Super Rookie, Rookie, Rookie

Going into the 2017 season, the Rockies expected to have a five man rotation that included Chad Bettis and Jon Gray.  While Bettis had to leave spring training in order to have treatments for his cancer, Gray started three games before leaving with a fractured toe on April 13th.  This left the Rockies with a starting five that included three Rookie Pitchers, Kyle Freeland, Antonio Senzetela, and Marquez German who pitched in 6 games for the Rockies last year.   So far they have started 18 total games and have compiled a 9-5 record, while the Rockies have a 12-6 record n games they started.

At the time Gray went down, the Rockies were 6-4, 7-4 after the game he left in.  Since then the Rockies have compiled a 15-9 Record, although they are 1-3 in games that Marquez has pitched in Gray's place.

Coors Field has historically been a pitcher's nightmare to pitch in.  To see three rookies come in and not be intimidated is amazing in itself.  For them ALL to come in and do it at the same time is unbelievable.    There have been several times where the Rockies Rookies had a bad inning, but they then come back to shut the hitters down after that.  For instance, on Tuesday's night game, Freeland gave up five runs (three earned) in the 2nd inning and was in danger of being taken out.  After the 2nd, Freeland pitched four additional scoreless innings.  Young pitchers usually have to work their way out, but at Coors field it is unusually difficult.  These pitchers are showing poise and confidence in the first couple of months and are a huge part of the Rockies success so far this year.

Hopefully Gray will be back soon, and it will be good to know that the Rockies have some arms in reserve if other injuries occur.

Dodgers Series:  The Dodgers come in to Coors field for the 2nd time this year for a four game set.  The Rockies lead the Dodgers by 1.5 games so a split would keep them in first place.  Both teams need a starter for Saturday, as the Rockies may go with Jeff Hoffman.  The Dodgers will throw Clayton Kershaw on Friday night in game 2.   The Dodgers come in on a 5 game winning streak and have won 10 of last 12.  They last played a team with a winning record on April 23rd in Arizona and are 6-8 vs. Winning Teams this season.  The Rockies meanwhile are 9-6 since April 23rd, with all but 3 of their games against teams with Winning Records.    So far they are 11-8 vs. teams that have a .500 or better record this season.