Recent success nets Nicasio home opener start

MIAMI -- Rockies manager Walt Weiss decided to go with right-hander Juan Nicasio for Friday's home opener against the D-backs, rather than lefty Franklin Morales, because Nicasio's experience at Coors Field is fresher.

Nicasio has been with the Rockies the last three seasons. Morales began his career with the Rockies as a callup starter on the 2007 team that went to the World Series, and as a reliever in 2009, but he was traded to the Red Sox in 2011. Weiss thought it was better to have Morales make his first start Thursday, at Marlins Park.

"More than anything, Juan has pitched a lot and made a lot of starts in our park," Weiss said. "Frankie did at one time, but it's been a while. I'd rather Frankie's first start be on the road before we get back there in all the hoopla of Opening Day and throw that on top of being with a new club. Juan was the best choice."