Rockpile:
Hitting their way into the conversation, the ’17 Rockies had an 82-75 mark: 52-39 before the All-Star break but 30-36 in the second half. And even though they were first in NL runs scored with 824, they were ninth in NL pitching: a 4.51 ERA overall, a 4.59 ERA for starters and a 4.40 ERA for the bullpen.
During the offseason, Colorado changed catchers, dropped their ninth-inning fireman, and signed a setup man and closer Wade Davis. The significant improvement here is to the back end of the pen.
According to Fangraphs, the Rockies have 18.1 percent odds for the playoffs and a 14.3 percent shot at the wild card. Yes, they lost a rotation arm to the Cubs, but the Denver squad has a handful of hurlers with similar numbers.
The Rox have a deadly offense, an improved relief corps, and two young starters at the front of their rotation. They’ll continue to develop young pitching for their five-man staff and inch their way into the 90-win column.
"WORDS OF WISDOM: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Larry Elder"
It also means that any mid-July deals would be to replace an injured or ineffective player. But don’t expect them to trade for a rotation piece: a possible shortcoming.
As for Rockies fans, many on their site posted their acceptance for a repeat of last summer. In other words, they’re anticipating an opportunity for a second wild card and 84 to 89 victories. By comparison, national writers figured the acquisition of Jake Arrieta could put the Phillies in that vicinity.