It was an odd loss last night, and there have been a few of those lately for the Colorado Rockies despite their still-decent record. So what’s the deal? Here are seven potential solutions for what ails them.
7. Stop letting the pitcher get on base
After walking the opposing pitcher (something that has really hurt the Rockies the last few weeks) Margot broke up the no-hitter with a line shot to center that Charlie Blackmon tried to make a sliding catch on. Blackmon’s aggressiveness backfired as the ball skipped past him and Cahill came around to score, Margot trotting into third base.
The Rockies elected to pitch to Wil Myers with one out and the runner on third and Blackmon slightly misplayed what looked like would be a sac fly but quickly became a double. The next batter, Yangervis Solarte turned on an inside fastball, planting it in the right field seats, Ryan Schimpf followed with another and just like that the Padres took a 5-1 lead despite Chatwood having entered the inning with a no-hitter intact.
It all started with a walk to the pitcher.
6. Play better small ball
The Rockies got a lead-off double from Charlie Blackmon and didn’t score him. They loaded the bases a couple of times and came away with very little to show for it. In their last two games, both losses, the Rockies have left 29 men on base. That’s way too many.
5. Move CarGo down in the lineup
He likely isn’t getting traded and his resume means he isn’t getting benched. Carlos Gonzalez could start one of his patented hot streaks any moment, but while he is hitting south of .210 he needs to be moved away from such an important spot in the lineup.
4. Play Ian Desmond EVERYWHERE
Ian Desmond got his first start at first base … ever … last night and it became immediately apparent the kind of unique skill set he brings to the team and position. With Trevor Story at the plate, Desmond swiped second base and when the ball careened into left-center field he came all the way around to score, immediately showcasing the speed that made him such an exciting acquisition to the Rockies in the first place. Mary Reynolds demands the playing time which means the Rockies need to immediately let go of any concept they had of avoiding Desmond as a “super utility” guy and wholeheartedly embrace it.
3. Tighten up the defense
Defense does slump, though it’s less likely to than offense, and the Rockies are currently in a big one. Blackmon misplayed two balls in the horror inning last night that really cost his club. Ever since we wrote about how good Story has been at short, he has looked less sure-handed. Even Reynolds and DJ LeMahieu dropped a pop-up on the infield last night which suggests a lack of focus.
This is the one aspect of the club’s recent struggles that is most likely to work itself out, but it absolutely needs to be addressed especially as long as the offense continues its cold stretch.
2. Strike out less
This goes back to the first point we were making, but the Rockies offense as a whole has been too much feast or famine. Big home runs are nice, but opposite field singles, sac flies, and moving the runner over are also important. There is a tough balancing act in asking some players to make adjustments based on game situation but it has to be done if the team is going to rely on winning close, low-scoring games.
The Rockies have struck out 33 times in their last 23 innings. Maybe it’s time to take some shorter swings.
1. Don’t overreact
Lastly, and most importantly, ignore most of this.
Great professional athletes and teams know how to make adjustments when they are needed and how to stay the course even when the immediate results aren’t showing in your favor. Until Tyler Chatwood (with some help from some poor defense) fell apart in the sixth inning last night, the Colorado Rockies looked well on their way to another close win because of their pitching. One or two little things go differently that inning (don’t walk the pitcher, Chuck comes up with that ball or keeps it in front of him) and you could easily be looking at a 1-0 ball game being handed to one of the best bullpens in MLB.
The Rockies were a sac fly from Dustin Garneau away from sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks in their house and so far this season have handled everyone except the seemingly indestructible Washington Nationals, and for some reason, these San Diego Padres.
For the most part, the Rockies should stay the course. Though, seriously, CarGo can’t stay in the middle of the lineup as long as he is hitting this poorly. Beyond that, Colorado is still in a fantastic position moving forward at five games over .500 while still waiting for some bats to come around and some key pieces to return from injury.
