Colorado Rockies: NL West outlook based off Spring Training

Los Angeles Dodgers

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Where to begin with these guys. I’m just hoping they’re still hungover from losing the World Series they should’ve won. They Dodgers are currently 10-8 and have not played the Rockies yet, but have two games against them coming up.

Let’s just go ahead and get Clayton Kershaw out of the way. He has a perfect ERA of 0.00. He’s pitched in 4 games for a total of 9 2/3 innings while only giving up 6 hits and 4 walks with 11 strikeouts. I mean this isn’t surprising anymore because he’s got his job locked up and he’s well on his way to being a Hall of Famer. As for the rest of the rotation, Alex Wood is pitching about the same as the regular season. Rich Hill has struggled as he has an ERA of 8.59 in 3 starts but he’s been much better in the regular season (3.32 ERA in 2017 in 25 starts). So I’d expect the same rotation as last season with the potential addition of Walker Buehler, as he could be in the mix, especially as the season progresses.

The Dodgers have a lot of prospects that we need to watch out for. Alex Verdugo is having a nice spring with his 2 home runs, 6 RBI, and .367 batting average. He’ll most likely get some more playing time this season and it could come in handy for them with some outfield questions. Corey Seager hasn’t had the time of his life this spring, mostly due to his elbow. It may come into question during this season. Justin Turner is red hot (like his hair), another guy that’s hit 2 home runs this spring with a .355 batting average. Turner is 33 this year so we’ll have to watch and see if he hits a wall due to his age.

The offense, (I didn’t mention everyone) is a powerhouse in LA, but is easily riddled with injuries throughout the year. Watching who goes on the DL list this time around is crucial if the Rockies want to take the NL West crown.