PHILADELPHIA — Looking sleepy from an overnight flight, but apparently undaunted by the task ahead of him, Rockies lefty Jeff Francis said he’s eager to start Wednesday’s Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
“Being my first postseason game, I’m just going to try and get myself ready for the excitement and the hype and not be surprised,” Francis said.
Francis, with a 17-5 record and 4.22 ERA, and Phillies’ Game 1 lefty starter Cole Hamels (15-5, 3.39), face a similar challenge: Find a way to harness two of the best offenses in baseball.
“If you’re not careful, either one of these teams can put some runs on you in a hurry, and that can dictate the game,” Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said today.
On Sept. 13 in a key game at Philadelphia, Francis gave up eight runs on eight hits and walked four in 3.1 innings at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. In fact, in two starts against the Phillies this season, he allowed 20 hits and 14 earned runs in 8.1 innings. He’ll have to do better tomorrow.
“If I do what I do and our offense does they they do if we win 10-9, it’s the same to me as winning 4-3. To me it’s all the same,” Francis said.
In Thursday’s Game 2, the Rockies will start rookie lefty Franklin Morales (3-2, 3.23), while the Phillies are expected to start right-hander Kyle Kendrick (10-4, 3.87).
Roster roulette
Although the Rockies won’t officially set their 25-man roster until Wednesday morning, manager Clint Hurdle said a number of decisions have already been made.
Among those not on the current playoff roster are rookie third baseman Ian Stewart and center fielder Willy Taveras. Both are being sent to the Instructional League in Tucson.
The pitchers throwing in the Instructional League included Aaron Cook, Jason Hirsh and Elmer Dessens. Those three could be added to the roster later in the postseason if the Rockies advance.
The pitchers left off the roster were Ramon Ortiz, Denny Bautista, Dan Serafina and Juan Morillo.
In looking at the final bench spots, utility infielder Jamey Carroll, outfielders Ryan Spilborghs and Cory Sullivan (one will start in center) and backup catcher Chris Iannetta should be locks.
That likely leaves two spots open for either Seth Smith, Joe Koshansky, Clint Barmes or Omar Quintanilla. Considering Smith’s abilities as a pinch hitter during the Rockies’ recent hot streak, he seems likely to be on the playoff roster.
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
