Reasons the Rockies can turn things around in California, and the reasons they won't

The Colorado Rockies have already been on the wrong end of several losing streaks this early season. And playing their next six games against N.L. West stalwarts San Diego and Lots Angeles, there’s no reason to think the losing won’t continue.

Or is there?

Certainly, the Rockies showed signs of life in Thursday’s 7-2 win over the Brewers, with the likes of Michael Toglia breaking out off a slump, and Ryan Feltner giving them a quality start.

So, is there reason to be optimistic about the next two road series? The simple answer is, yes and no.

Here’s three reasons why the Rockies might break out of their slump in California and three reasons why they won’t.

First the Good News

• Colorado does hit

The Rockies have managed to hit the ball and put runners on base all season long. They just haven’t been able to drive those runners in. But, if Toglia, Kris Bryant and Ryan McMahon join the hot-hitting Brenton Doyle, Ezequiel Tovar, Hunter Goodman and Kyle Farmer, then, Colorado’s offense will look a lot more like it was projected to be this spring.

• Outfielders have been producing

It’s not just Doyle, it’s Zac Veen being called up, Mickey Moniak making an impact or Nick Martini still hitting will. Yes, the Rockies’ outfield, which included Sean Bochard, has been consistent this season, and if they keep it up, it undoubtedly will lead to more wins.

• The bullpen can hold leads

The Rockies have the arms in the pen to hold on to good performances by starting pitchers like Feltner, Kyle Freeland and German Marquez. They just have to do it more often. Victor Vodnik and Seth Halvorsen have been h=good and if others like Bradley Blalock and Jaden Bird can help out, the Rockies will be more likely to close out games.

Now the Bad News

• The Rockies are not hitting enough home runs to help the pitching

The Rockies rank just 20th in the major leagues with nine homers. That isn’t enough. Especially playing at Coors Field. And Colorado is just 17th in slugging. If the Rockies can’t drive in runs and they can’t hit the long ball, then it doesn’t matter how well they hit, and it certainly won’t matter in California.

• Pitching still isn’t good enough

Pretty much says it all. The Rockies have little to show for even their good pitching performances and their bad ones have been really bad. Whether it’s shaky starts, or a crumbling bullpen, the pitching hasn’t improved enough to make a difference and it certainly can’t hold up against the lineups in San Diego and L.A.

• They’re playing the Padres and Dodgers

Again, enough said. Even though the Rockies have been strong against the West in season’s past, after the start they’ve had, the evidence would suggest they have little to no chance to hang with the Padres and Dodgers this coming road trip or any other time this season.