Series Preview: Seattle Mariners vs Colorado Rockies

Jul 26, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A general view during the fifth inning between the Colorado Rockies and the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field. The Rockies won 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

SERIES KEYS FOR THE ROCKIES

When does home cookin’ happen?

The Colorado Rockies are 24-27 at home, which not surprisingly gives them the second worst home record in the National League. That is surprising, though, at least for the fact that the club is usually solid at home and weak on the road.

The Rockies aren’t great on the road (they were 20-31 on Sunday), but remember: this team won 21 road games all year last year, so this is surely an improvement on that. But as far as the home games go: what gives? Will it turn around this week with a quick series win — or sweep — before the Rox head out on the road again?

Can the team score without Tulo?

The Rockies proved on the road in St. Louis that they could score a few runs without Tulo, so I suppose this shouldn’t concern you too badly, but it does need to be asked: will the Rockies have trouble scoring without one of their major run producing middle of the lineup guys?

Jose Reyes can be a top of the lineup catalyst, of course, but he’s not going to replace the Rockies’ superstar. So who will?

Plus, with Corey Dickerson now on the disabled list, the offense may scuffle at times this summer — let’s see who picks it up.

Speaking of Tulo… welcome home Jose Reyes?

The new shortstop surely won’t get the welcome that Troy Tulowitzki did (no clap-clap-clap chant for Reyes, I’d imagine), but he will probably get a nice welcome of his own. Or at least I’d hope.

Let’s see how Reyes does over the next couple weeks. Does he build up some trade value? Would he get moved in august as a waiver deadline trade candidate? Would the Rockies keep him through the fall so they can ship him out this winter? Either way, he’s at least going to suit up once for the Rockies at Coors.

Who not named Jorge De La Rosa will win a game?

Jorge De La Rosa isn’t going to get a start in this series — he’ll be tasked with a road start back on the east coast over the weekend — so who will it be to step up for the Rockies at home?

Chris Rusin throws pretty well — we’ve talked about that — and Eddie Butler, well, he isn’t throwing quite as well — we’ve talked about that too. Let’s see who that third starter is for the Rockies on Wednesday. Could it be Jon Gray? Or maybe John Lannan? Or even Christian Bergman?

One person it won’t be: Kyle Kendrick, who is now on the disabled list (by the way, we’ll find out more about Kendrick’s shoulder MRI later today or tomorrow).

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