Colorado Rockies: Wish List for the Miami, Chicago, New York road trip

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PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 30: Gerardo Parra #8 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on March 30, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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.

DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 18: David Dahl #26 of the Colorado Rockies stands in the on-deck circle during a regular season MLB game between the Colorado Rockies and the visiting San Diego Padres at Coors Field on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Getty Images) /

The Wish List

Force Some Hard Decisions on the 25-Man Roster

With the injuries and suspensions the Rockies have had to weather early on in this turbulent season, plenty of younger role players have gotten some major playing time. After struggling early, guys like Ryan McMahon and, more recently, David Dahl and Noel Cuevas, are starting to hit their stride offensively.

David Dahl, in particular, has made a splash in the few games he has been up with the big league team, including a key two-run triple to help the Rockies win the rubber match against the Padres. It wasn’t his only triple either, which shines a light on another reason it is great to have David Dahl back with the Rockies: speed. It is no longer a secret that aggressiveness is the name of the game for us this season, and Dahl brings a welcome speed presence, as well as another dangerous bat in the lineup.

McMahon has begun to swing the bat a little better as well, and looks like he’s just a game or two from really breaking out and lifting the ball. Noel Cuevas was called up when Parra began serving his suspension, so while he doesn’t likely figure to remain with the big club long-term, he has also added a few hits and solid defense. With Parra and CarGo eventually returning, this will force some tough decisions for the Rockies coaches and front office as they decide who stays and who goes. It’s a good problem to have though, so let’s hope the young guys keep making it tougher.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 19: Charlie Blackmon #19 of the Colorado Rockies hits a two-run rbi double against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the second inning at AT&T Park on September 19, 2017 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Keep the Chip on the Shoulder

There are a lot of possibilities as to why the Rockies have looked more comfortable out on the road this year than at home, but one thing I’ve noticed is how the team plays with a bit of a chip on their shoulder away from home. The “Coors Field” mystique follows them everywhere and I think they love to get that first at-bat of the game and show the opposing crowd quickly that they can hit anywhere.

Wherever DJ LeMahieu, Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado find themselves in the lineup, leading off is a good place to be. First off, for leading off games, LeMahieu and Blackmon have combined to have a slashline of .348/.423/.522 in the leadoff spot. In addition, offensively, they have best in the first inning this year as the team has an offensive slashline of .290/.379/.551 in the first inning.

That “us-against-them” road mentality is a trait the Rockies had a year ago, when they went above .500 on the road for just the second time in team history. It’s a trait we will need again, as history shows a winning road record goes a long way towards helping any team reach the playoffs. This road trip includes trips to two pitcher-friendly parks in Miami and New York, so it will be important for the Rockies to jump out to early leads, as we have seen all year on the road, and keep the chip on their shoulder.

PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 04: Trevor Story. Getty Images. /

Keep rolling, Trevor Story

I honestly believe that Trevor Story is the X-factor on this Rockies team. We all know what that three-headed monster at the top of the order can do. DJ, Charlie and Nolan to start your day is a nightmare for any starting pitcher, and if Trevor Story can continue swinging the bat like he has been the last couple weeks, it adds a fourth head to that monster and a fifth when you look at CarGo coming back from injury. Terrifying.

Full disclosure, I am a huge Trevor Story fan. Not only because of his mastery at four of the five tools on a baseball field, but because of the way he has handled the struggles. Being someone who has faced a lot of adversity and more ups and downs than I care to try to imagine, he has never snapped at the media, has never let the strikeouts affect his attitude or his play on defense. He carries himself with humility and hard work and I think his teammates love him. For that, and the obvious reasons (dingers), I think Trevor is a keystone to this team and I like the way he is looking at the dish. Keep it going.

PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 29: Nolan Arenado. Getty Images. /

The Scenarios

Nightmare Scenario

Derek Jeter has a front row seat to the Rockies only visit to Miami in 2018, and watches his young pitching staff stymie the Rockies offense. Losing 2 of 3, the Rockies head to Chicago where the Cubs continue to dismantle our pitching staff, winning both games. Some respite comes in the opener against the Mets, but it’s short-lived as the Rockies score just 1 total run in the last two games of the series and return home 2-6 on the road trip. People (me) overreact on Twitter.

Dream Scenario

The Rockies arrive in South Beach with some momentum and Derek Jeter is seen covering his face in frustration from the press box as his team is swept easily by Colorado. The Rockies arrive at Wrigley and take both of those games too. Albert Almora Jr. is robbed of a hit by every position player on the Rockies. After losing the opener against the Mets, they get right back on the horse, winning the final two games and returning to Coors Field 21-13 on the year, tied for first in the NL West.

Next: Looking back on the Rockies trade of Corey Dickerson

*Final Note – The home run Trevor Story hit against the Padres Monday night was one of the hardest hit balls I’ve ever seen at Coors Field. It essentially hit the building across the concourse that has the Toyota pickup truck on top of it. If you’ve walked around Coors, you know how absurdly far away that pickup is from home plate. Just, wow. Go Rox!

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