4. Colorado Rockies aren’t going anywhere
Through 52 games, the Rockies sport the National League’s best record and trail only the Houston Astros for MLB’s best mark. But given that Colorado hasn’t posted a winning season since 2010 and has 18 road games against nine home games in June, conventional logic says that things will cool off.
We’re just not buying it.
Generally speaking, skepticism around the Rockies revolves around their pitching. And if you’re waiting for the day when someone compares Colorado’s pitchers to the mid-1990’s Atlanta Braves, get comfortable, really comfortable. It’s never happening.
But it’s unfair to compare this group of Rockies starters to past seasons because it’s a group of rookies leading the way in 2017. They’re doing pretty darn good.
Rockies rookies: 18-6 this season. That's most wins through end of May since 1958, when MLB first defined rookie status. (via @eliassports)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 29, 2017
Normally, the win total isn’t a great stat to use. But things are a little different here.
If pitchers are picking up wins, it means they’re going deep into games. If starting pitchers are going deep into games, then the bullpen isn’t being so heavily taxed. Traditionally, that’s been Colorado’s downfall. The Rockies have enjoyed plenty of nice starts over the years but cooled off because their pitchers (namely, the bullpen) just couldn’t handle the number of innings they were being asked to throw.
Again, that’s not such a concern in 2017.
On top of that, the road heavy June schedule works in the Rockies favor. Staying away from Coors Field, those pitchers are far less likely to be overused.
When July 1 rolls around, we’re expecting that this Colorado team will remain right in the thick of the postseason picture.