Yes, I’m going to go … there.
Completely ridiculous, I know, considering that as I write this the Rockies have played a grand total of four games. Four of 162 — that’s 2.5 percent of their total schedule. It’s like judging the Broncos after 1½ quarters of football.
But, admit it, when the Rockies beat the Chicago Cubs 5-1 in their home opener Friday, that little voice of hope deep inside you whispered, “Geez, I wonder if the Rockies could really and truly be … gulp … a contender.”
The only other time the Rockies opened a season with a 4-0 record was in 1995, when they qualified for the National League playoffs for the first time via the wild card. By contrast, the 1998 Rockies opened the season 3-0, improved to 4-1, then lost eight straight and never recovered, finishing 77-85.
That 1998 lineup featured a baby-faced Todd Helton hitting .315 with 25 home runs, Vinny Castilla (.319, 46) and Larry Walker (.363, 23). Those Rockies could mash, and they led the majors with a .291 average.
The bullpen, led by closer Jerry Dipoto, posted a 3.65 ERA — the lowest in Rockies history.
But in that pre-humidor era, the starting pitching was a disaster. The rotation’s 5.62 ERA ranks as the second-highest ever, trailing only the 6.19 monstrosity of 1999.
Which brings us back to present-day wishful thinking. Colorado relievers notched a 1.26 ERA in the first four games, striking out 14 and walking only two. The Rockies were hitting .322 as a team, by far the best in the National League. The starters? A 1.99 ERA with a .247 batting average against.
None of those crazy numbers can hold up for the long haul, but as long as the Rockies stay healthy, they are going to hit and score runs. The relievers are certain to have some hiccups, and I doubt LaTroy Hawkins remains the closer beyond May, but with Adam Ottavino and John Axford ready to step in, the bullpen looks solid.
I like what lefty reliever Boone Logan said after Friday’s game: “Our attitude down there is a little different. We just have that little edge to us this year. We’re hungry.”
Which brings me back to the chief concern: starting pitching.
I loved lefty Tyler Matzek’s toughness Friday against the Cubs, but considering that he walked three and hit two batters in just four innings, he was incredibly fortunate to escape with only one run against him. He was lucky to be facing a Cubs offense that was 2-for-25 with runners in scoring position through Friday.
Lefty Jorge De La Rosa’s return, although delayed for a while longer after being slowed in spring training by a groin injury, will stabilize things, but I doubt the Rockies can be a playoff team with a rotation featuring De La Rosa, Jordan Lyles, Eddie Butler, Kyle Kendrick and Matzek.
Rockies players are, naturally, thrilled with the team’s start and its character.
“This team is a little bit different. I would like to think we are a little bit tougher,” Troy Tulowitzki said Friday.
But until the starting pitchers prove themselves well into May, there’s going to be a prove-it-to-me attitude in the clubhouse.
“We know that this is a good lineup and a good offensive ballclub,” Tulo said. “If pitchers can keep us in games and keep us around, we are going to win a lot more games than we lose.”
See, I’m not the only one going … there.
But keep in mind Tulo’s disclaimer: “If pitchers can keep us in games and keep us around …”
Patrick Saunders: psaunders@ or
