Getting your player ready...
Last fall, Jeff Francis (0-3, 5.27 ERA) graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and tied a franchise record with 17 wins. Six weeks into his encore, the left-hander is still seeking his first victory. Francis’ problems this season have been caused in large part by the Diamondbacks, who have beaten him twice and batted .380 in the process. He must tread carefully against Conor Jackson (10-for-29 with four home runs). Randy Johnson spent the better part of this decade treating the Rockies like a chew toy. But at 44, he’s finally vulnerable. Look for catcher Yorvit Torrealba to return to the lineup given his success (5-for-17) against the left-hander. Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
