Colorado Rockies: 5 statistics that must improve in 2018

The Colorado Rockies took a big step last season, qualifying for the postseason for the first time since 2009. Rocktober, however, was short-lived as the Arizona Diamondbacks won the National League Wild Card game, bringing a swift and sudden end to what had been a renaissance season at 20^th and Blake.

Of course, the goal for the Rockies is to return to the postseason in 2018. Colorado has taken some steps it thinks it needs to do in order to make that a reality, bolstering the bullpen with newcomers Bryan Shaw and Wade Davis adding to a formidable group of arms. However, the San Francisco Giants have been active in the offseason adding to their roster and the Los Angeles Dodgers are still the team to beat in the National League West. What moves will Arizona make and how will the San Diego Padres fare with a young lineup filled with potential? These questions will determine if the division is tough from top to bottom or amazingly tough from top to bottom.

For Colorado to return to the postseason, obviously the team has to stay healthy. However, there are five statistics from the 2017 season that could be improved upon and greatly help the Rockies make an impact in the National League again this season.

Let’s take a look at those five stats…

Trevor Story cutting down on strikeouts

In his sophomore season, Story struck out 191 times in 503 at-bats on his way to a .239 average. It was a season that was largely a struggle until September when the 25-year-old shortstop belted six of his 24 home runs and drove in 22 of his 82 RBI. When the Rockies needed him most, Story came through … and also set the tone for what many expect to be a better third season this year.

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Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich has joined Rockies manager Bud Black and even third baseman Nolan Arenado going on record thinking that not only can Story cut down on his strikeouts in 2018, but also talking about how important it is for the Rockies offense that he puts the ball in play more this season.

With the way the Rockies lineup currently shakes out, Story could well hit in the cleanup or five hole this season. With Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Arenado hitting in front of him, it will be a key to Colorado’s offensive success for Story to be able to move them around the bases.

Rockies fans have seen the power that Story possesses and how the offense hums when he is hitting the ball. In 2018, we all hope to see that more and more.

Ian Desmond’s ground ball rate

In his first season in a Colorado uniform, it’s safe to say that Ian Desmond didn’t have the debut he or the Rockies were hoping for when they signed him to a long and expensive contract in the offseason.

Colorado Rockies

Desmond suffered a broken hand in spring training and was unavailable on Opening Day. When he did return, he struggled with leg injuries that forced him back to the disabled list. In all, he played in just 95 games in 2017.

So, yes, health was an issue last season for the 32-year-old. However, so was Desmond’s inability to get the ball in the air.

Of the balls Desmond put into play last season, 80 were grounders, resulting in 63.5% ground ball percentage. Had he qualified in the category, he would have been easily one of the top players in the Majors in this category. As an aside, Dee Gordon led all qualified batters with a 58.4% ground ball percentage.

Not to drop a “Coors” reference here, but one of the keys to playing at Coors Field is the ability to get the ball in the air and find some gaps. Desmond simply must do that more in 2018.

While playing in just 95 games, Desmond still led the Rockies with 15 stolen bases. He also had just 19 extra-base hits. If Desmond can get the ball in the air and use his speed, it will be a big boost to the Colorado offense in 2018.

DJ LeMahieu grounding into double plays

Remember last season when there was some talk about Blackmon and LeMahieu swapping places in the order? One of the reasons was Chuck Nazty’s ability to drive in runs. Another was because the Colorado leadoff man was being wiped off the bases way too frequently because of double plays.

Last season, LeMahieu was ninth in Major League Baseball at .173 in grounding into double play (GIDP) per opportunity. The All-Star second baseman grounded into a career-high 24 double plays last season, a tough pill to swallow when you have your leadoff hitter having a historical season.

Colorado’s pitchers and the batting average against them

There has been a lot of talk about the plethora of pitching talent the Rockies have at their disposal, from a talented group of young starters to that stacked bullpen that should give Colorado plenty of confidence heading into the late innings.

However, Colorado’s pitchers must do a better job of getting the opposing batter out in 2018. Last year, the Rockies pitching staff tied for 22^nd in Major League Baseball with opposing hitters batting .264 against them. That number jumps to .273 at home, placing the Rockies at 29^th out of 30 teams.

Next: Bud Black talks about the offseason and MLB's pace of play initiatives

Sure, it’s Coors Field with plenty of room in the outfield, but improvement must be made for Colorado’s pitchers to take that proverbial next step in their staff’s evolution this season.