*The last time the Rockies opened the season in Houston (2003), they lost 10-4.
*The Rockies were 73-89 in 2011, going 17-8 in April, and 56-81 from May-end of the season.
*They were 35-46 on the road in 2011.
*5-2 against Houston in 2011 (2-2 at Minute Maid)
*The Rockies claimed Wandy off waivers last August, but (of course), a deal didn't get done. If you recall, had the deal been completed, Wandy would have pitched against the Rockies on Wednesday, and joined the team on Thursday.
*RHP: Jeremy Guthrie
*32 years old, 6'2", 205lb
*Traded on February 6, 2012 by Baltimore to Colorado for Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom
*Has only faced the Astros once (June 18, 2008), but threw 8IP, 3H/1ER, 8K:1BB.
*Led the AL in losses in 2011, with 17
*Has allowed 86 homers from 2009-11
*Career 47-65 record, with 4.19 ERA/1.29 WHIP, 4.68 FIP, 4.61 xFIP
*In 2011, had a 39.6% ground-ball rate, and a 39.5% fly-ball rate.
*According to FanGraphs, threw his fastball 62.6% of the time at 92.3mph average in 2011
*Threw a slider 17.7% at 83.1mph; changeup 10.5% at 83.5mph; curveball 9.6% at 73.4mph
*With the batter ahead in the count, opponents hit .287/.437/.447
*With Guthrie ahead, opponents hit .270/.279/.476
*Travis Buck has the most success against Guthrie: In 8PAs, he has 4H, 2B, RBI, .500/.500/.625.
*Guthrie's last three season openers: 20.1IP, 18H/6ER, 15K:6BB
*Guthrie's career April splits: 4-11, 4.43 ERA/1.36 WHIP. .277/.325/.455.
*Vs. Wandy, current Rockies have a career .344/.410/.589 line. Todd Helton, in 28PAs, has a .440/.500/.600 line.
*Troy Tulowitzki runs a .300/.462/.600 line against Wandy.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
