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Dodgers: 2019 NL West Outlook: Colorado Rockies

By Jack Trent Dorfman

DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies circles the bases on his two-run home run in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on April 23, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies circles the bases on his two-run home run in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on April 23, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 04: David Dahl #26 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after striking out in the seventh inning of Game One of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on October 4, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

The Rockies really took a step forward in 2019, nearly wrenching the NL West away from the Dodgers up until losing game 163 last season after spending 30 total days in first place. After a slow start to the season, finishing April with a record of 15-15, the team began to pick it up as the weather heated up, going 76-57 from June 1 on.

When you think of Colorado, you probably think of Coors Field and the massive bump it provides hitters in terms of power and just hitting in general. While the 2018 Rockies hit well once again, the team put up a top-6 OPS and a top-6 total bases season, with top-8 finishes in runs scored and home runs. their starting pitching really was their difference maker.

While the team ERA was 20th in all of baseball, this was due more to ineffective relievers rather than because of their starting pitcher. The Rockies finished tied for fifth in quality starts and in the top half of the league in strikeouts.

Led mostly by young starters German Marquez and Kyle Freeland, the Rockies should dominate on the mound once again in 2019, most likely jumping even higher on the pitching leaderboards with bounce-back campaigns from Wade Davis, Bryan Shaw and the rest of the veterans in the bullpen, and also from young starter Jon Gray.

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