Even after all the departures and drama surrounding the franchise for the past few seasons, there seems a palpable excitement about the Colorado Rockies in 2022.
A change in regime coupled with nearly $350 million spent on upgrades to roster this offseason, not to mention the panic over the pandemic having been lifted somewhat, have folks in LoDo feeling a bit more positive about purple and black.
Despite this sudden zeal, there are still some lingering questions that need to be answered in order for fans to have true belief about a successful season.
After all, the National League West still contains the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Even in completely conceding the division, there are still three more opportunities to make the postseason via the Wild Card. Starting this year, there’s a third Wild Card.
Because every team is concerned only with themselves, here are five things that need to happen for the Rockies to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Ryan McMahon & Brendan Rodgers Reach Another Level
With so much needing to go right for even the best of teams, the improvements of young players is always the first place to start with hopes and aspirations.
Two of the brightest players with room for growth are infielders Brendan Rodgers and Ryan McMahon.
Rodgers, the third overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, finally had his moment last season after debuting two years prior.
Based upon the numbers he put up after returning in May, Rodgers could have broken the club record for homers by a second baseman had he been healthy on Opening Day 2021. He may need to do that exact thing.
Everything clicked for B-Rod as he hit atop the Rockies lineup during some of the team’s more successful stretches of play.
Manager Bud Black clearly believes there’s another notch for Rodgers to reach. Batting the 25-year-old third in a lineup full of power hitters is all the evidence needed.
Jul 30, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Brendan Rodgers (left) and second baseman Ryan McMahon (24) celebrate on the field after defeating the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
For Ryan McMahon, it’s a slightly different story. His numbers have been consistent over the last three years, and injuries haven’t been much of a concern.
When extrapolating the 60-day game season from 2020 over 162 contests, we can see he’s been nearly identical with his home run production during this period: 24, 24, 23.
Yet, there’s a sense that his growth has been stunted since breaking out late in 2018 by moving to various positions around the infield to make room for other players. The Gold Glove Award finalist at third base didn’t even start on Opening Day last year to make room for 3B Joshua Fuentes and 2B Chris Owings.
Now in his age-27 season with a comfortable six-year, $70 million extension, there’s hope that RyMac could move up into the 30 home run category and closer to the 100 RBI mark he’s been ticketed to reach for some time.
Starting Pitching Continues To Be The Strength
Everyone is aware of the effects that altitude can have on the body, especially on those performing physical tasks for prolonged periods of time.
By now, the story of the greatest rotation in Colorado team history is also fairly well-known. Minus Jon Gray, a foursome from last season returns as the backbone of the team.
The resumés of Germán Márquez, Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela have been consistent, for the most part. Considering they pitch half their games in Denver, it becomes even more apparent that they’ve been an exceptional trio since first coming together in 2017.
Sep 27, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher German Marquez (48) delivers against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Austin Gomber was the new kid on the block in ’21 who proved he’s more than just a consolation prize in a one-sided trade last season. Now he’ll need to do it again and make sure there’s no sophomore slump.
With the young favorites to take over the fifth and final spot in the rotation – Ryan Rolison and Peter Lambert – on the injured list, it all comes down to free agent Chad Kuhl. He’ll need to solidify the rotation for at least 25 starts or else it could all begin to unravel for the Rockies.
Bullpen Is No Less Than Average
It was the tale of two halves last season with Colorado’s relievers.
A group of rookies who bounced up and down I-25 between Denver and Triple-A Albuquerque before the All-Star break were critical in low-leverage situations during the second half. As they improved, so did the team’s success on the road.
Though it’s easy to think that one year older is one year wiser and, thus, one year better from the bullpen, it doesn’t always work like that.
Thankfully, GM Bill Schmidt didn’t stop improving the roster after picking up Kris Bryant.
Alex Colomé and Ty Blach are shrewd signings from both sides of the bump that should bring some new elements to the ‘pen to go along with the stable of colts.
Aug 18, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (52) reacts after a game against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Toss in a quintet of veterans – Daniel Bard, Carlos Estévez, Jhoulys Chacín, Tyler Kinley and Robert Stephenson – who have been successful for multiple outings at a time, and there’s reason to believe Bud Black has some good options.
Blue Collar Bashers Show Up
Let’s face it. Bryant is the face of the franchise now. Deserved or otherwise, he’s the first name that jumps off the roster. And he’ll need to put up numbers for Colorado to make a go of it.
What also needs some recognition is the solid group of veterans that will support Bryant throughout the Rockies’ lineup. They may lack the flash of the man nicknamed Sparkles, but they’ll still need to do some grunt work.
Randal Grichuk has slugged 136 home runs since 2016 with an average of 23 per year that includes a 55-game season in 2020.
C.J. Cron has a 162-game average of 34 dingers per year since 2018. He led the team with 28 in 2021 and was rewarded with a two-year, $14.5 million extension.
Aug 16, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron (25) is interviewed after the game against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Elias Díaz hit more home runs last year as a catcher than all but two men in franchise history. His first one of the season came in game 48. Then his 17 from June 16 to Oct 3 was second-most in the National League for a backstop.
Charlie Blackmon has seen his power numbers dip over the last two years, but if anyone has another resurgence in them at this stage in his career, it’s the man who takes meticulous care of his body before and after every game. It’s not a stretch to think Chuck Nazty can pop 20 home runs again.
Collectively, these four veterans could combine to approach the century mark in long balls. Of course, they may need to wait for Rocktober to reign again.
Everyone Stays Incredibly Healthy
Outside of two relievers placed on the COVID Injury List, Colorado has been quite healthy this spring.
Considering the depth of the organization is mostly at Double-A or lower, there will not be a cavalry that can be readily called upon. Besides, much of the best upside for this season is already on the 28-man roster.
Staying healthy is a key to success for so many clubs who not only reach the postseason, but go deep into October. Injuries will happen, but how many and for how long will be the key for the Rockies.
The less you see head trainer Keith Duggar on AT&T SportsNet broadcast, the more wins you can count on from this club.
It’s not a stretch to think everything outlined above can happen. Whether or not all of it can happen is what we’ll be watching for the next six months of the 2022 season.
