Q: Do you think there is reason for concern around the Rockies? They seem to be having trouble recapturing the magic from last season. What do you think is their biggest problem?
— Aaron, Denver

A: Reasons for concern — yes. But with five months of the season still remaining, there is plenty of time for the Rockies and teams in similar situations. Through their first 26 games this season, they had exactly the same record as they did in 2007, and we know how that turned out. Granted, nobody expects them to win 14 of their last 15 to get into the playoffs, but their current struggles can be turned around.

I think the Rockies — Manuel Corpas in particular — are trying too hard to prove that what they accomplished last season was no fluke. More than anything, they just need to relax and let their talent take over. That's not to say there aren't issues, led by the sub-standard performances of starters Ubaldo Jimenez, Mark Redman and Franklin Morales, the latter of whom was sent back to Triple-A.

That in turn has taxed the bullpen, although several of the relievers have performed well, especially Taylor Buchholz. They also have flip-flopped closers back to Brian Fuentes due to Corpas' early problems, including three consecutive blown saves. The staff also leads the league in walks.

Offensively, you just aren't seeing them deliver the big hit — as their .215 batting average with runners in scoring position in April indicated, and Troy Tulowitzki is now injured and out until at least the All-Star break. But you have to expect them to start hitting at some point.

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The schedule also has worked against them, as they played 18 of 29 games in April on the road, and had series against St. Louis, Arizona (twice), Chicago, Philadelphia and Los Angeles on a six-game winning streak. I'm not saying the Rockies definitely will overtake the streaking Diamondbacks, but things will get better.

Q: What do you think of the Brewers? Despite all their problems, they are still a few games over .500. Is their ability to win despite the flaws encouraging, or should we continue to worry?
— Colin Weisner, Milwaukee, Wis.

A: I picked the Brewers to win the NL Central, so I'm going to stick with that and take the glass-is-half-full side of things, Colin. You're right, they have a winning record despite Eric Gagne's early struggles, Derrick Turnbow's recent blowups, a couple of ineffective starters who have been removed from the rotation, and the continued disappointment that is Rickie Weeks.

Ben Sheets also has had an arm issue — yet again — and his loss is one that definitely would adversely affect the Brewers' chances at a playoff spot.

But he reported no soreness after his start against Chicago earlier this week, and seems fine.

You have to like how Yovani Gallardo has bounced back from spring knee surgery, they now have both Mike Cameron and Tony Gwynn back, and most of the regular position players are underachieving offensively (.247 team batting average in April), so you can expect better run production.

The NL Central is going to be tough, with the Cubs, Cardinals and Brewers looking like solid contenders. Two big keys to me for the Brewers will be the overall pitching and defense. But I expect them to be in the race all the way.

Q: Do you think Brian Cashman is part of the Yankees' problem? And what kind of future does Kyle Farnsworth have with the Yankees?
— Bill, Tucson, Ariz.

A: If you're asking me to choose sides between Cashman and Hank Steinbrenner, then put me in the Cashman camp, Bill. I like what the Yankees are trying to do by going with their young arms. All teams — even those with $200-million payrolls — need to develop and promote their own talent to the big leagues, as the Yankees have done in recent years with Chein-Ming Wang, Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera. Too many people already have forgotten that the Yankees' dynasty of the late 1990s was fueled by players developed from within, including Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada.

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The other side of this equation is that so far this season, Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes don't appear ready to make solid contributions — and that will negatively impact the Yankees' chances of getting to the postseason. That's never a good thing in the Bronx, where the World Series is the goal every season. So some patience is needed, and in a case or two, maybe a change will need to be made. That doesn't make the strategy wrong — but maybe they were mistaken in thinking all three young arms (Joba Chamberlain being the other) were ready to play key roles. But I'd rather stick with the long-term plan, even if it may mean a somewhat down season — although Hank would disagree with me.

As for Farnsworth, who's no kid at age 32, he's always had dominating stuff but never has developed command of it, especially in crucial situations. I see him as just what he is — a setup man.

Q: Is it against the rules for a pitcher to lick his fingers while on the rubber?
— Gary Silver, Springfield, Va.

A: Yes it is, Gary. But on cold nights, umpires will allow a pitcher to blow into his closed fist.

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