2017 Colorado Rockies will reach new heights

There are “Mile High” expectations for the Colorado Rockies in 2017.

The Rockies see themselves back in familiar territory of high expectations. A magical season in 2007 brought forth the team’s first-ever World Series berth, while the 2009 team lost in the division series but is the only one to ever eclipse 90 wins. Every year after a postseason berth the Rockies faced the same trials but did not deliver.

However, through it all, there is a quiet confidence in the club in 2017. From Nolan Arenado to Tony Wolters, the lineup boasts the potential of one of the league’s best. The starting rotation for the Rockies is arguably best in team history. Jon Gray, Tyler Anderson, and Tyler Chatwood are veterans in the pitching staff, while the budding prospects of Kyle Freeland, Antonio Senzatela, German Marquez, Riley Pint and Jeff Hoffman are the talk of 20^th and Blake. Freeland and Senzatela are favorites for the rotation to start the season. There is a likelihood Freeland starts in the home opener against the Dodgers.

Another reason expectations are high is the infield. On paper, it seems more athletic with the addition of Ian Desmond. Desmond brings the new wave fleet of foot first basemen to the position. Every player in the infield is now athletic and the depth is much better at first base. Desmond’s injury is not serious and will be back much sooner; however, the Rockies have a supreme luxury of a .282 hitter and 15-20 home run player on the bench.

Speaking of the bench, the Rockies must prove to be two-deep for the team to be more feared on offense and defense. Gerardo Parra, Christian Adames, Stephen Cardullo and Alexi Amarista provide versatility to play in the infield or outfield. The bench is the one aspect of this team with something to prove in 2017.

Yet, the glue that holds everything together for the players is the veterans. Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez will do what is necessary to ensure the team does not falter. In an article back in February on USA Today, both Arenado and Gonzalez are confident the Rockies will be playoff contenders in 2017.

“There’s a lot of expectations that we’re going to perform at a high level, and we feel good about it. There’s a lot of work to be done, but I think everyone’s pretty confident about what we have here,’’ Arenado said.

Gonzalez understands the team will hit, but he sees an upgrade to the bullpen after the additions made to that area.

“This team will hit, but we know our Achilles heel has always been the pitching. They made some good acquisitions for the bullpen,’’ Gonzalez added about the bullpen.

The signings Gonzalez is referring to are Mike Dunn and Gregg Holland to bolster a bullpen that ranked dead last in ERA. Dunn’s 3.40 ERA and left arm replace Boone Logan, while Holland strengthens the back end of the bullpen with Adam Ottavino. If Holland recaptures the success he once had with the Royals, the Rockies will have two potential closers on the roster. That alone is an upgrade from last year.

The man that manages the team and can lead the Rockies to the “promise land” and fulfill the expectations of 2017: Bud Black. For the first time in team history, the team hired a manager with a pitcher background. Gonzalez thinks this is an advantage having Black running the organization.

“He’s a former pitcher and he was a very good pitching coach. It’s a big advantage to have a manager like that. I think he’s a perfect fit for this organization because we needed a manager who knows how to handle the pitching. We’ll take care of scoring the runs,” Gonzalez said regarding Black as manager.

Familiarity with the NL West helps Black transition to the Mile High City as the Rockies look to step forward for playoff contention this season. All in all, do not be surprised if the Colorado Rockies fulfill the expectations that started in spring training.