With De La Rosa gone, could deal for Marquis with Rockies be possible?

The Colorado Rockies lost left-hander Jorge De La Rosa to a torn ligament in his elbow Tuesday. He will have to undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery and will be out for at least one year. With starting pitcher Jason Marquis having a very consistent start for the Nationals this season, his stock will not be any higher at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Washington could be able to cash in if they want to go after some solid leadoff prospects in the Colorado farm system. The Rockies do not have a clear-cut, ready-for-the-majors leadoff guy right now, but two prospects are getting closer and currently tearing up Triple-A pitching. One option is former Georgia Tech star Charlie Blackmon, who has been one of the hottest hitters in all of the Pacific Coast League the last 10 games. The 6-foot-3, 200-lb., left-handed-hitting outfielder is hitting .457 over that span with five doubles, one triple, two homers and 12 RBIs. Blackmon is averaging .349 in 46 games with nine homers and 44 RBIs. Blackmon is batting second in the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox's lineup. He had a huge spring for the Rockies and a lot of prognosticators had Blackmon as one of the first call-ups if Colorado's four-man outfield faltered to begin the season. Another is Eric Young Jr., the son of the former Rockies outfielder, who is leading off for the Sky Sox and is batting .372 in 41 games with 13 doubles, eight triples and 17 stolen bases. He is hitting .465 in his last 10 games. Because the Rockies are very familiar with how good Marquis can be, it would seem this might be a great trading partner if Colorado is in search of a front-line veteran hurler for the stretch drive. With De La Rosa out now, that opportunity may be available soon to the Nationals.