Dodgers: NL West week in review May 15 through May 21

Colorado Rockies (28-17) 

The Rockies had a modest week, walking away with two series victories over the Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds. They are at the back half of a ten game road trip and will travel to Philadelphia for a four-game series before returning home.

The Rockies were able to sustain their two-game lead over the Dodgers and are now a season-high 11 games over .500. I said in an article last week that these Rockies are emerging as a legitimate contender. Although I view the Dbacks as more of a threat, the Dodgers have their work cut out for them if these Rockies continue to win ball games the way they’re doing.

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Last week the Rockies were led by their centerfielder, Charlie Blackmon. Blackmon slashed a cool .370/.400/.800 with a homer and six RBI while also scoring six runs. With Blackmon and LeMahieu at the top of the lineup, it opens the door for a lot of RBI possibilities for Nolan Arenado and Mark Reynolds who is having a breakout season of his own with 39 RBI early on.

Kyle Freeland led the team’s pitching staff with a 2-0 record despite his three home runs allowed in his two starts. That just goes to show what this team can do. Freeland by no means was dominant in his start, allowing six earned runs in 11 2/3rd innings pitched, yet he was able to pick up two victories.

The Rockies offense always has the potential to break out in any given game. What could be a bad sign for the Dodgers is that Carlos Gonzalez is starting to get going. With a productive Carlos Gonzalez in the middle of that lineup, watch out National League.

Next: Three Key Position Battles

The Rockies may not be mature enough as a club to be considered a legitimate World Series contender.  But I think their management has these guys playing at a level of at least making the postseason. We see the Dodgers really want their fifth consecutive NL West crown; we just need to see when the Rockies are going to let up. Because the truth is, this isn’t a 95 + win team. They’re good, but will eventually slow down.