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Predicting the Final 2016 NL West Standings

By Aaron Ferguson

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4. Colorado Rockies

Aug 6, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder
Aug 6, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder /

Colorado Rockies Projected Record: 73-89

Key Additions: OF Gerardo Parra, RP Jake McGee, RP Chad Qualls, RP Jason Motte
Key Subtractions: 1B Justin Morneau, SP Kyle Kendrick, OF Corey Dickerson

Biggest Strength: Lineup Depth
Biggest Weakness: Starting Pitching

The Rockies had the writing on the wall last season when they traded shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the Toronto Blue Jays. They received three solid pitchers in the deal, including Miguel Castro who pitched in five games for the Rockies last season. He will likely find himself in the bullpen this season, as the Rox need all the help they can get.

Colorado did their best to address the bullpen this offseason. They signed relievers Chad Qualls and Jason Motte. Then they traded for hard-throwing left-hander Jake McGee from the Tampa Bay Rays.

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    • Qualls is a good fit for the Rockies as a sinker baller. He should induce a lot of ground balls, which is needed in Denver. Motte is a guy that throws hard. Between his fastball and his cutter, he throws fastballs the majority of the time and will mix in an occasional slider. McGee throws hard fastballs and should be the Rockies closer in 2016.

    The Rockies added outfielder Gerardo Parra, who will be a good fit at a corner outfield position. Adding him into the mix with Charlie Blackman and Carlos Gonzalez makes for a very good, if not great all-around outfield.

    The emergence of Ben Paulson at first base made it easier on the Rockies’ front office in letting Justin Morneau walk away. Nolan Arenado will be strong again at third base. Having D.J. LeMahieu and Jose Reyes up the middle with Daniel Descalso platooning will round out a very good infield.

    Starting pitching is going to be the biggest issue for the Rockies, as usual. They had eight different pitchers with 10 or more starts last season. According to the team’s website, Jorge De La Rosa is at the top of the rotation and is followed by Chad Bettis, Tyler Chatwood, Jordan Lyles and Jon Gray. Chatwood missed the 2015 season due to Tommy John surgery, but the other four projected starters did not have good 2015 campaigns.

    Pitching in a hitter’s park is difficult for any team, but the Rockies should have no excuse for some of their ERAs. De La Rosa (4.17) and Bettis (4.23) both had ERAs under 4.30, but Lyles (5.14) and Gray (5.53) had miserable seasons in their combined 19 starts.

    There are still several free agent pitchers that can’t do much worse than what the Rockies had last season. Yovani Gallardo, Mat Latos, Tim Lincecum and Jeremy Guthrie are all veteran pitchers that could have an instant impact on the Rockies’ rotation.

    It is without question that the Rockies have a solid lineup, especially with CarGo, Arenado and Paulson returning to the heart of the lineup. They also have improved their bullpen, but the starting pitching is the most concerning aspect of their roster moving forward. There needs to be stability and health in the rotation for the Rockies to have any chance at a wild card spot.

    Next: 3. Arizona Diamondbacks

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