They came out of spring training hoping to win the National League West. But as the injuries started to mount, the Rockies were forced to embrace a more modest goal: Stay close. That’s what the season’s first half has been about.
The Rockies weren’t about to take charge of the division with Huston Street, Troy Tulowitzki, Jorge De La Rosa and Brad Hawpe out of action for major chunks of the season. And it most certainly wasn’t going to happen with Todd Helton suffering through a season that has scouts wondering if he has hit the career wall.
What to do? Hang in there. Be in position to make something happen once the A-team gets on the field. And that’s exactly what the Rockies have done, thanks to bit players becoming big contributors.
Three weeks have passed since manager Jim Tracy declared the Rockies at the crossroads of their season. They’ve done nothing since then to suggest that they won’t hang tough in the West. They’re still below .500 on the road but have started to dominate teams at Coors Field, winning 12 out of 15 going into the final home series before the all-star break.
Starting pitching
Statistics: Record: 35-23 (1st in the league), ERA: 4.07 (9th)
Right stuff: Ubaldo Jimenez: the man, the myth, the first Cy Young Award winner in Rockies history. At least that appears to be his destiny. And he hasn’t been alone. Jason Hammel has been outstanding since coming off the disabled list in May, and Jhoulys Chacin has been better than expected in Jorge De La Rosa’s absence.
Wrong stuff: Jeff Francis has logged just seven innings in his last two starts. Aaron Cook has been his usual reliable self at home (3-0, 3.25), but he’s been your basic train wreck on the road (0-5, 6.70).
What’s next: The Rockies need Jimenez to put the finishing touches on his dream season. Chacin has been moved to the bullpen, but he’ll be an easy option to return to the rotation if needed.
Relief pitching
Statistics: Record: 12-15 (9th), ERA: 3.90 (9th)
Right stuff: Matt Belisle and Joe Beimel have had career years amid injuries and illness that have kept key relievers out of their usual roles for most of the first half. The flip side is that closer Huston Street, who missed the first 2 1/2 months, figures to be fresh for the pennant stretch.
Wrong stuff: Fatigue is starting to become a factor. Matt Daley and Manuel Corpas have leaked oil amid extensive workloads and Tracy is closely monitoring Belisle, who ranks among the major-league leaders in innings pitched by relievers.
What’s next: Taylor Buchholz, now on rehab, could provide invaluable depth in September. Until then, Tracy needs to keep the bullpen fresh.
Offense
Statistics: Avg.: .268 (T-2nd, NL); HR: 89 (T-5th); runs: 409 (2nd)
Right stuff: Carlos Gonzalez has turned into a full-fledged star. Miguel Olivo’s offense has been a godsend, particularly at Coors Field, where he’s hitting .389. No. 8 hitter Clint Barmes is second on the club in RBIs.
Wrong stuff: Todd Helton has stalled the offense with a .310 slugging percentage and .157 average with runners in scoring position. Ian Stewart, before his current hot streak, did little in May and June. Chris Iannetta spent a large chunk of the first half in Triple-A.
What’s next: Helton will be given some time to find his swing after coming off the DL, but Tracy can’t wait long. Brad Hawpe and Iannetta are taking groundballs at first in case Helton doesn’t turn it around. Rockies can’t afford a slow start by Troy Tulowitzki after he returns in early August from a broken bone in his left wrist.
Defense
Statistics: Fielding percentage: .985 (fifth, NL), DP: 99 (first)
Right stuff: This season has proven beyond a doubt that the Rockies are the most flexible defensive team in the majors. Barmes moved to SS from 2B in the absence of Tulowitzki, and Gonzalez moved to CF while Dexter Fowler was in Triple-A on swing rehab. The Rockies didn’t miss a beat at either position. Then there’s Olivo, who has been a Gold Glover behind the plate. Who knew?
Wrong stuff: The Rockies spent April kicking the ball all over the yard. If Helton isn’t at first base, Rockies are challenged defensively, particularly if Jason Giambi is on the field. Melvin Mora is very good at 3B, but his inexperience at 2B and 1B has shown.
What’s next: With Gonzalez in left and Fowler in center, they have arguably the best outfield defense in the majors from right-center to the left-field line.
