National League predictions

Spring is here that means warmer days, blooming plants, and the greatest sport ever is back and that is Baseball. In this blog I will be predicting how I think the National League is going to finish. Some of my favorite teams are from the National League.

National League East 

1. Washington Nationals-The  Nationals last year had there share of injuries still the club was able to win 86 games. The pitching is the best in this division. Strasburg, Zimmermann and Gonzalez are all back and should have more run support than last year. The offense should be better this year since all indications are everybody is healthy. The offense dealt with injuries last year, so this year if they are healthy should be good. The Nationals look to take their division back projected record 93-69
2. Atlanta Braves-The Braves last year rode on a good pitching staff and an decent offense into the playoff’s. This year though their playoff chances may be in trouble. Last week the Braves learned 2 of there rotation members will be lost to Tommy John surgery. MaCain who was an offensive force when healthy took his services to the Yankees. The braves do have some offense and a few young starters to make a run. However it is not easy overcoming injuries. Projected Record 86-76
3. New York Mets-The Mets do have some talent Harvey and Niese were bright spots last year. But Niese will start the season on the DL list while Harvey rehabs from Tommy John Surgery. The Mets got veteran Colon to help until Harvey gets back. The Mets do have Gee and Wheeler who showed they are the future of the rotation last year. The offense is anchored by David Wright but after him comes question marks. Can Davis and Murphy rebound from their miserable 2013 seasons. Can Duda cut down on the strike outs. The mets are going to have to find some offense, still they should flirt with 500 projected record 81-81 
4. Philadelphia Phillies-The Phillies are having to face a rebuilding project. A few years ago this team was World Series Champions and a threat to be in the title hunt. Now Phillie is rebuilding. Halladay after battling injuries decided it was time for him to retire. That leaves Lee and Hammels as the aces of this staff. There has been talk that the Phillies may try to move one of these pitchers. The three offensive threats Utley, Rollins and Howard are again and all battled injuries last year. When they are healthy they are still good but not as good as they once were. The Phillies are rebuilding and its hard to see them contending this year, projected record 72-90  
5. Miami Marlins-Last year Miami was horrible but the Marlins saw some hope  for the future. Fernandez for a rookie had a good year and ended up being the ace of this staff. Everybody behind him is still young but if one of the young starters steps up than Miami could have a decent staff. Still the Marlins pitchers are still going to have growing pains. The offense has some nice pieces too last year Stanton clubbed 24 home runs. The Marlins did get Jones from the pirates so he should provide a veteran presence. The Marlins are a young team that still has some growing pains but slipping past the Phillies is not impossible projected Record 70-92

National League Central 

1. Cincinnati Reds -The Reds last year made it to the playoffs, but after another quick exit and Dusty seeming to have lost the clubhouse, the Reds replaced him with Bryan Price. Price inherits a good team and is respected among the players; he also built the reds pitching staff when he was the pitching Coach. The Reds have a very good staff. Cueto, Latos, Bailey, Cingrani and Leake all could win 10 games or more. Cueto though has had some injuries and Latos did have knee surgery during the off season. If both are healthy then this could be the best rotation in the league. The Reds will be without Chapman who had to have surgery after getting hit in the face with a line drive. The offense should be better than it was last year. Votto, Bruce, Phillips, Frazier, and Cozart will hit home runs in bunches. Ludwick if he is healthy can be counted on for 25-30 home runs as well. The Reds look to aim high under manager price, projected Record 94-68 
2. St. Louis Cardinals-The Cardinals reached the world series last year and made it a close series. The Cardinals should be in the thick of it again this year. The Cardinals rotation rivals Cincinnati Wainwright, Lynn, Miller and Kelly are back and each one can win 10 or more games. Plus the Cards have a lot of good pitchers in the minor leagues that will compete for the 5th spot. The bullpen is very good. The offense should be good but they will miss Frieze and Beltran as they were power bats. The offense will score but may not hit as many home runs. The Cardinals have high hopes for 2014 and there is no reason to think they won’t be a playoff team projected record 92-70
3. Pittsburgh Pirates-Clint Hurdle made the Rockies last year regret that they fired him as he lead the Pirates into the playoff’s once again taking a team he has managed into the playoffs. The Pirates not just made the playoffs but they ended a 20 seasons losing streak. The Pirates are loaded with pitching but they are a few question marks. Can Wandy Rodriguez return from his arm injury last year and be the #2 guy. The other starters are good. They will regret though inserting Volquez into the 5th starter spot. Last year he was horrible and that was at a pitchers park. By mid season do not be surprised if a prospect takes his spot. The offense is lead by McCutchen and he is very good, but who will protect him in the lineup. Jones was sent to Miami. The pirates do have some other hitters that can hit 15 home runs and drive in doubles. The Pirates will contend again this year but they have a few question marks projected record 87-75
4. Milwaukee Brewers-Last year the Brewers had to deal with the Braun saga. Bruan was suspended for the rest of the season after using steroids. Braun will have to prove his seasons were not tainted. Another thing he will have to do is earn the trust of the fans and players back which is not easy to do. Braun’s return could also serve as a distraction to the club. The Brewers rotation will be lead by Lohse who is a solid veteran starter. Peralta is an emerging type pitcher who could take the next step. Everybody else on the pitching staff is huge question marks. The offense has huge question marks, he is going to merge as an offensive leader to join Gomez. The Brewers just have too many questions to be taken as contenders. Projected Record 72-90
5. Chicago Cubs-The Cubs were once again horrible last year. Their young players should be better this year. The Cub’s pitching though is still having growing pains and last year they were over-matched at times last year. The offense did have a few good pieces last year but like the pitching their hitters are still developing. The Cubs should improve but are not contenders just yet projected Record 68-94 

National League West 

1. San Francisco Giants-The Giants last year had a losing record first time in 5 years however a lot of that was due to injuries. The Giants look like they are healthy. The Giants rotation is on paper the best in this division. Bumgarner and Cain are the aces of this staff. Lincecum has reinvented himself and has learned not to rely on power pitching so much. Hudson should fit in as a nice veteran starter and there is no reason he cant win 12-15 games. Vogelsong will slide in as the 5th starter. The bullpen should be great too anchored by Romo. The offense should be better too. Pence showed last year while it was wroth the Giant’s money in keeping him. Posey will also lead the way. Pablo Sandoval should have a bounce back year. Pablo has looked better in shape and indications are he his healthy. When he is healthy he provides power to the lineup. Pagan is the lead off hitter but has had to deal with some hamstring issues in spring training. The Giants look to be back into the playoffs projected Record 94-68. 
2. Los Angeles Dodgers-The Dodgers have shelled out huge amounts of money the past two years. Last year the club made the playoffs but injuries caught up with them and they were put out. The Rotation is lead by Kershaw, Ryu, and Grienke those three are capable of winning 14-18 games alone. The offense has some good pieces but is also question marks huge ones at that. Gonzalez and Puige were very good last year and were pretty much the offense. Kemp, Either, Crawford, and Ramirez all battled injuries last year which hurt this club in the playoffs. Kemp has battled leg issues and will start the season on the DL. Ramirez is still recovering from his injuries of last year. Crawford like kemp has also had leg problems. The Dodgers need those 4 in the lineup. The Dodgers will contend but can their offense stay healthy projected record 91-71
3. Arizona Dimondbacks-Arizona may not have a rotation like the Dodgers or Giants do; but what they had is good. They do not have a #1 starter yet what they have are solid #2 and #3 type starters. Cahill, Corbin and Miley are good starters and each one can be counted on for 11-14 wins. I said this club did not have a #1 starter yet because these three starters are still young and one of them could emerge as a #1 type starter. Reed anchors the bullpen. The offense is lead by Goldschmidt and now Trumbo. Both players can hit 40 home runs. The problem is who is going to protect these two in the lineup. The other hitters are still learning. Arizona is a young team and one that is not far from contending. If the pitching develops along with the hitting then Arizona could be good this year but that is a question mark projected record 86-76 
4. Colorado Rockies-The Rockies improved 10 games last year and seemed like they would contend before fading in the second half. The Rockies have question marks in their rotation. Can Chacin and Anderson stay healthy, and who will be the 5th starter. Last year the Rockies 4th and 5th starters went 18-42 ouch. The Rockies got Brett Anderson from Oakland to help with that problem. The Rockies were 2nd or 3rd in runs scored last year and lead in many offensive categories. The Rockies will be an offensive team this year. Everybody from 2-8 in the lineup can hit more than 20 home runs. Cargo and Tulo need to stay healthy when the Rockies have both of them they terrorize pitchers. The Rockies will score lots of runs as always but they will go were their pitching takes them. If the Rockies can get some decent pitching they can contend. This team has the potential to win 90 games or lose 90 games it could go either way projected Record 81-81 
5. San Diego Padres– San Diego plays in a pitchers ballpark which is good because they have a young staff. Last year the Padres’s rotation had to deal with injuries.  Cashmer is the ace of this group and had a decent season last year. Everybody else is either developing or coming back from injuries. Street anchors the bullpen and is a reliable closer though he did have to deal with a few injuries last year. The offense is what holds this team back the most.  Forsythe and Headley as well as Venable are nice pieces. However, nobody else in the lineup is dangerous. Until the Padres get more offense to go along with there three solid hitters then they are going to have a hard time contending projected record 76-86

American League Baseball Predictions

Its that time of the year again, spring is here and that means its time for America’s greatest sport, which is Baseball. Every season has its surprises, they are always surprise teams. Which team will be a surprise team in the American league this year. Here is my American League predictions for the 2014 season. 

American League East 

1.  Boston Red Sox-last year Boston did a complete turnaround winning 97 games compared to their 69-93 record in 2012. The 2013 Red Sox also won the World Series. The team pretty much returns intact. The only key piece is Jacob Ellisbury who took his services to the Yankees. Everybody else for the most part returns. The starting pitching should be good and so should the offense. Boston is the team to beat in this division. Projected Record 93-69
2. Baltimore Orioles-The Orioles contended for most of the year last year but faded at the end. Tilman emerged as the ace of this staff but the pitching after him feel off some what. The O’s got Ubaldo Jiminez who had a bounce back year last year with the Indians. Ubaldo will be counted on to win 14-16 games this year. Gonzalez also looks to be a good pitcher in the making. The O’s also need a closer and for somebody in the bullpen to step up and close out games. The offense is anchored by Davis and Jones. Baltimore looks to be improved projected record 90-72 
3. Tampa Bay Rays-The Rays seem to find a way to get in the playoffs or come close despite not having the financial resources that other teams do. The Rays are loaded with pitching. The Rays just need some more offense to protect Longoria in the lineup. The Rays pitching should be good and it will keep them in games. if he Rays could get some offense then they could pass the Orioles. Projected record 89-73 
4. Toronto Blue Jays-Toronto last year spent big and many including myself thought they would be contenders. Injuries derailed their hopes. Toronto will probably be an offensive force again as 6vstaring players in the lineup could end up hitting 20 or more home runs. Bautista, Encarnacion, Lind, Lawrie, Rasmus, Navvaro will hit home runs in bunches. The bullpen looks to be good. The thing that will hold Toronto back is its starting pitching. RA Rickey and Mark Buehrle are good bets to win 13-16 games. Morrow could be a good starter if he is healthy. But after that the Jays have huge question marks. If the Jays contend it will be because of their offense. Projected Record 81-81 
5. New York Yankees,The Yankees have had a lot to deal with. A-rod or A-fraud however you want to call him created clubhouse problems with his cheating ways and lawsuits and round up being suspended for all of 2014 for using steroids. Cano took his services to Seattle. The Yankees did get MaCain and Elisburgy so that will help the offense. However both players have a history of injuries. The Yankees offense is good but lot of the players are aging. The pitching staff does not look good for the Yankees. The Yankees ace Sabathia has not looked good this spring and last year got lit up more than he usually does. Other starting rotation members are coming off of injuries.  The Yankees also do not have an established closer anymore. The Yanks lost key leadership that kind of kept the clubhouse cool in Pettite and Riveria. This team has so many questions they could contend and since they are the Yankees do not count them out, but for the first time in nearly 20 years they seem more vulnerable this year Projected Record 79-83 

American League Central 

1. Kansas City Royals-The Royals really improved last year winning 86 games, that was there first winning season in 10 years. The Royals look to have a good rotation that is anchored by shields and Guthrie. The rest of the rotation is young but it is quickly developing.  The royals have a good closer in Holland who saved 47 games last year. Kansas City does not have a huge power guy yet, but what they have is several guys that hit doubles with occasional power. A lot of there hitters hit 15-20 home runs. Kansas City looks to be able to win its division. Projected Record 91-71
2. Detroit Tigers-The Tigers are contenders and rightfully so. They have solid aces in Verlander and Scherzer to anchor their pitching staff. The offense lost Fielder but gained Kinsler in a trade with the Rangers. The offense should be good as usual. The thing that could hurt the Tigers is injuries this year some of their pitchers have had to undergo shoulder and Tommy John surgery. In past years the Tigers did not really have any competition in this division. But now they do and Kansas City and Cleveland will take advantage of it. The Tigers will contend but can they overcome their injuries projected record 90-72 
3. Cleveland Indians-The Tribe last year got a good manager in Terry Francona. Francona proved that he is a good manager getting the Tribe into the playoff’s. Getting back in the playoff’s this year is not going to be easy. The pitching staff will miss Ubaldo who had a turnaround last year and won 14 games. He was a solid mid rotation starter for them last year. That leaves Masterson as the ace of this staff and everybody else. The offense lost Reyolds and Stubbs who provided home runs. The Indians do have a lot of hitters that can hit 20 home runs so they are going to have to score to win. If the Indians can get some pitching they could contend again projected Record 83-79 
4. Minnesota Twins-The Twins used to be solid contenders from 2001-2010 they were the class of this division. Then came the reality the Twins had to lower payroll and the past 3 seasons they have averaged 66 wins and 96 loses. The pitching was very bad last year, but a few of the pitchers look like they are on the verge of becoming good. Correla is one of those pitchers as he lowered his ERA to 4.18. Everybody else’s ERA was over 5.2. The Twins do have a few good pitching prospects that could impact this year. The offense is not so too bad and they do have some prospects that could impact. The twins offense though depends on Mauer and that is a big question mark. The twins need some pitching and a power hitter to move up. Look for the Twins to improve but they are not contenders projected Record 72-90 
5. Chicago White Sox-The Sox were very bad last year and nearly avoided losing 100 games. The pitching is a lot like Minnesota’s. Sale is the ace of this staff and the problem is he is the only good pitcher on this team. Everybody else behind him is not ready yet for the majors. The offense is not real good either. In fact only one guy in this lineup scares pitchers and that is Adam Dunn. Dunn will hit about 35 home runs, but he strikes out a lot and is an all for the fences type hitter which pulls down his batting average. Konerko is a solid veteran and he still can contribute with the bat. The white Sox are in a rebuilding mode projected record 69-93.  

 

 

 

American League West 

1. Texas Rangers-The Rangers are a consistent offensive team. But their pitching is not bad either. Darvish and Holland anchor the pitching staff. The rest of the staff does have some question marks especially the back end. The bullpen is a question mark on who will close out games. The offense should still be good Kinsler is gone but the Rangers gained fielder. The rangers will score a lot of runs and that is what will keep them in games projected record 92-70
2. Seattle Mariners– The Mariners look like they can finally make some noise in this division especially with Oakland being short handed on pitching due to injuries. Felix Hernandez returns as the ace of this staff and he may win more games this year since he should get more run support. Iwakuma looks to join the team in late April after having hand surgery if he is healthy he will be a solid #2 starter. The Mariners seem to have found a good closer to close out games in Wilhemsen. The Mariners offense has been improved. Cano should boost this teams run production. Searger and Smoak look to improve form last year providing additional power. The Mariners for the first time in a while look like they could make some noise and be a surprise team this year can they take advantage of their opportunity projected record 88-74 
3. Oakland Athletics-The Athletics have gotten in the playoff’s for the past two years. However this year its going to be hard form them to get in. Their pitching staff has already been hit hard with injuries as a few of the starters will have to undergo Tommy John surgery. Oakland does have some good pitching in the minors. They will miss Parker and Straily though as they are lost for the year. The lineup is good and should return and score some runs to keep the Athletics in games. Injuries to the pitching staff is probably going to hold this team back, still the front office finds a way to get this team in the playoff picture projected record 86-76
4. Anaheim Angels-The Angels spent big last year adding Hamilton to go along with Albert Pujols’s long contract signed in 2012. The result was a disaster both struggled with injuries and had the worst years of their careers. Trout showed why he was an MVP player in just his second year and he is the leader of this offense. Pujols said his foot is healthy this year and he he can hit 30 home runs than the offense gets a major boost. Hamilton if healthy needs a bounce back year too. The Angels spent huge amounts of money for these two sluggers. Trumbo will be missed because he was a 30-40 home run threat. The pitching rotation is anchored by Wilson and Weaver, but after them two the rotation has huge question marks. This team has too many questions can other pitchers step up, can Pujols return to form, and can Hamilton go back to his slugging ways? Those are big questions for this team projected record 82-80 
5. Houston Astros-Houston last year was well very bad as they had the worst record of 51-111. In fact had it not been for a few games in April and May they would have maybe threatened the 1962 Mets’ 120 loss record. Feldman is the only proving starter here. Since Norris is gone the rest of the rotation is young pitchers who are not ready. The offense does have some power guys in Castro, Carter, and Dominguez are 20 home run hitters or more. The bad news is they strike out a lot. The young players from last year should get better but its still going to be a long summer in this part of Texas projected Record 63-99 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking at the 2014 Colorado Rockies

Last year the Colorado Rockies improved 10 games finishing with a record of 74-88. The Rockies, also seemed to be contenders in the first season going 42-39 in the first half before going 32-49 in the second half. Still, for the second year in a row the Rockies finished 5th in the National League West. But, it was the first half that made people think maybe the Rockies could be contenders and rightfully so. During, the first half the Rockies were just 4 games behind first and 3.5 games behind a wildcard spot. Everything seemed to be clicking, but then came the injuries. The injuries were to blame but what doomed the Rockies was the 4th and 5th starter spots in the Rotation. The back end of the rotation went a combined 18-42 compared to the first 3 starters that went 38-21. So how do the Rockies of 2014 look like.

Starting Pitching 

Jhoulys Chacin, last year Chacin was terrific going 14-10 with a 3.47 ERA and pitching 197 innings. Chacin is probably the ace of this staff. However, Chacin does have a shoulder injury this spring and won’t be back till late April or Early May. That puts him missing 6-8 starts. Also when a pitcher hurts his shoulder red flags immediately go up. If Chacin can come back healthy and contribute this will be a huge plus for the Rockies

Jorge De La Rosa, last year was what the Rockies hoped he could be a solid starter. De La Rosa went 16-6 with a 3.49 ERA, and pitched over 167 innings. Proving that his elbow was behind his Tommy John surgery. Jorge is being counted out to put up similar numbers.

Brett Anderson, Anderson wowed people in his first year with the Oakland Athletics when he went 11-11 in his first year. However, the past two seasons he has been bothered by injuries. The Rockies acquired him during the off season. So far in spring he has looked terrific. If he is healthy he will be a good middle rotation starter for this club. If he wins 11 or more games then the Rockies might surprise people.

Tyler Chatwood, enjoyed a breakout year last year going 8-5. Chatwood though is still a young pitcher and he is still learning, so he will make some mistakes. Having him as the 4th starter should take pressure off of him. The next step in his development is learning not to overpower every batter and winning more than 10 games.

Juan Nicasio, Nicasio went 9-9 in last year but he was inconsistent last year. Some games he looked great other games he got hit hard. Juan’s problem is he is only a 2 pitch pitcher and hitters will tend to sit on his pitchers. Another thing is his stamina is only good for about 80-85 pitches and the he is out of gas. Nicasio also will walk a lot of batters too. He relies to much on his fastball. He could be the 5th starter or move to the bullpen. The bullpen will probably be his future to save his power arm

Jordan Lyles, Lyles was acquired in the off season. Lyles has the potential to be a middle rotation starter, but he is very young and last year with Houston he showed he still needed development. Houston rushed him because they did not have anybody else. He might spend some time in AAA before moving up. But if he can learn to keep the ball down and mix his pitches he could be good.

Eddie Butler and John Gray-these two young pitchers are Colorado’s top pitching prospects. They showed that they are not far from being major league ready. If these two can develop more they could be good starters, which is something Colorado hasn’t had too much success in developing. Both will develop in the minors. However, do not be surprised if one or both of these pitchers are not with the club toward the end of the season.

Bullpen

Rex Brothers, last year Brothers became the closer after Raphael Betancourt was lost due to Tommy John surgery. Brothers showed he has closer material, but if he is going to be a closer he needs to keep the walks down. The Rockies got Latroy Hawkins to be the closer so Brothers can be a set up man. However, Brothers will probably be the closer in the second half.

Latroy Hawkins, Hawkins the Rockies brought back to be the closer. But, the thing is Hawkins is in his 40’s and does not have a good track record of closing out games. Hawkins is a good set up man though. So do not be surprised if he ends up pitching the 8th and Brothers ends up closing

Matt Belisle, Belisle was used a lot last year due to other bullpen members being inefficient. The work load took its toll on Belisle as by August he was out of gas and running on fumes. The Rockies hope a better bullpen will keep him from wearing down. When he is right he is a good 7th inning guy.

Wilton Lopez, Lopez last year drove everybody crazy because he could not hold leads. It seemed like every time he got the ball a lead would be blown. His ERA was not good at all. He is back this year but the question is can he be trusted to hold leads this year.

Boone Logan, Logan was acquired by the Rockies to help strengthen the bullpen. The question with him is what type of pitcher will he be. He has had good seasons but also bad seasons. Last year his ERA was over 5 for a reliever which is not good and he is going to a ballpark that is very hitter friendly.

Position Players

C Wilin Rosario, Rosario showed again that he has power batting 292, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 79 runs. Every year his offense has gotten better. He could be a 30 home run and 90 runs batted in person. The thing though is his defense is still below average and that could be a problem especially when dealing with Rockies Pitchers. Do not be surprised if he plays some games at first base.

C Jordan Pacheco, Pacheco does not have the power that Rosario does, but he does find a way to get key hits from time to time. His defense is better than Rosario’s though, he should be a good back up catcher.

 

1B Justin Morneau, Last year Morneau proved he still could contribute batting 277, 17 home runs and 77 RBI before fading in September. Morneau replaces Helton at first. Justin should have his home runs enhanced by Coors. So it is possible he finishes with 20 home runs and 80 RBI’s. The question is though can he make it through a whole season he does have a long injury history

2B DJ LeMahieu, does not hit for power, but he makes up with it by using his speed. Last year he stole 18 bases and batted over 280. He also did good work with the glove expect more of the same this year.

2b Josh Rutledge, Rutledge has more pop in his bat than LeMaheiu, but he also strikes out a lot too. He will probably platoon with LeMaheiu. If he can cut down on the strike outs he could be a 20 home run guy

SS Troy Tulowitzki-Tulo last year had a bounce back year despite missing 4 weeks due to a broken rib. Tulo finished the year batting 312, 25 home rns and 82 RBI. Tulo needs to stay on the field and play at least 140 games. When he is on his is terror to pitchers. Tulo when healthy averages 30 home runs and 100 runs driven in. If Tulo can stay healthy this year then it provides the offense a boost, and look for him to bat around 300, with close to 30 home runs and 100 runs batted in. However, can he stay on the field is the question

3B Nolan Areando, last year had a good year for a rookie, he batted 267 and had 10 home runs. This year he does not have to earn his position like he did last year. Arenado does have power potential. If he continues to develop he could be a solid offensive player that averages 25 home runs.

 

LF Carlos Gonzalez, Cargo last year was having a terrific seasons in the first half. He was on pace to slug 36 home runs and have 120 runs batted in. Then he injured his finger late in the season and pretty  much missed the final two months of the season. When Cargo is healthy he is a terror to pitchers. He has 35 home run power and is a threat to drive in 110 more runs when he is healthy. Last year he batted 300, 26 home runs and 70 RBI’s. Cargo says his finger has healed if he can stay healthy he is very good. He is a lot like Tulo.

RF Michael Cuddyer, Cuddyer provides a veteran presence in the lineup, and he is also good with the bat. Last year he batted 331, with 20 home runs and 84 runs batted in. Now he probably will not hit 331 again, but he will probably slug 20 home runs maybe more. He plays the game the right way and shows good leadership. He can also play some at first

CF Drew Stubbs, Stubbs has got pop in his bat as he can hit 15-20 home runs, the problem is he strikes out a lot. He averages over 170 strike outs per season and that keeps his batting average down. Stubbs if he can cut down on the strike zones can be a power threat especially now that he is at Coors Field. Look for him to also come off the bench when he is not staring

 

CF Corey Dickerson  last year found himself filling in for injured outfielders a lot and he showed his potential. He does have some pop in his bat.

OF Charlie Blackmon, Blackmon last year really made a case for himself playing mostly in the late part of the season. Blacomon batted 300 and hit 6 home runs. In a full season that might translate to 20 home runs and 80 runs batted in. He will get some changes this season maybe in a platoon role.

OF Charlie Culberson, Culberson last year also found himself filling in for injured outfielders. He showed he could have a good bat in the the short time he was up with the Rockies. He is competing for a position this spring.

Bottom Line

The Rockies have a good offense as always. Last year it finished 2nd in runs scored and there is no reason it can’t this year. If Cargo and Tulo can stay healthy at the same time then the offense becomes better than last year’s squad. The thing that will be a factor for the Rockies is the starting pitching. If Chacin is not hurt to bad, Rosa can repeat, Anderson can stay healthy and Chatwood develop more then the Rockies could contend. But the starting pitching is a huge question mark. Another question mark is the bullpen will it be able to hold leads unlike last year’s squad. If the Rockies pitching comes together than the Rockies could win close to 90 games, but if the pitching falter this team could also lose 90. The Rockies will probably flirt with 500 and finish with wins ranging from 78-83 wins. It all depends on the pitching.

Of