I get a sense of deja vu as I sit down to create the third wish list for the third road trip of the 2018 season. Once again, the Colorado Rockies returned home with some mojo before inexplicably struggling in the familiar setting of 20th & Blake. It was only two series, and to be fair, the last two games against the San Diego Padres looked markedly better for the Rockies, but something about that Cubs series was just…ugly.
The good news coming out of the 6-game home stand was the way the offense seemed to begin hitting its stride. Despite missing both corner outfielders from the Opening Day lineup (Gerardo Parra due to suspension and Carlos Gonzalez due to injury), the Rockies averaged just shy of 6 runs per game against the Cubs and Padres. Those guys would tell you it could have been better, but the offense is starting to heat up. Look out.
As is frequently the case, the good news arrives with some bad news. The pitching on the home stand was pretty bad. The staff as a whole allowed 7 runs per game, and that even takes into account the final two games when Kyle Freeland and Jon Gray finally put a lid on it. Consistency has been a major issue so far with both the offense and defense for the Rockies, and I’m sure they are working to tighten the screws there.
At 14-12, it’s time to finally break through the magnet-like pull we’ve had keeping us at or around .500 all year, but enough chit-chat. It’s time for the wish list as the Rockies head out on a three-city road trip that includes stops in Miami, Chicago and New York.