Sometimes the best way to deal with a problem is confrontation. Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis surfaced as the unlikely adversary to stagger San Francisco Giants ace Matt Cain.
Cain has a history of toying with the Rockies, entering Monday with a 2.40 ERA in 10 career starts against them. He struck out five of the first eight batters he faced, catcher Bengie Molina calling it some of his best stuff of the season. Then came Francis and Cain went to the mat, the nine- pitch at-bat the equivalent of a standing eight count. Francis, now hitting .185, ultimately drove a 94 mph fastball into the right-field gap for a double, triggering a seven-run third inning.
“The first few innings, I thought we had no chance. Francis got him and that was it right there,” said Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras. “Wow, it was impressive.”
Francis smirked when asked about it, saying: “I just got lucky they kept running into my bat.”
Cook update
Aaron Cook clarified his left rib-cage injury Monday. The pitcher is done for the regular season, but not necessarily the entire season.
“I fully expect this team to make the playoffs, so I am working my butt off to get back for that,” Cook explained.
Cook said he didn’t feel he pushed too hard to return and isn’t concerned about not vesting next year’s contract.
“The Rockies are going to do what they have to do. I personally look forward to being back here,” Cook said.
Iannetta update
Even before he was demoted, catcher Chris Iannetta was proactive. His role reduced as a backup, the rookie asked the Rockies permission a few months ago to play winter ball this offseason. He is in the process of finalizing an agreement with Licey of the Dominican Republic. Iannetta plans to report in October and play as long as his body holds up or the Rockies ask him to come home.
“I had to find a way to get more at-bats,” said Iannetta, who hit a two-run triple in the third inning Monday.
Footnotes
Pitchers Dan Serafini and Denny Bautista and infielder Omar Quintanilla will join the Rockies today. As it stands, the Rockies need a spot starter for Tuesday, and Serafini could help piece together a bullpen day. … Taylor Buchholz threw lightly off a mound Monday, testing his sore elbow. He will have a precautionary MRI today. … Pitcher Jason Hirsh (broken right leg) conceded he is done for the season. … Taveras is wearing specially designed, padded sliding shorts to help keep compression on his previously injured right quadriceps. … Former Rockie Joe Kennedy signed with Toronto and was called up Sunday.
