Colorado Rockies: The most important week in team history?

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PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 22: Pitcher Wade Davis #71 of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated by catcher Chris Iannetta #22 after a 5-1 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks during an MLB game at Chase Field on September 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

In 2007, the Colorado Rockies prepared to play the Boston Red Sox in the World Series in what was, needless to say, slated to be the biggest series in franchise history. The Rockies went on to get swept by the BoSox and haven’t won a playoff game since.

At risk of mitigating the importance of the team’s only World Series appearance, the final week of the 2018 season could arguably be the most important week in franchise history.

This is best chance Colorado has ever had to win their division. They sit 1.5 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers with a week left to play–and the implications could not be bigger. After 155 games, the verdict is still up in the air on the 2018 season. Passing L.A. and capturing the division for the first time would make 2018 the best Rockies regular season to date. Failing to do so could mean missing out on the playoffs entirely.

That’s because the Rockies also sit 1.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot. As much as I hate the idea of another one-and-done Wild Card Game, that would without question be better than not playing in the playoffs at all. It would also mean the Rockies would make the playoffs for consecutive seasons for the first time in history. So whether the Rockies can catch the Dodgers or not, this week could still end up being historic.

PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 22: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after striking out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning of an MLB game at Chase Field on September 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

At first glance, the Rockies’ road might not seem too easy. They play their final two series against the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals. The Phillies come in to the series above .500 and the Nats are at an even .500. However, both teams have been eliminated from postseason play, and therefore could potentially spend portions of the series testing out young talent for the future.

In reality, between the three teams (Rockies, Cardinals, and Dodgers), Colorado might actually have the advantage in this final week. There are three reasons for this.

First off, The Rockies have one more game at hand than either of their competitors. That means that since the Rockies still have seven games to play as opposed to L.A. and the Cards’ six, they have more opportunities to win. Now, obviously this is only an advantage if the Rockies actually win that extra game, but if they do, that puts them just one game behind both teams.

The Rockies’ second advantage is the fact that they play all seven of their final games at home, where they have been 26-11 since the start of July. The Dodgers last six games are on the road and the Cardinals last three games are also on the road. This is another huge advantage for the Rox, who have played very strong at home as of late.

Finally, the Rockies will face arguably the least motivated competition of the three teams. This is not to disrespect the Phils and the Nats, both are quality big league teams–but the emotion will be much lower in their dugouts than in the dugouts of the opponents L.A. and St. Louis will face. In the Dodgers’ case, though they also are playing two eliminated teams (the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants), there is a unique X-factor in play.

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 19: Scott Oberg #45 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after giving up a three run homerun to Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers, for a 5-2 Dodger lead, during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on September 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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The Dodgers are without question the most hated team in the NL West. They’ve won every division title for half a decade and the rest of the division is ready to see that end. The Rockies are the West’s final hope of dethroning the Dodgers and we all know how much Arizona and San Francisco would relish contributing to L.A.’s downfall.

It is also important to note that the Dodgers have only gone 7-9 against Arizona this season, including going 2-5 at Chase Field. For Rockies’ fans, there is reason to have hope that this final road trip won’t be easy for the Dodgers.

The last week will be even more difficult for the Cardinals. They play three at home against the dangerous Milwaukee Brewers before heading to Chicago for a three game set against the Cubs. That means that even if the Dodgers are able to hold off the Rockies in the division, Colorado still has a good chance of catching the Red Birds for the second Wild Card spot.

Next. There's only one thing left to do.... dark

Of course this is all speculation, but after the road sweep of the D-backs, it feels like the Rockies might have one last dominant homestand left in them. Despite trailing in the standings, they may have the advantage in the final week. A week that could pan out to be the most important in franchise history.

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In 2007, the Colorado Rockies prepared to play the Boston Red Sox in the World Series in what was, needless to say, slated to be the biggest series in franchise history. The Rockies went on to get swept by the BoSox and haven’t won a playoff game since.

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