2012 MLB Handicapping: Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies enter 2012 coming off a dismal 73-win season, and while they added to their somewhat already powerful offense, they failed to add any real assets to their questionable pitching staff that let them down after being pegged to win the division or wild card in 2011.
Will Jim Tracy have the pieces to get the Rocks back to a winning record?
Let’s take a look.
Rockies Assets
When looking at the Rockies strengths in 2012, you have to start with the lineup, and free agent slugger Michael Cuddyer who was signed in the off season comes to mind first and foremost. And I’m projecting him to hit .290 with 30 home runs. But let’s not forget the real cornerstone of the Colorado batting order– Troy Tulowitzki.
Perhaps the best shortstop in baseball, Tulowitzki is as solid defender at shortstop and has hit well both for average and power when needed. Pairing him with the likes of Carlos Gonzalez gives the Rockies a pair of legitimate bats in the middle of their lineup.
Another addition to the Rockies offense will be catcher Ramon Hernandez who was picked up for Chris Iannetta after being sent to the Angels. The offensive-minded Hernandez will need to work hard in Spring Training to develop chemistry with his pitchers. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Other additions that will provide solid defense this season, will be second baseman Marco Scutaro who was acquired via trade from the Red Sox, and the addition third basemen Casey Blake, who while but a mere shadow of what he once was, still provides a solid option at the hot corner.
Rockies Weaknesses
If you had to pick one fatal flaw for the Rockies in 2012, it has to be the youth on the pitching staff. With a host of emerging prospects, the bullpen will be the Rockies downfall.
Sure they have a starting rotation that has plenty key names including Jhoulys Chacin, Juan Nicasio, Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, Jorge De La Rosa, and Tyler Chatwood. But most of these guys have very limited major league experience, and Rafael Betancourt who will be the closer, continues to play a role he’s never been successful in.
However, Jeremy Guthrie was acquired as a stabilizing force in the off season and will be leaned hard on to get that job done. Providing he can survive the already speculated durability concerns.
2012 PREDICTION:
The Rockies have the offense to make a run to the postseason, but a heap of young pitchers will need to come together, and come together quickly in order to compete for a National League West crown. While the pitching staff doesn’t have a true anchor, their depth could win a lot of games.
The offense will perform, but in a pitch heavy NL West; pitching wins championships will rein true.
