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Rockies prospects on display

Sep 24, 2008 - 10:10 AM Colorado (72-85) at San Francisco (70-87) 10:15 p.m. EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- Despite a disappointing campaign, the Colorado Rockies appear to be loaded for the future.

Several rookies, including Seth Smith and Joe Koshansky, will have their skills on display Wednesday when the Rockies face the San Francisco Giants.

Colorado won its final 15 games in 2007, including a one-game playoff against the San Diego Padres, to sneak into the playoffs. It used that momentum to roll to the World Series but was swept by the Boston Red Sox. Despite the dismal finish, the Rockies were expected to return to the postseason in 2008. Colorado never matched those lofty expectations.

With a playoff berth out of reach, the Rockies have turned to prospects Smith and Koshansky to have an impact down the stretch. The duo has not disappointed.

Smith registered his seventh homer and drove in two runs during Colorado's 9-4 victory against the Giants in the series opener. Koshansky also drove in two runs as the Rockies snapped a two-game losing streak.

Livan Hernandez (2-3, 8.37 ERA) hopes Smith and Koshansky carry their offensive outburst over to his start. Hernandez, who was acquired from the Minnesota Twins on August 6, finally had a decent start for Colorado last Wednesday, pitching five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out two en route to a 1-0 triumph over the Padres.

Jonathan Sanchez (9-11, 4.71), who is 1-7 over his last 11 starts, counters for the Giants.