Flashes of Brilliance

The 2016 Rockies had an up and down first third of the season.  Playing .500 on the road, but flailing at home until the last homestand, they struggled to a 24-31 start.   They have blown numerous big leads and 15 leads overall, while coming from behind 11 times.  

Three players have over 15 Home runs, two players have 4 triples and four players have over 15 doubles.  One player, Trevor Story, is on all three of those lists.

The Pitching rotaion has primarily involved seven players, with impressive starts by most of them, and some consistency showing among Chatwood, Butler, Gray, and Rusin.  Bettis was good early but has struggled the last few weeks.  Add Tyler Anderson's impressive debut Sunday against the Padres, and the Rockies may have the makings of a strong rotation.  It won't rival the Dodgers and Giants, but it may suffice for the Rockies, as they have already racked up five shutouts including an impressive 1-0 game at Dodger Stadium last week.

So can they make a run this season and contend for the Division or Wild Card?  If they are the time may be now in the next 50 games over the next 8 weeks.  Currently one game under .500, they play 25 of their next 50 at home and have only two off days besides the 4 day All-Star Break.  13 games are against the West, and play their remaining 15 Inter-League Games, with the rest of the 22 games against the NL East.  That's right, 0 games against the NL Central where they are 7-13.  (Their next NL Central game is August 19th against the Cubs.)  

Will they take advantage of this stretch? Stay tuned.