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2015 record: 68-94 (5th)
Major arrivals (with 2015 bWAR): Gerardo Parra (1.0), Jake McGee (1.0), Mark Reynolds (-0.6), Chad Qualls (0.1)
Major departures (with 2015 bWAR): Corey Dickerson (0.5), John Axford (0.8), Wilin Rosario (-1.3)
Probable lineup and rotation
- CF Charlie Blackmon
- SS Jose Reyes
- RF Carlos Gonzalez
- 3B Nolan Arenado
- LF Gerardo Parra
- 2B DJ LeMahieu
- 1B Ben Paulsen
- C Nick Hundley
- Jorge De La Rosa
- Chad Betis
- Jordan Lyles
- Jon Gray
- Chris Rusin
The last time the Rockies won even 75 games was 2010, and it doesn't look like this season is projected to be any better. Fangraphs has them down for another 68 win season, though PECOTA has them a little better, at 74 wins, though that's still a last-place finish in the division. The problem is, as virtually always in Colorado, the pitching. The offense was the only team in the National League to score more runs than the Diamondbacks, averaging 4.55 runs per game. The problem was allowing 5.21 per game, and often a lot more than that - they conceded double-digits on seventeen separate occasions.
Of course, the obvious solution to this problem, is to go out and trade for a new closer, in Jake McGee, to replace the departing Axford and his Oscar predictions. Wait, what? Clearly, Colorado is hoping to develop a new rotation from within, led by the left-handed of the two De La Rosas who will apparently be starting in this division, Jorge. Beyond him, Jon Grey certainly has some potential, but didn't really show it over nine starts in his rookie season, putting up an ERA of 5.53 as a 23-year-old. The Rockies will be hoping Tyler Chatwood can make it back from his second Tommy John surgery, not having pitched in the majors since April 2014.
On the position player front, the obvious absentee this Opening Day will be Troy Tulowitzki, who has been talking smack about Colorado since his departure, most recently about the "country club" atmosphere at Salt River Fields. With his departure, one wonders how long the team will hang on to Carlos Gonzalez, who will be paid $17 million this year and $20 million in 2017. Just to add to the joyful atmosphere, the team may end up without Reyes for an extended period, since he is currently awaiting trial on a charge of spousal abuse. That's scheduled to start on Opening Day; he has currently been suspended by MLB, with pay. And he's due $22 million this year and next.
This team will feel a little like like Chase East this year, with no shortage of former Diamondbacks. Parra will be the everyday starter in left-field, and I have to say, I'm quite looking forward to seeing Special K destroy some baseballs in the launching pad which is Coors Field - just as long as he isn't facing us at the time. Throw in Chad Qualls coming out of the bullpen, and there will be plenty of familiar faces in the visitors dugout, when the season opens with the Rockies coming to town, a month from today at Chase Field. However, I get the feeling it's going to be a long season for Colorado, and the chances of them snagging their first ever NL West title seem slim indeed.