Colorado Rockies Given Slim Odds In Way-Too-Early Power Rankings

David Schoenfield, writer for ESPN.com, came out with a Way-Too-Early 2016 Power Rankings. Not that it comes to a surprise to anyone but the Colorado Rockies were ranked 27th out of 30 teams — yikes.

The Colorado Rockies are coming off yet another season in which they finished in the bottom portion of the National League West, the cellar if you will, compiling a record of 68-94. The same two problems keep occurring season after season for the Rockies; injury and pitching.

Colorado built their rotation around high potential guys (Eddie Butler and Tyler Matzek), mixed in with two veterans (Jorge De La Rosa and Kyle Kendrick) and not to mention, a pitcher with something to prove (Jorge Lyles). Unfortunately, three out of the five listed were either hurt or regressed mightily, leaving Colorado with another season of flipping guys in and out of the rotation.

We are talking about a team that won one pennant and made three playoff appearances in 23 years of existence. Yeah, that sucks. The team has always featured offensive talents to produce runs, yet not enough arms to prevent them.

Colorado made the bold move prior to the trade deadline, trading Troy Tulowitzki who was the face of the franchise. In turn, they received three pitching prospects, looking to follow models such as the Kansas City Royals or New York Mets if you will, trying to construct a team around young, power arms. Colorado’s farm system is in fantastic shape right now, highlighted by position players such as Brendan Rodgers, David Dahl, Ryan McMahon. Not to mention the arms, Jon Gray, Jeff Hoffman, Mike Nikorak and Kyle Freeland.

The idea of the Rockies’ contending in 2016 looks slim-to-none, which reflects their 27th ranking in the Power Rankings. However, 2017 looks like a good season to be a Rockies’ fan, considering all the talent mentioned above in the farm. The guys at Purple Row take a look at the possibility of Colorado competing in 2017.

Next: Rockies Year in Review: Nolan Arenado

The talent is there in Colorado’s system, whether it’s regarding current players such as Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, Jorge De La Rosa, Corey Dickerson etc. or the farm players mentioned above, the next  year or two will be interesting to watch regarding the potential of this club moving forward.