The Rockies’ team batting average of .266 is one of the highest in the National League. Their starting pitching staff’s ERA is 5.26, the second worst in all of Major League Baseball, saved from last place by the Philadelphia Phillies’ 5.74 ERA. Again, the Phillies save the Rockies from having the worst record in the whole league, but with only a handful of games left this season, the Rockies have an abysmal 60-83 record.
All that being said, what the Rockies starting rotation looks like next year is essential for their success. So, in this, my last post of the year, I’ll look ahead at what the Rockies’ starting rotation could look like next year.
Looking at the hitting prowess of the starting lineup, it seems like the Rockies should constantly be winning games. However, their starting rotation, and with it their bullpen (4.85 ERA, the worst in the league) have been so bad that even some of the best hitting in the league can’t keep up.
I’m sure I’ve said it a thousand times, but pitching is everything. Good pitching can make up for mediocre hitting. Last year’s World Series champions, the San Francisco Giants, had a relatively low team batting average of .251, but had a total ERA of 3.50 while the league average was 3.74. Their pitching staff vaulted them to their third title in the last five years.
Top of the Rotation:
Jorge De La Rosa (LHP): In a season riddled by pitching injuries and other ineptitude De La Rosa has been the rock of this year’s starting rotation. But even he hasn’t reached double-digit wins yet. His fastball charts around 90-95 mph (usually ending up closer to 92-93 mph), his splitter hits around 83 mph, and his curveball is around 75 mph. He’s a solid pitcher, but he’s not a number one. The number one man in rotation should be a flamethrower or at least be constantly lights out, like a Madison Bumgarner (San Francisco Giants) or a Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners). On another team, De La Rosa would probably be a three, but on the Rockies he’s a one. However, he pitches well at altitude and his contract has him signed until the end of next year, so hopefully the 34-year-old will continue to do well.
Tyler Chatwood (RHP): Chatwood missed most of last season and all of this season due to Tommy John surgery on his elbow. He’s attempted to come back this year for the Rockies, including a recent rehab assignment at High-A Modesto, but likely will not be back, which is probably for the best. Rehab and recovery for Tommy John takes anywhere from one to two years and by the time spring training rolls around next year, Chatwood will have taken almost two years off, meaning his arm could be fully strong and recovered. With luck, his arm will be a breath of fresh air for the Rockies’ rotation. In 2013, he started 20 games, going 8-5 with a 3.15 ERA, so if he continues along that track after surgery, he should be just fine.
Jon Gray (RHP): 2013 first round draft pick Jon Gray was supposed to be the savior of the Rockies’ starting pitching staff. So far, in his seven games at the major league level this year (he made his debut on Aug. 4), he is yet to record a win, and has a 5.17 ERA. Not this this is reason to panic. He also doesn’t have any losses and is being kept on such a strict pitch count that it’s difficult for him to even be eligible to get a win. He’s also only 23. Gray is young and this is his time to get his feet wet—the Rockies are in the basement and he only has a few more starts before the season is over. In those five games, he’s shown flashes of his potential, but he’s still learning and needs to adapt to major league hitters versus minor league hitters. Nevertheless, he should be a part of the Rockies’ starting rotation next year and hopefully can develop into a one or two pitcher.
Eddie Butler (RHP): Another first round draft pick, Eddie Butler has spent his rookie season being sent back down to the minor leagues twice. He struggled with command of his fastball and slider this year, racking up a 5.90 ERA and a 3-10 record. Even in the minor leagues, he’s been experiencing control issues with a similar 2-6 record and 5.40 ERA. Despite all of this, the Rockies need the 24-year-old to develop over the winter and hopefully be ready for the rotation next year, or possibly risk another wasted draft year.
Battling for the Fifth Spot:
Chris Rusin (LHP): Rusin has had had a good year for the Rockies (his best of his career, including two complete games). However, he only signed a one-year contract, but if he signs back with Colorado, he’ll be battling for one of the remaining rotation positions, or could possibly end up in the bullpen.
Jordan Lyles (RHP): Lyles has missed most of this season and much of last with some freak injuries including toe surgery this year, but should be ready to go by Spring Training. Like Rusin, though, his contract runs out at the end of this year, so it all depends on if he signs back.
Chad Bettis (RHP): After struggling in the majors last year, Bettis developed another off-speed pitch and has been better this year, but has also missed games due to injury. He should be a strong contender for the fourth or fifth spot in the Rockies’ rotation.
Possible Call-Ups:
Jeff Hoffman (RHP): Traded from Toronto to the Rockies as part of the Tulo trade — Double A New Britain.
Tyler Anderson (LHP): Spent this year on the DL with a stress fracture in his elbow — Double A New Britain.
Kyle Freeland (LHP): The first round draft pick in 2014, he had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow earlier this season causing him to miss a few months — High A Modesto
Writing this blog this summer has been challenging and at times stressful, but the chance to write about something that I love so much has been awesome. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to do it, and hopefully will be able to continue to do it in the future.
