Colorado Rockies: Roundtable season projections and outlooks

By Greg Moore

Biggest surprise player

Carlos Gonzalez. I’d love to tell you it’ll be David Dahl or first time All-Star Ryan McMahon, but I think the bigger surprise than the two of them lighting it up this year, will be the resurgence of CarGo. The fact that he’s a huge team guy, leader, positive role model, etc., hasn’t been lost on anyone. His late August and into September adjustments last year are what’s going to drive this dominant season. I fully expect him to finish with a .285/30/90 line that will help carry this Rox team into October. With an inexpensive one-year contract, he could be the deal of the offseason if it pans out.

Biggest surprise player

Jon Gray. There’s a certain kink in his armor that’s keeping him from moving forward. It’s always the one inning of lost focus. The one that costs him 30 pitches, maybe some confidence and usually a couple runs. If he can get that under control, I think you’ll see him finally take a step toward the proverbial “ace” role.

As for 2018. I think he’s going to have more downs than ups, during a time this young Rox team could really use him. The physical tools are more than there. The mental tools are struggling more often than not.

Buyers or sellers?

If the Rockies are within grasp of a playoff spot, you’ll see them filling holes with some likely big name players. Don’t count out a rental in 2018. Last season saw the Rockies picking up Pat Neshek and Jonathan Lucroy full well knowing they’d be free agents at the end of they year. They didn’t burn much in the way of prospects to get them. This Rockies system is loaded with the talent to pull of a blockbuster trade, and this could be the year they’ll need it.

Season prediction

I believe the Rockies will go 90-72 and grab a Wild Card spot. I don’t think they’ll be far out of first place, but I think the Dodgers have the talent and the money to stay ahead of the pack. If they can get through the play-in game, all bets are off. A young, talented core of players who get hot, and don’t know any better are dangerous. Look at the 2015 Royals, 2017 Astros, etc. I don’t expect them to win the World Series, but I think they have the talent to get there.