The Colorado Rockies improved by 10 games over what they did in 2012, but still they went just 74-88 last year. This is a team in rebuilding mode and they hope that their busy offseason pays off in a move up the standings. Vegas odds have the Rockies at +3500 to win the NL West, +5000 to win the NL Pennant and +10000 to win the World Series.
The Rockies had many offensive injuries last year, but still managed to rank 10th in runs scored (706), 3 rd in batting average (.270) and 15th in homeruns. This year they are healthier and added a nice piece to the puzzle in Justin Morneau. He will team up with Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki, who when both are healthy are one of the more dynamic duos in the league. That’s a scary middle of the lineup right there. That’s not all they have though as Cuddyer in the 2 hole and Wilin Rosario in the 6 slot both can hit for power and drive in runs. Provided this offense stays healthy they will go back to putting up normal Colorado Rockie type numbers, even though they lost Helton and Fowler.
Pitching is always a concern for this team and last year they finished 28th in the league with a 4.44 ERA. In order to help the rotation the Rockies went out and signed Brett Anderson from the A’s and so far in the preseason he has pitched very well for them. The Rockies may be starting the season without Chacin, who was their best pitcher a year ago, but they still have Tyler Chatwood and Jorge De La Rosa, who combined to go 24-11 last year, with both starters have an ERA of under 3.50. This actually look like the best rotation that the Rockies have had in a while. The bullpen got a boost with the signing of Latroy Hawkins, who will be the setup man for Rex Brothers. Overall a better pen than the one that allow an NL worst 4.23 ERA last year.
Outlook: I like this Rockies team, but that doesn’t mean they will make a push at the playoffs this year. Their offense is back to being scary and as long as they stay healthy they should finish in the top 5 in runs scored. The pitching also look to be much improved this year and their top 4 in the rotation should all have a fine year. They do need to find a solid 5th starter and they also need depth in the rotation and on the bench, but still I see this team as improved over last year and they should be able to beat out San Diego for 4th in the division.
Info gathered from FoxSports.com and CBSSports.com
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