Colorado Rockies 2018 Season Preview
One of the surprises of the National League in 2017, the Colorado Rockies rode solid pitching and timely hitting to the postseason. Can that formula work again in 2018?
Typically, when one pictures the Colorado Rockies and Coors Field, it is an image of home runs flying through the thin Rocky Mountain air and pitchers wanting to commit seppuku on the mound for their failures. A team built around a solid pitching staff and timely hitting is not what anyone has come to expect from the Rockies.
However, that was the formula last season. The Rockies led the National League in runs, but ranked only tenth in the National League with 195 home runs, a surprisingly low number, especially in the Year of the Home Run. Only four players had more than 20 homers for the Rockies last year, with Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon leading the way with 37 longballs.
Meanwhile, the Rockies pitching staff became more than a batting practice machine. Their 4.51 team ERA was the sixth-best mark in franchise history, and their 1.381 WHiP was fifth. Those numbers were all the more impressive given that staff ace Jon Gray made only 20 starts in 2017, missing two and a half months with a broken bone in his left foot.
The Colorado Rockies face a tough task in the coming year, as the National League West has gotten stronger. Will their strategy from last year work once again, and keep the Rockies in the postseason?
Colorado Rockies additions and subtractions
Key additions: Wade Davis, Bryan Shaw, Chris Iannetta
A Newcomer to watch Wade Davis. For the second time in his career, Davis is taking over for Greg Holland as the new closer. This time, it will be with the Colorado Rockies.
In his only year with the Cubs, Davis had another typically solid performance. He posted a 2.30 ERA and a 1.142 WHiP, notching 32 saves in 33 opportunities, while striking out 79 batters in 58.2 innings. However, there were signs that Davis was slipping; his WHiP was the highest of any season he spent in relief, and his 4.3 BB/9 rate was the highest of his career.
With a three year contract worth $52 million, the Rockies are betting that those numbers are an aberration. Davis was certainly excellent last year, but he was not that shut down cyborg he had been in the previous three seasons. If he does falter even further, those woes could be magnified in Colorado.
Notable losses: Greg Holland, Pat Neshek, Tyler Chatwood, Jonathan Lucroy
Biggest loss: Tyler Chatwood. The Rockies addressed the losses in the bullpen by bringing in Davis and Bryan Shaw. However, the loss of Tyler Chatwood from the starting rotation remains unfilled.
At first glance, Chatwood would not appear to be a major loss for the Rockies. Yes, he took the ball 33 times, making 25 starts, but the results were not exactly spectacular. He finished 8-15, leading the National League in losses on a team that was 87-75. Chatwood posted a 4.69 ERA and a 1.4442 WHiP, numbers that are better suited to a back of the rotation arm.
However, those struggles were almost entirely the product of Coors Field. Away from the launching pad in Colorado, Chatwood posted a 3.49 ERA and a 1.228 WHiP, striking out 62 batters in 77.1 innings. That performance gave the Colorado Rockies another excellent option on the road, and one that they may well miss in the coming year.
What to expect from the Colorado Rockies in 2018
The Colorado Rockies were a surprising entrant in the 2017 postseason. In order to repeat, they may need a lot of luck.
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This is certainly not the Rockies fault. They have made moves to remain in contention, countering their bullpen losses by bringing in one of the better closers in the game and a solid setup man. Chris Iannetta gives Colorado more offense behind the plate, something that was lacking before the trade for Jonathan Lucroy.
However, the rest of the division has improved. The Giants are all in on the coming season, strengthening their lineup as they look to continue that even year magic. The Diamondbacks have closed the gap to the Dodgers, and appear to be the top two teams in the division. Even the Padres have improved, bringing in Eric Hosmer. The Rockies have, at the very worst, maintained their position from last year. But it may not be enough to reach the playoffs again.
If Colorado is going to return to the postseason, those improvements need to come from within. Jon Gray needs to stay healthy, and continue his development into an ace. Jeff Hoffman, Kyle Freeland, and German Marquez need to take another step forward. Meanwhile, Trevor Story needs to make more consistent power in order to become a true middle of the lineup threat.
Next: Dodgers fan has offer for Justin Turner
The Colorado Rockies have made moves to remain in contention. But with a difficult NL West, those moves may not be enough. Prediction: Fourth place in the NL West.