New Year’s Resolutions for these Colorado Rockies

Sep 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Connor Joe (9) reacts as he runs to third base against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Connor Joe (9) reacts as he runs to third base against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort
Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort /

Colorado Rockies Front Office: Indulge in analytics

You’re going to be shocked, but the Rockies have largely not been all that invested in the analytical side of baseball that almost every other franchise has started to embrace. It’s hampered the team over the past few seasons (Laundry joke: check) but there may be some hope that they’re finally starting to take them into consideration more with a few hires this season. After all, analytics have been rumored to be the reason that guys like CJ Cron ended up on their radar.

Should the Rockies embrace analytics and improve their team by doing so, maybe I’ll be a little less hesitant to consider the over on their wins next year (which are currently listed at 71.0 on WynnBET).

Connor Joe: Prove 2021 wasn’t a fluke

One of the best stories for the Rockies last season, Connor Joe was a delight when he was on the field. He posted an impressive 116 wRC+ (fueled by an even more impressive 12.3% BB%) and accumulated 1.4 fWAR in just 63 games. In a full season’s worth of games he’d be at least a 3 fWAR player, which would have made him the Rockies’ second-best position player this year behind Trevor Story (3.5) and Ryan McMahon (2.5).

But early success doesn’t always mean it will repeat the next year. After the clear impact he made in 2021, teams will be on the lookout for him in 2022. He’s going to need to make the proper adjustments because the league will be adjusting to him. How will he react?

With only eight career games in the majors before 2021, Connor Joe is essentially still beginning his major league career at age 29. Maybe the league adjusting to him won’t be that big of an issue given that maturity, but it’s easier said than done. Can he keep his K% below 20%? Will his BB% stay at that impressive level above 10%? Anything to prove that 2021 wasn’t just a flash in the pan and that he actually has the skills to be a consistent Major League start will be great to see and I’m hoping Joe proves he can make an impact on this team for years to come.