take even longer for Hurdle to sort out the rotation.
Wells, who missed 74 games because of surgery to remove a blood clot from his hand, may get another start, but only because Jeff Francis is going to need at least one more minor-league appearance before he gets medical clearance to return to the big leagues.
At least Francis provided hope with his 3 2/3-inning effort in his first rehab start at Class AA Tulsa on Monday. He faced the minimum of 11 batters thanks to a double play. With his left shoulder inflammation subsided, and the appearance that Francis has regained his mechanics, the Rockies are hoping the left-hander who struggled to a 3-7 start to this season can regain the form that allowed him to equal a club record with 17 wins last season.
"(Francis) needs to go pitch again and then we will see where he is," said Hurdle.
DODGERS 16, ROCKIES 10: Kip Wells allowed eight runs and retired only one batter in equaling the shortest start in Rockies history. SS Troy Tulowitzki did return from the disabled list to collect a career-best five hits plus a sacrifice fly, raising his average from .166 to .193. Ryan Speier worked 3 2/3 innings in relief, his longest effort since 2001 when he was in college, to save the rest of the bullpen.
