The Walt Weiss era begins in Denver this season. He takes over a team with a lot of problems. The most glaring issue is their pitching. When Jorge De La Rosa and Jhoulys Chacin are at the top of your rotation, you’re doing something wrong. Drew Pomeranz, the centerpiece in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal, is not where they expected him to be. He’s only 24, so there’s still time for him to turn into a #1 starter.
The rest of the team lacks an identity. I hope Weiss focuses on defense, because their pitching staff isn’t going to help them.
Can Troy Tulowitzki stay healthy in 2013?
Here is the 2013 MLB season preview for the Colorado Rockies.
2012 Win/Loss Record: 64-98
Key Additions: P Manny Corpas, SS Reid Birgnac, 1B Ryan Wheeler, P Wilton Lopez, P Chris Volstad, P Miguel Batista, C Yorvit Torrealba
Key Losses: P Jeremy Guthrie, 1B Jason Giambi, P Alex White, P Josh Roenicke, OF Seth Smith, P Jonathan Sanchez
Interleague Schedule: AL East + Houston Astros
Projected Starters: Wilin Rosario, Todd Helton, Josh Rutledge, Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, Michael Cuddyer
Projected Starting Rotation: Jorge De La Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin, Juan Nicasio, Drew Pomeranz, Jeff Francis
Closer: Rafael Betancourt
Fantasy Sleeper: OF Tyler Colvin – I’m not bitter the Chicago Cubs traded Tyler Colin the Rockies after one poor season. I mean, we got the dependable Ian Stewart *insert sarcasm*. I realize the Cubs needed infield help, Colvin showed signs of a future star during the 2010 season (20/56/.254), which ended when a piece of a broken bat pierced his lung. His 2011 season was a complete disaster. He batted .150 in 206 at-bats…which is very bad. In Colvin’s first season in Colorado, he held the fourth outfielder’s role with a line of 18/72/.290 in only 420 at-bats. I don’t know why he’s not slated to be a starter, but if he’s set to be in a platoon, he has impressive numbers against righties last season (18/60/.297 in 320 at-bats). If Carlos Gonzalez gets moved for pitching and prospects, Colvin will get the at-bats. He’s worth a late round pick or for $1 in an auction round. To put a cherry on everything, if he gets 500 at-bats, I guarantee he will have double-digit steals.
Team Analysis: The Rockies have young, talented players on their pro squad, but they still have holes. They are in need of restocking their farm system. Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are two players with the most trade value. I predict one of these guys, probably CarGO, will be on another team by the trading deadline. A future with Josh Rutledge, Dexter Fowler, Wilin Rosario and Tyler Colvin is bright future…but not right now. They are stuck in a much improved NL West, so they will be stuck in the basement this season. I liked Weiss as a player and he spent a lot of time around future Hall of Fame managers Tony LaRussa and Bobby Cox. I wish him luck with this current squad, because he will need a lot of patience with his pitching staff.
Sportsbook.ag’s 2013 Wins Over/Under Line: 70.5 (Prediction: UNDER)
2013 Projected Win/Loss Record: 62-100 (5th in NL West)