Colorado Rockies: It’s time to shake things up

From all the talk about how much the Colorado Rockies’ offense is struggling, it’s easy to forget that they’re sitting in first-place in the National League West.

That being said, if they want to stay atop the division they have to figure some things out. Currently, the Rockies team batting average (.230) is 12th in the NL.  Their .694 OPS is 11th.  They are 10th in runs scored.

The pitching has carried the Rockies thus far and the offense has come through with some clutch hits, but the overall production has been disappointing at best and maddening at worst.

All Star second baseman DJ LeMahieu will help when he comes back from the DL, but the bottom of the order still needs to get going.

To find a solution to their offensive woes, the Rockies need look no further for inspiration than the Atlanta Braves. The Braves lead the NL in runs scored and lead the NL East by a game and a half over the Philadelphia Phillies. And they’ve gotten there by trusting their young talent.

The Rockies should follow their example.

Of course, the young guys have to produce.  The Braves’ season would look different if players like Ozzie Albies weren’t hitting like they have been. But what’s important is that the Braves gave them a chance and so far they have not disappointed.

If the Rockies want to solve their offensive dilemma, they need to take a page from the Atlanta Braves and give some of their younger players a chance.

First and foremost, David Dahl should be playing every day. This season he’s only hitting .254 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI’s in 25 games, but those numbers should improve with regular playing time.

Dahl has seen most of his at-bats against right-handers, and that’s justifiable considering he’s struggled against lefties.

But Dahl isn’t a platoon player and he’s hit southpaws reasonably-well throughout his minor league career.  Dahl’s numbers on the season will get better and his right/left splits will even out, but that won’t happen by sitting on the bench.

Inconsistent playing time will not help Dahl figure things out.

It would be different if the Rockies’ offense was hitting on all cylinders, but it’s not. I’d rather see the Rockies offense struggle because they’re giving young guys like Dahl a chance to find their footing than because they’re clinging to aging veterans.

Dahl isn’t the only guy who deserves a chance at regular playing time.

Fellow outfielder Noel Cuevas has played fairly well since being promoted (.294/.345/.353 slash line) and has earned more playing time as the team searches for offense.  He is also the only right-handed hitter in the Rockies outfield.

But let’s take this a step further.