Colorado Rockies: We Examine 5 Key Numbers From 2016

5) 52-52

Colorado’s record in series opening or closing games

The Rockies had a 26-26 record in series openers last season. Their record in series closing games? Also 26-26. It’s a coincidental bit of symmetry, but it also potentially speaks to an issue that Colorado would like to correct.

The Rockies were a .500 squad in those 104 games. But in the other 58 games that made up the rest of the season, Colorado went 23-35. It’s possible that’s just a fluke, but on the surface, it seems to suggest that the Rockies had a problem staying focused throughout an entire series in 2016.

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Teams often place a big emphasis on winning a series opener (obviously), and there’s often a focus on trying to finish a series on a positive note as well. The other games in a series though, the second game of a three-game set (or second and third in a four-gamer) are the ones that can make a season feel like such a grind.

It’s hard to prove definitely, but it’s not unreasonable to think that Colorado’s focus may have waned somewhat in those middle games. If the Rockies want to compete for a playoff spot in 2017, they can’t afford to let that happen again.

Walt Weiss is no longer the manager in Colorado, thanks at least in part to the the Rockies struggles with consistency last season. The next manager, whoever he is, will need to stress the importance of every single game. Winning on getaway day is great, but winning the day before is just as good too.