Colorado Rockies: Our 2017 Season Predictions and Forecasts

Trysten Garcia

What will Colorado’s 2017 record be (162-game regular season schedule)?

Expectations are high for the Rockies this season, but with injuries mounting early and an inexperienced yet talented starting rotation, the season could play out a few ways. Best case scenario would be an 88-74 finish with a potential Wild Card spot. Worst case is another 90-loss season and more questions.

Who will be Colorado’s biggest surprise and disappointment?

The biggest surprise this season will be Stephen Cardullo. He could fill in nicely for Ian Desmond while he comes back from injury and move to the outfield as a fourth option and to give CarGo a day off.

The biggest disappointment will be Jeff Hoffman. After coming over in the Tulo trade, he was a top prospect heading into Spring Training and was given every opportunity to earn a spot in the starting rotation. Inconsistency and struggling with base runners haunted him during Spring Training and will force the Rockies to start Hoffman in Triple-A this season.

Why will or why won’t Colorado make the playoffs?

If Colorado’s young rotation can carry enough innings to relieve the bullpen this season, the arms in the bullpen have a history of dominance and can do the same this year. A dominant bullpen and even more overpowering lineup can make up for an average-at-best rotation and can propel the team to a playoff run. However, if the rotation shows its inexperience and lacks consistency throughout the season, the same result will follow. The lineup can only carry the team so far, and it will not be the playoffs if that is the case.