5 Stars for the Colorado Rockies in April

Colorado Rockies' 5 Stars In April

The Colorado Rockies were the surprise team of April. Many critics saw the Rockies losing up to 100 games, never being anywhere near first place and being one of the worst teams in baseball.

Through the first month of the season, the critics could not be more wrong.

Colorado is winning the way they used to back in the late 1990s. They get decent pitching that keeps them in games and they hit with power and score a ton of runs. They are playing great at Coors Field with a 9-3 record and playing average on the road with a 7-8 record. If the Rockies dominate at home and play .500 ball on the road, they should stay close to the top of the division. Colorado also has the third best run differential in the National League.

The Rockies are on top of the National League with a 16-11 record in April. They have scored 141 runs, which is second in the Major Leagues. They also have the second highest average in the bigs at .281.

The pitching has been better than most expected. They are 10th in the majors in ERA at 3.75 with 16 quality starts. The starters are getting into the sixth inning on a regular basis which is giving the bullpen some much needed rest./p>

Rookie manager Walt Weiss has his team playing with confidence and looking for bigger things than just finishing .500. Weiss could have this team challenging for a division title in his first season.

5. Rafael Betancourt

The closer has not blown a save this season, and he is as steady as he has been his whole career. He has only given up five hits this season and has eight saves.

4. Wilin Rosario

The catcher is leading the team in hitting with .350 average while also hitting seven home runs. His defense was always the question, but it has improved this season.

3. Jhoulys Chacin

The righty was the Rockies' best starter before going on the disabled list. He is scheduled to make his return on Sunday, May 3. He is 3-0 with a 1.46 ERA this season.

2. Troy Tulowitzki

The superstar shortstop, who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, is the team leader in RBI with 22. When he is in the lineup it makes the whole batting order gel.

1. Dexter Fowler

Dexter Fowler has been the best player for the Rockies as he has a .305 average and eight home runs. This is the most steady the center fielder has ever been.