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This year, the National League West might just be the most dominant division in Major League Baseball. For the majority of the decade, this division has been dominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. For the first time in what feels like centuries, last season, however, the top three teams were the Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies. The Giants, for a change, were one of the absolutely worst teams in the league. The Rockies contributed to San Francisco’s misery, playing really well against the Giants, going 12-7 with a 9-1 home record.
If last year was a sign for anything, it was that it was finally time for Colorado to rise up and be one of the NL West powerhouses. The Rockies did well in free agency by signing Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw. However, the Giants also made some solid moves, signing veterans Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen. While those names would have been really exciting acquisitions a couple years ago, I just can’t see that completely turn around a team with such an atrocious farm system. However, I know that is not a popular opinion.
USA Today has projected the Rockies only three games above the Giants. Fangraphs.com even has the Rockies finishing four games under .500 and a couple of games behind the Giants.
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Why do analysts have this point of view where one of the worst teams in baseball could suddenly surpass an up and coming playoff team? To be completely fair, the Rockies’ run was unexpected, and the Giants were dealing with a lot of injury problems.
Still, you have to assume most of the younger guys will play even better than they did last year for the Rockies. Their starting rotation, for once, is something to be excited about. Chad Bettis is officially back. Antonio Senzatela and German Marquez should be solid. And have you seen this guy named Jon Gray? To keep it short, he has a chance to be an elite level pitcher this coming year.
Bluntly, it is our turn. San Francisco’s run at the top of the league is over, effective immediately. Longoria and McCutchen just don’t do enough to outplay the Rockies offense. Stars like Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story will prevent that.
Next: Why the Rockies should use a 6-man rotation
While it is not surprising to see the historic glove and Coke bottle in left field during playoff games at AT&T Park, it’s time to make the duck pond at 20th and Blake an iconic figure of postseason baseball.