Colorado Rockies Skipper Walt Weiss Believes In His Club In 2014

Apr 13, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies manager

(22) talks to media before a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Walt Weiss – “I think we are going to be pretty good”

The Colorado Rockies look to shake off a dreadful last place finish in the National League West last season finishing the year 74-88. Colorado would start the 2013 season off on fire as they controlled first-place for 27 days. But the reoccurring theme of injuries to key players including Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez derailed the hopeful 13′ campaign.

Walt Weiss knows what kind of talent his club possesses, including the depth they added in the bullpen over the offseason. Here is what he had to say about the LaTroy Hawkins and what he can bring to the club (quotes from Troy Renck of the Denver Post).

"If LaTroy can be successful as a closer, and he will get some days off, our bullpen sets up really well,” Weiss said. “We will be able to match up from the sixth (inning) on, something we couldn’t do last year.”"

Here is more from Weiss and what he believes his club will do in the 2014 season.

"Usually everyone’s expectations are high in spring. I don’t want to throw a number out there. Some had us last year at 52 wins and some at 80. We are in better shape to handle what the season throws out,” said Weiss, who received a three-year contract extension in October. “We are just deeper. You have to pitch to win, and we got better on the mound. I think we are going to be pretty good.”"

Walt also believes he is more familiar with the club this season as he was in his first-year as the head coach.

"Last year I didn’t know the club really when I got hired other than what I watched as a fan. I had to cram for the season. As far as getting familiar with the club, it is completely different. I know exactly, at least I think I do, how we need to get better,” Weiss sad. “The greatest identity that you can have in this game is that you compete. We are putting together a roster of guys like that and I think it will pay dividends.”"

Here are some key dates for the Colorado Rockies in the upcoming months via Renck.

"Rockies key dates and ticket information:Monday: First official workout of spring training for pitchers and catchersFriday: Full squad reportsSaturday: First official full-squad workoutFeb. 28: First spring training game, vs. Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields (1:10 p.m. MST)March 29: Final spring training game, vs. Mariners at Salt River Fields (1:10 p.m. MDT)March 31: Opening day, at Marlins (5 p.m. MDT)April 4: Home opener, vs. Diamondbacks (2:10 p.m. MDT)"