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Question: How many victories do the need to make the playoffs?

Kiz: The Rockies refused to fold. After swooning in June, they are right where we thought they’d be all along, firmly in contention for a playoff spot as we approach the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline. So here’s a tip of the cap to , Kyle Freeland, , Bud Black and my main man, Ian Desmond, for climbing back in the race. Now for the fun part: How many games must the Rockies win to punch their ticket to the playoffs?:

Saunders: Wow, that’s a toughie. A month ago, I would have said the only path to the postseason was by winning the National League West. That’s no longer true, because the Rox are very much alive for a wild-card spot. But I’m going to ignore that and focus on what they need to do to win the NL West. The Dodgers are on pace to win 91 games, and I’m betting they’ll win 95. That means the Rockies could have to finish 43-21 to win the division outright with 96 wins.

Kiz: Let me run this little theory by you, my friend. Manny Machado going to the was a good thing for the Rockies, at least in the short term. The Dodgers were going to win the West with or without Machado, so it’s better that Machado call Chavez Ravine home rather than whatever they’re calling that ugly monstrosity of ballpark in Phoenix these days. If the Rockies can climb past the Diamondbacks in the standings, here’s thinking this division might well produce a second playoff team.

Saunders: FYI, I call Chase Field the Big Credit Card. But I digress with my latest attempt at humor. But you’re right, the NL West could very well produce two playoff teams. That’s part of the reason it was so important for the Rockies to break the D-backs’ hex by winning four of the last five games between the two teams.

Kiz: A year ago, Colorado qualified for the play-in game with 87 victories. Here’s thinking it will take 88 to make it this season, because while Atlanta, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Arizona all appear vulnerable, they won’t all stumble down the stretch. But if Colorado wants to participate in more than one playoff game this season, the first one better be at聽 . I’d say that will require 90 victories. Can the Rockies get there?

Saunders: Yes, I think that’s doable, but only if the Rockies make a move to beef up their bullpen by adding a reliable late-game lefty. I think Colorado’s offense is in a good place and the starting pitching is good enough to get them to 90 — unless there is an injury. But, to paraphrase California beach boy Brian Wilson, wouldn’t it be nice if the Rockies won a division title for the first time in their history?