Tuesday is “Mile High” day as we take our tour of the league to Denver to break down the Rockies. Colorado comes into the year in just about the same place they always do. A team that can slug at home and wins plenty of games Coors Field and can’t do much of anything on the road. They continue to struggle to find quality starting pitching and will try to piece together a staff that can back up an offense that should score plenty of runs. The front office and ownership frankly don’t seem interested in winning anymore and it is showing on the field following last year’s 59-win season. Let’s dive into this group and see if they can improve even a little.

Keys to Success

1. Nolan Avoids the Sophomore Slump: Nolan Jones had a big rookie year, and the Rockies will look for him to repeat that success as he becomes the face of this team. The talented lefty hit some impressive homers last year and seems like he has the ability to be the franchises next great offensive player. I certainly hope he is, because this fan base needs something to cheer for.

2. Does KB Even Care?: It honestly feels like a valid question for Kris Bryant. Once upon a time Bryant was “the next big thing” as he became a league MVP and a key cog in the Cubs breaking “the curse.” Since then, his career has become a mess, and he has not been a shell of himself in Denver. It would be nice to see him get back to his best…but I wouldn’t count on it.

3. A Fresh Arm: The Rockies struggles in the pitching department have been well documented over the years and they are hoping to find a diamond in the rough. Perhaps that diamond is Cal Quantrill, who back in 2021 and 22 pitched brilliantly for the Guardians. The 28-year old is looking for a fresh start in Denver, which is one of the toughest places for a pitcher to start over.

The Lineup

1. Charlie Blackmon DH

2. Ezequiel Tovar SS

3. Nolan Jones RF

4. Kris Bryant 1B

5. Ryan McMahon 3B

6. Brendan Rodgers 2B

7. Hunter Goodman LF

8. Elias Diaz C

9. Brenton Doyle CF

The Staff

1. Kyle Freeland

2. Cal Quantrill

3. Austin Gomber

4. Ryan Feltner

5. Dakota Hudson

Closer: Justin Lawrence

The Prediction

62 Wins

Sadly I think the answer is no. This Rockies team should score runs at home as usual but their pitching staff and bullpen will hold them back from making any real jump. Look for them to sell at the deadline.

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