Colorado Rockies: 3 Things You Need to Know on April 3

The Colorado Rockies‘ 2017 campaign begins later today as the Blake Street Bombers take on the Milwaukee Brewers. Here are three things to prepare you for the regular season.

Jon Gray gets the nod

The Colorado Rockies truly have a future ace on their side. Jon Gray has definitely exceeded expectations early on in his career. For his 98 mph fastball and nasty slider, sources on MLB.com confirm Gray will get the nod as the opening day starter. At only 25 years old, Gray has the potential to be an absolute superstar pitcher in the years to come. Starting off Opening Day at 12:10 MT at Miller Park is a great start.

Kyle Freeland Gets Home Opener Start

Dreams really do come true … at least for Kyle Freeland. After winning a rotation spot in spring training, Freeland will now get the start in the home opener in Coors Field this Friday. After Gray, the Rockies scheduled Tyler Anderson, Tyler Chatwood, and Antonio Senzatela to pitch the four-game series in Miller Park (according to MLB.com). That leaves Freeland with the final rotation spot and also the home opener.

Drafted in 2014, Freeland is a Colorado native. He will become just the third Colorado native in Rockies history to make his debut in Coors Field.

Blackmon will lead off, looking to impress all eyes

Charlie Blackmon will once again be leading off the deadly Colorado offense this season. Blackmon easily had the best year of his career last year, impressing the statistical eyes and the eye test. MLB.com states …

“His expressive eyes, goofy humor and bushy beard say he knows how to let his hair down and not think so much.”

Next: Who Made Colorado's Opening Day 25-Man Roster?

Blackmon has always been a very fun presence in the dugout, while providing excellent stats on the side. This season, Blackmon will hopefully be using his humor and dominance to get the Rockies on the map and heading to their first playoff game since 2009, ending a now seven-year drought.