There's been a lot of money thrown at starting pitchers lately. $180 million for Justin Verlander, $175 million for Felix Hernandez, $147 million for Zack Greinke.
I've heard folks say that seems like an awful lot for a guy who only plays every 5th day. But, the impact of an "ace" in the rotation is incalculable.
Guys like Verlander prevent long losing streaks. They're like instant shots of confidence that can keep a little skid from turning in to a massive slide.
The Padres are in dire need of that kind of guy. San Diego lost to the Rockies 9-5 at PETCO Park on Saturday night. Edinson Volquez, the opening day starter (you know, that guy who traditionally is the best pitcher on the team), got shelled again.
Volquez gave up seven runs (six earned) in just 3.1 innings to take his 3rd straight loss. Volquez saw his ERA balloon to 11.68. He hasn't made it out of the 4th inning in two of his three starts.
For some reason, when the Rockies face the Padres, Colorado turns in to the 1927 Yankees. Wilin Rosario and Michael Cuddyer hit long home runs for the Rocks, who have outscored the Padres 36-16 in five games this year (all Colorado wins).
The lone bit of excitement for Padres fans came from SS Everth Cabrera, who came to the plate in the 9th inning needing a double to hit for the first cycle in franchise history. Cabrera singled up the middle for his 4th hit of the night, which is a great day at the plate. But the way things have gone for the Padres so far, it's easy to see why fans would take it as just one more disappointment.
The 2-9 Friars try to avoid getting swept on Sunday with Clayton Richard on the mound against Jorge De La Rosa.
