2007 NLCS just start of D-Backs-Rockies rivalry?

TUCSON — After battling through the National League Championship Series the previous season, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies appeared to be developing the foundation of a long-term rivalry.

The two clubs opened their 2008 Cactus League schedules with a competitive 5-5 tie at Tucson Electric Park. The game ended after nine innings when Colorado’s split squad ran out of available pitchers, but the matchup showed the intensity that could define future meetings between the teams.

Diamondbacks second baseman Orlando Hudson believes the rivalry has the potential to grow into one of baseball’s most exciting matchups.

“For years, fans have followed rivalries like Yankees and Red Sox,” Hudson said. “Now you have two young teams in the Diamondbacks and Rockies competing against each other. When you look at both lineups, there is a lot of talent on each side.”

Both Arizona and Colorado built successful teams around young, homegrown players who developed into key major league contributors. The Diamondbacks made a significant offseason addition by acquiring pitcher Dan Haren, while both teams largely focused on improving their existing rosters after winning 90 games the previous season.

A rivalry seemed natural considering how often the clubs faced each other. Arizona and Colorado had shared spring training facilities in Tucson since 1998, and their regular-season schedules also placed them against each other multiple times every year.

“We see them so often, during spring training and throughout the season, that a rivalry is going to happen,” Diamondbacks first baseman Conor Jackson said. “Neither team really has a true rival, so why not build one with each other?”

Arizona manager Bob Melvin agreed that the matchup had the ingredients of a natural rivalry.

During the game, Arizona’s young players helped erase a four-run deficit. Gerardo Parra sparked rallies with important hits, while Emilio Bonifacio contributed key RBI singles that gave the Diamondbacks a late advantage before Colorado tied the game in the ninth inning.

The matchup highlighted the pitching talent on both rosters. Hudson pointed to pitchers such as Brandon Webb, Randy Johnson, Dan Haren, Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis as examples of the quality arms that could create memorable battles throughout the season.

Arizona starter Micah Owings also used the game to continue developing his changeup. After allowing two runs over two innings, Owings said he was confident the pitch would become an important part of his arsenal.

Manager Bob Melvin noted that Owings’ improved changeup speed difference from his fastball could help keep hitters off balance and make his overall pitching mix more effective.

With two young rosters, talented pitchers and frequent meetings ahead, the Diamondbacks and Rockies appeared ready to create one of the National League’s most competitive rivalries.