Take The Over: Colorado Rockies will win at least 71

Baseball and gambling are two of America’s favorite past times. Separately, they are billion dollar industries of their own accord. Together, they mix about as well as oil and water. Currently the handicappers in Las Vegas, Nevada selected the Colorado Rockies to win 70.5 games. With the changes made this offseason from the 68-win 2015 club, the 2016 squad should top 71 wins.

One of the main areas addressed this offseason was the bullpen. With the additions of Jake McGee, Jason Motte and Chad Qualls, it’s obvious the organization made it a point to try to fix what was a very bad ‘pen in 2015. One shouldn’t forget that closer Adam Ottavino should be bolstering the bullpen come late spring. With what will be the top four bullpen arms for most of the season locked in, the bottom four or three, depending on how the Rockies construct their 25-man roster, shouldn’t be used as heavily as they were last year. In that second group, the Rockies will have some players with higher upsides than what they’ve had in the past. This all should help the club turn around a 20-25 record in one run games which plagued them last season.

The bullpen should also be aided by the additional depth added to the starting rotation. Not only will starters most likely be going further into games this season but the club will have more options in long relief. Both things will be huge in terms of making sure the pen doesn’t get burned this season.

With the Rockies wealth of minor league talent, it is also likely that the club will be boosted by some exciting players come September call-ups. Youth and history are on the Rockies side when it comes to winning  at least 71 games in 2016. In their 23 year history of big-league ball, the Rockies have reached 71 wins 16 times. And out of their seven misses, one was their inaugural year and another was a lockout shortened season. So it seems somewhat improbable that the team would miss 71 wins for a third straight season.

Even then, there are doubts that this team will not be able to reach the meaningless-yet-potable-plateau that is 71 wins. But along with all the (albeit minor) pitching upgrades, the outfield and infield — even if not as talented — are deeper and should be better versed at winning baseball games in 2016. The Rockies have structured their lineup in a way that is more conducive to run scoring, especially on the road, this season.

So if you find yourself at the sports book wanting to bet on the line of ‘Rockies 70.5 wins,’ take the over.