Colorado Rockies pitchers are optimistic for 2014; should they be?

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Rockies pitchers and catchers reported to camp this day. This marks a moment that we anticipate for months and months, despite the fact that very little actually happens on this day.

At this time last season, the very mention of the “Rockies pitching staff” (scare quotes necessary) was enough to make you wince. But after a season of steady improvement in the rotation and improved health, the team is very optimistic.

Manager Walt Weiss spoke on behalf of the team and expressed his optimism:

"De La Rosa and Chacin had outstanding seasons last year, two of the better seasons in our history…So I look at our rotation as we sit here today, what it could potentially be, compared to what it was a year ago, and we’re in a much different place.”"

Even during an especially healthy season in 2013, Jorge De La Rosa and Jhoulys Chacin both missed time at some point. De La Rosa needed the off-season to heal his thumb. Tyler Chatwood missed time with an elbow injury. Rafael Betancourt was lost for the season. The season did not lack reminders about the potential perils of the dreaded “injury bug.”

So yes, everybody is healthy (though who isn’t this time of year?) Everybody is optimistic. The question is, will they continue to have reasons to be, or will the cruel reality of baseball set in?

We will find all of that out later. But for now, we all get to enjoy unabashed optimism. That is the beauty of this otherwise insignificant day when pitchers and catchers report.