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Colorado Rockies: Why April is Different for the 2017 Rockies Than Years Past

By Tim Engquist |
Apr 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Fans line up to enter Coors Field before the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Fans line up to enter Coors Field before the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
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The Colorado Rockies are historically good in April before falling apart later in the season. So far in 2017, they have been good in April leading the division and tied for most wins in baseball at 13 after sweeping the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. It’s hard not to get optimistic, but at the same time there is always lingering doubt secondary to the Rockies falling apart later in the season. Is 2017 different? My answer is yes for multiple reasons.

The Bullpen: Improving the bullpen was Jeff Bridich’s biggest challenge of the offseason. Many thought after Mark Melancon chose the Giants he would be unsuccessful. However, Bridich went out and got Greg Holland on an incentive-laced deal. With Holland joining Mike Dunn, the Rockies bullpen had a new look.

So far in 2017, not only has the bullpen improved but it has been the strength of the team. Going into Sunday’s game, the Rockies bullpen ranked 5th in baseball and best in the National League with an ERA of 2.85

Part of the success has come from Bud Black’s usage of relievers, picking any combination of Adam Ottavino, Dunn and Jake McGee to hold leads for Holland. Ottavino and Dunn both boast ERAs under 2.5 and are averaging over 11 Ks per 9 innings. Scott Oberg has also provided the Rockies with great production, allowing only 2 runs over 9 innings pitched.

Perhaps the most exciting thing for the Rockies is they seem to have found a shutdown closer in Holland who is a perfect 9-for-9 in save chances.

Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Injuries: In my opinion, a major contributor to the Rockies falling apart late in the season is due to injuries. Trevor Story and Mark Reynolds going down last year caused the swoon that kept them out of contention. This year, the Rockies have started with a huge number of injuries. David Dahl, Ian Desmond, Tom Murphy, Chad Bettis, and now Jon Gray have all spent time on the DL and the Rockies have not only stayed above water but thrived. The depth of the team has been huge with Mark Reynolds and Gerardo Parra (!!!) providing quality at-bats for the team. This pair has combined for 26 RBIs. With all of the above guys, except Bettis, expected to be back before the summer, the Rockies will be adding, rather than subtracting, key guys.

Depth and Versatility: This was touched on with the injury discussion, but the Rockies have way more depth than in the past. They had essentially the same starting lineup for Opening Day because injuries kept two “starters” out.

There are so many more options at every position. Parra, and Reynolds have already proved their worth and Tapia, German Marquez, Jeff Hoffman, Jordan Patterson are all in Albuquerque should the Rockies need them.

The versatility of the team will be more on display when Desmond returns to the lineup. He will be able to play in the outfield, giving the Rockies a right-handed option there and, perhaps more importantly, keeping Mark Reynolds in the lineup.

Apr 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Underperforming? Many key players for the Rockies have actually underperformed so far in 2017, at least compared to what we have seen from them in the past.

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The offense, prior to this weekend, hasn’t produced at a level they are capable of. LeMahieu and Blackmon, after slow starts, are beginning to heat up. Story seems to be figuring things out as well with a pair of home runs, 7 RBI and, perhaps most importantly, a nice opposite field single over the weekend.

Carlos Gonzalez will almost certainly join in sometime soon as well. If the offense can continue like they did against the Giants with the bullpen staying strong, the Rockies will be in a very good place regardless of who is starting the games.

The rotation has been up and down but the new guys, Antonio Senzatela and Kyle Freeland, have perhaps been the best pitchers in the rotation. If Chatwood, Anderson and eventually Gray can return to their 2016 level, it will be the most complete team Colorado has had in a very long time.

Next: What You Need to Know About Colorado's Minor Leaguers

Sure, the Rockies are only 19 games into a very long season, but there are a lot of reasons for optimism going forward. Regardless, they are playing great baseball, so enjoy it. You never know how long it will last, but it seems way more likely to be season long success this year.

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