Tuesday, May 13, 2014

At the Quarter Pole

Normally during the first couple months of the season, there are plenty of scheduled off days and rainouts which makes it sometimes slow going in the beginning.  This year, the Rockies were given two scheduled off days, and I don't believe they even have had a rain delay yet, and have completed 40 games in 42 games.  They now get rewarded by having 5 off days in the next 22, before playing 36 in 37 days into early July before getting one more off day before having a 3 game series followed by the All-Star Break.

Given all that and the injuries to 3 Starting Pitchers and 2 everyday players, the Rockies have weathered the first storm by going 23-17 matching the best ever first quarter tying the records of 1995 and 1997.

The Rockies are holding their own on the road (10-12), and exploding at home (13-5).  The most impressive stat I have is that the Rockies pitching has held their opponents to 4 or less runs in 24 of the first 40 games and have won 20 of those games.  This includes losing 2 such games over the weekend.   On the other hand they have scored 5 or more runs 22 times and have won 18 of those games.  

Tonight they start the 2nd quarter and although a slump is coming at some point, how they weather that will determine how they do in the 2nd half.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

The Long Road Begins

The Rockies finished a successful home stand tonight and are headed on the road for the first of two consecutive 3 city Road trips.   Overall the Rockies will play the next 16 of 22 on the Road.  There is plenty of reason to believe the Rockies will slog through the rest of the month, but there are some good signs as well.

Minuses:  The Rockies traditionally don't do well on the road especially in the Eastern Time Zone.   And the Rockies are going to play 12 of the 16 road games in the East.  The Rockies have also been exceedingly hot hitting lately with 5 of their six game homestand scoring 7 or more runs.  Tulo, Arenado, Blackmon, Morneau are all bound to cool off at some point, if they all do it at the same time then it could mean some losses.

Pluses:  The Rockies have surged while encountering injuries to Cuddyer, Rosario, Chatwood and Anderson.  The Rockies have also had 20 games (12 at home) where they held the opponent to 4 runs or less and are 18-2 in those games (12-0 at home).  In fact the Rockies pitching have only given up more than 5 runs only 7 times in the first 34 games.

Two weeks ago, when the Rockies embarked on the current 22 of 34 on the road, they were 12-11.  I felt if they could tread water and get out of May at .500 they would be in good shape.  Now with over a third of those games over and the Rockies coming through with a 9-3 record, if they can play .500 from this point forward through June 1st, they would be 31-24.

But the Rockies should enjoy the ride and keep the magic.