Game 4 of 162: Preview

Game: Philadelphia Phillies (1-2) @ Colorado Rockies (2-1)
Pitchers: Cole Hamels (0-0) vs. Jason Marquis (0-0)
Time: 4:05PM, CNP
Weather: 49F, 11 mph winds blowing out to left

Cole Hamels will make his 2009 debut and hopefully he can help the Phils move back to .500 and build their first winning streak of the season. Everyone involved with the Phillies feel that Cole Hamels' elbow is at 100%, but there should still be a cause for concern. He pitched a lot of innings last year and the effect remains to be seen.

In 2008, King Cole set career highs in starts (33), innings pitched (227 1/3), and strikeouts (196). Every year, Hamels comes in what the idea that he can win the Cy Young. He has the stuff, but let's just hope he has the stamina and fatigue to continue over the long haul.

Last year, his win total would have been higher if he had receiver more run support. Currently, the Phillies bats are not exactly alive, but they'll be looking to get them moving in hitter-friendly Coors field against hitter-friendly pitcher Jason Marquis. Many of the Phillies have good career numbers against Marquis in a limited amount of at-bats.

So far, so good? The Phillies have walked 15 times and struck out only 15 times. A 1:1 ratio is pretty damn good, especially for the Phillies. The bats will come alive, they're normally dead to start the season. I'd expect a nice explosion today!

Dear Cole, please don't allow any home runs. At least not in the first inning! Hopefully the Fightins jump out to the early lead today.