Nobody had ever hit two home runs off Nationals wonderboy Stephen Strasburg until last night.
Tyler Colvin, who once had his lung punctured by a shard of broken bat, and was acquired by the Rockies from the Cubs (to whom they sent Ian Stewart in trade) was the first. Colvin has been a bit of a bright spot in an otherwise dismal 2012 for Colorado.
He's not the only one, though.
Drew Pomeranz, for whom the Rox traded Ubaldo Jimenez is, as the Denver Post phrased it this morning, "Looking like a keeper". Pomeranz stared down Strasburg last night, locating his pitches beautifully and slinging fastballs up to 95 MPH. He looked perfectly in command and dominated from the mound before being reeled in by Jim Tracy after his 81st pitch.
Colvin and Pomeranz gave Rox fans hope for the future.
In a season highlighted by the declining skills of Todd Helton and the failing health of Troy Tulowiski it was more than refreshing to see young guys step up and seize control of a baseball game.
Colvin is under contract only for 2012 and for only $481,000. If he is to stick around the Rockies will have to step up. And they should. Pomeranz, who was the fifth pick in the 2010 MLB draft, is still playing under his rookie deal as drawn up by the Indians. He will also be in a position to negotiate a new deal - especially if he continues pitching as well he has since being called up.
It's so damn nice to finally see some positives from the Rockies - even if this season is lost.
There's always next year.
