I like the current trajectory of the Colorado Rockies. They have been slowly amassing talent and all of their call-ups have been effective. They have many young position players in the minors, but they lack arms at that level. Could they flip a few of their blue chip prospects for a true ace?
Jon Gray has improved over the last two seasons, but can he be leaned up in pressure situations? Also, can the end-of-the-rotation starters hang with other team’s pitchers in the same role?
Charlie Blackmon had a career year in 2017. Can he keep up those numbers or is a regression candidate?
Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Colorado Rockies.
2017 Win/Loss Record: 87-75
Key Additions: RP Wade Davis, RP Bryan Shaw, SS Shawn O’Malley & RP Brooks Pounders
Key Losses: OF Carlos Gonzalez, 1B Mark Reynolds, RP Greg Holland, RP Pat Neshek, C Jonathan Lucroy, 2B Alexi Amarista & C Ryan Hanigan
Interleague Schedule: AL West
Projected Starters: Chris Iannetta, Ryan McMahon, DJ LeMahieu, Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, Ian Desmond, Charlie Blackmon & Gerardo Parra
Projected Starting Rotation: Jon Gray, Chad Bettis, Tyler Anderson, German Marquez & Kyle Freeland
Closer: Wade Davis
Fantasy Sleeper: OF David Dahl – Dahl was once the Rockies top prospect in their system. He has been dealing with some major injuries, so he hasn’t stay in the Majors with regularity. He has been dealing with a stress reaction in his rib cage. It could be easy for him to re-aggravate it, so Dahl has slipped in fantasy drafts. He should be taken ahead of Gerardo Parra just because of his upside. He has power and hits for average, a beautiful combo for a hitter playing most of his games at Coors Field.
Prospect To Keep Your Eye On: SS Brendan Rogers – The Rockies took Rogers in the first round back in 2015. He has dominated the minors and ended last season at Double-A. I’m guessing he will start the season at Triple-A and move over the second base. Colorado have two very capable players in their middle infield, so getting Rogers playing time could be an issue for a contending team. They won’t call him up unless he gets regular at-bats. He’s a guy to keep an eye on in case a long-term injury causes the Rockies to bring him up.
Team Analysis: Current Rockies GM Jeff Bridich has done a fantastic job with this team. Colorado shocked everyone last season when they made the postseason a year or two ahead of schedule. He’s been economical and haven’t overspent on any failed free agents. His predecessor lost his job after signing too many high-priced busts.
Colorado keeps bringing up young talent like Trevor Story and they instantly make an impact. They have a few more guys that should get some Big league at-bats this season. The Rockies could even use one or two as trade bait for a top-of-the-line starter. Jon Gray is currently slated to be their ace, but he needs help as he may be a #2 or #3 on a playoff team at this point in his career. It wouldn’t hurt them to sign one of the top free agent starters still available if they can get them on short-term deals.
As long as the Rockies keep hitting, they will be in the AL West mix. I don’t see them catching the Astros, but another Wild Card appearance is a possibility. Unfortunately, I think they will regress a bit after overachieving last season. Their starting rotation isn’t good enough to hang with the other top-tier AL playoff contenders.
2018 Wins Over/Under Betting Line: 82 (Prediction: OVER)
2018 Projected Win/Loss Record: 83-79 (3rd in NL West)
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About the Author…
Bobby Roberts (otherwise known as Sweetbob) is the creator of ‘America’s White Boy’ and contributor at Project Shanks. His writing has been featured on ESPN’s ‘SportsNation’, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks, Guyspeed, and various other sites. You can follow him on Twitter at @Sweetbob.