Rockies Pregame Rockies writers Tracy Ringolsby and Jack Etkin will be filing reports before every Rockies game this season.

By Tracy Ringolsby
Updated 12:45 p.m.

The Todd Helton approach makes it’s first impact on the lineup Monday.

Helton won’t start against Los Angeles.

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle and trainer Keith Dugger worked over the winter to devise a schedule for days off for Helton based on travel arrangements. With the bus ride from San Diego on Sunday night and day game in Los Angeles on Monday, the deicison was it was a good time for Helton to not start.

Hurdle said selected games have been targeted throughout the season.

``It’s always a point of contention with him when he is not playing,’’ said Hurdle. ``We want to make sure he has every opportunity to maximize his ability.’’

Hurdle said the plan is for Helton to start 145 games.

``It’s in pencil,’’ Hurdle said.

The Rockies lineup:

CF Willy Taveras (rh)
2B Kazuo Matsui (sh)
3B Garrett Atkins (rh)
LF Matt Holliday (rh)
RF Brad Hawpe (lh)
1B Jeff Baker (rh)
SS Troy Tulowitzki (rh)
C Chris Iannetta (rh)
P Jeff Francis (lh)

The Dodgers lineup:

CF Juan Pierre (lh)
C Russ Martin (rh)
1B Nomar Garciaparra (rh)
2B Jeff Kent (rh)
LF Luis Gonzalez (lh)
RF Matt Kemp (rh)
SS Wilson Valdez (rh)
3B Ramon Martinez (rh)
P Jason Schmidt (rh)

The Rockies received a little love from Giants broadcaster and former big-league pitcher Mike Krukow.

Asked about the Dodgers offense during his Monday morning radio show, Krukow replied:

``The Dodgers offense doesn't worry me,’’ he said. ``Nor do the Padres or Diamondbacks . The only offense that scares me in the West is the Rockies. That lineup has some big time thump in it.’’

THE ROCKIES offense does have a challenge on Monday, though. The Rockies are the opposition for the Dodgers home opener, and they will face Jason Schmidt, making his first home start with the Dodgers. The former Giants right-hander, signed as a free agent, has enjoyed success against Rockies hitters.

The Rockies current roster has a combined .221 average against him, and he is particularly tough on the Rockies primary left-handed hitters: Todd Helton (.l228), Brad Hawpe (.217) and switchhitting Kazuo Matsui (hitless).