Most MLB analysts to start spring training projected the Rockies to finish in the bottom half of the NL West. But scratch those predictions.
Anything is possible in a 60-game season.
“They could be very dangerous,” said Alex Rodriguez, a three-time MVP turned ESPN television analyst, when asked to weigh in on the 2020 Rockies.
Rodriguez joined MLB play-by-play commentator Matt Vasgersian on a Thursday teleconference call to promote their upcoming ESPN Sunday Night Baseball coverage. The Rockies are not currently scheduled to play in the network’s primetime slot, but two of its Sunday night matchups in September .
Colorado’s lack of national appeal didn’t seem to impact the ESPN crew’s bullish view of Blake Street.
“The Rockies went 31-29 in the first 60 games last year. They still have (Nolan) Arenado, (Charlie) Blackmon and Trevor Story,” Rodriguez said. “As a player, I always found it incredibly challenging, especially in the middle of the hot summer, to go there (to Coors Field) as a visitor. I think they have the unique opportunity to even improve on that record from last year.”
Vasgersian mentioned the Rockies among a handful of clubs, like the Padres and Reds, stuck in what he calls a “gray area” as teams not totally rebuilding, but also not locks for the postseason.
“The pitching component is whatap failed the Rockies the past couple of years,” Vasgersian said. “A lot of people thought they had taken a step forward in that department. Then there were some rather mysterious regressions on the roster.”
Vasgersian believes shortening the season to 60 games, though, will inevitably lead to MLB standings shakeups. He won’t be shocked if Colorado capitalizes.
“You are tied for first place on Aug. 1,” Vasgersian said. “If they pitch and catch fire, maybe like they did at the end of the 2007 season … why not? The Rockies are a live dog.”
