Predicting the 2019 MLB season from the Colorado Rockies perspective

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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 11: Daniel Murphy #9 of the Colorado Rockies fields a ground ball during the spring training game against the Oakland Athletics at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 11, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

The 2019 Major League Baseball season starts today for the Colorado Rockies. How may it play out?

The Colorado Rockies have made it to the postseason in each of the last two years for the first time in franchise history. Despite once again surprising many around baseball, once again no Rockies player or pitcher won any major awards. Will that change in 2019?

For background, I’ve been one win off on my annual win total prediction for the Rockies the last three seasons. Last year, I tabbed seven of the 10 playoff teams, which seems easy enough to do if you don’t overthink it (bet on the money!). Don’t be surprised if a lot of this comes true and don’t be surprised if none of it comes true because there is a reason they play the games. Did anyone have Oakland in the playoffs last March or even in June?

Predictions

Rockies Wins: 87

Last year, the Colorado Rockies won 91 games and the year prior it was 87. In 2017, they went to the Wild Card game and lost. In 2018, they went to the Wild Card game and won after nearly winning the division but losing in a tie-breaker game in Los Angeles.

The Rockies lost several franchise icons in the offseason to free agency. Still, even without an All-Star second baseman, All-Star-caliber reliever and two former All-Star outfielders, the club should make out just fine.

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Daniel Murphy was brought in to play second base and Mark Reynolds is back as a bench bat. Both are needed to provide pop to a much maligned offense. This year’s lineup will see nearly every spot in the order flipping from left to right to left. It will also be bolstered by young players who many have clamored to see for years.

In fact, the young players and bigger roles from players like David Dahl are why some think the Rockies will not take any steps back at all.

But the loss of Adam Ottavino is one that can not be overlooked and the bullpen seems to have a few weak spots, particularly in relying upon Mike Dunn as a lefty who has been hurt for the better part of two years. However, if he is healthy, he is generally pretty solid. Plus there have been signs of Wade Davis in decline and he needs to limit home runs, especially considering where he plays half of his games.

The strength of Colorado is their starting pitching which has not only been good but has only had eight different players toe the slab to throw the first pitch over the last two-and-a-half years. Most teams are lucky to have the health and talent to only use eight pitchers in half of a season.

Given this luxury of health, we have not really seen what is behind the starting seven or so. But if there were to be massive issues, the Rockies have some touted prospects who are ready to continue a streak over a year’s worth of games that has only seen organizationally homegrown players start for the Rockies.

Catching is still a question as is some adjustments in the coaching stuff but, overall, the team should be about the same as last season.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 30: Starting pitcher German Marquez #48 of the Colorado Rockies throws a pitch against Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Rockies Pitcher of the Year: German Marquez

I almost always pick Jon Gray here so I just won’t this year, even though I think he’ll bounce back. I also am tempted to pick Tyler Anderson but won’t.

Here’s the deal … I think both Kyle Freeland and German Marquez disappoint this year but only because the expectation is so high. Each will pitch seasons that end up in the Rockies record books but I believe Marquez will build upon where he left off last year just like he did in 2018. He continues to add elements to his game and be phenomenal.

Rockies Hitter of the Year: Trevor Story

Trevor Story might just win MVP this year. Look out for David Dahl, Ryan McMahon and, of course, Nolan Arenado. All should be good candidates for the best hitter in purple this year as well.

Rockies Reliever of the Year: Antonio Senzatela

This is kind of cheating because he’ll probably start a dozen games as well but I feel like I need to give him a mention. I think Senzatela will take the biggest jump forward out of anyone on the pitching staff in 2019. He’s only 24 and he’s been in the bigs for two years and has started a playoff game. This guy knows he can do it. Now he has to build off of it.

Rockies Rookie of the Year: Garrett Hampson

Hampson is pretty much a lay-up here. The Rockies won’t even have another rookie on their roster until June. I do believe Hampson will start in the neighborhood of 75 games and be a great contributor around the infield and outfield for the Rockies.

For those of you who wanted the club to pickup Marwin González, here’s the cheaper, younger, homegrown version of that.

ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 03: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his RBI triple to take a 1-0 lead over the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Angel Stadium on May 3, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

American League Playoffs: New York, Cleveland, Houston – Boston, Tampa Bay

The same four teams that have been elite in the American League will stay there. Bold stuff I know to have the Yankees, Indians, Astros and Red Sox as once again near the top. Cleveland I don’t think is a World Series contender but they should beat up on a pretty poor division

Meanwhile the Yankees are once again loaded and the New York media’s hype of the pinstripes is justified. I believe them to be the best team in baseball this year. The Red Sox should take a small step back and turn it on in October but their bullpen is nowhere near as good as New York’s, even with the wild fluctuations that happen year to year. Kevin Cash should build with his pitching staff and find their way to the fifth playoff spot which more or less could be a dart at a dartboard this year. The Astros should be back with health even without some of their pitching from last year. Michael Brantley should be a great pickup.

National League Playoffs: Philadelphia, St. Louis, Los Angeles – Milwaukee, Chicago