Opening Day 2014: Colorado Rockies Season Outlook

By Spencer Impellizzeri

Opening Day 2014: Colorado Rockies Season Outlook

Colorado Rockies — The Colorado Rockies are a team that has a ton of talent on the hitting side, but have really struggled with their pitching. Rebuilding the pitching staff has been a focus for the Rockies in both free agency and through the draft. They have some great young talent coming. With that being said, here's a look at what to expect from the Rockies this season.

Top 5 Hitters

Michael Cuddyer Colorado Rockies

Top 5 Hitters

Michael Cuddyer Colorado Rockies — 1. Michael Cuddyer
2. Troy Tulowitzki
3. Carlos Gonzalez
4. Wilin Rosario
5. Justin Morneau

Cuddyer is the reigning NL batting champ, and another fine season should be expected out of him. He should form a powerful middle-of-the-order duo with Tulowitzki. A name to watch on this list is Gonzalez. He is a candidate for the leadoff spot, or he could remain in the middle of the lineup and form a three-headed monster there.

Top 5 Pitchers

Jorge De La Rosa Colorado Rockies

Top 5 Pitchers

Jorge De La Rosa Colorado Rockies — 1. Jorge De La Rosa
2. Jhoulys Chacin
3. Brett Anderson
4. LaTroy Hawkins
5. Tyler Chatwood

The pitching staff is the biggest weakness for the Colorado Rockies. De La Rosa is coming off a great 2013 season and a lot will be expected of him. The Rockies added Anderson this offseason, and he gives the Rockies a third reliable option behind De La Rosa with Chatwood and Chacin.

Top 5 Newcomers

Drew Stubbs Colorado Rockies

Top 5 Newcomers

Drew Stubbs Colorado Rockies — 1. Justin Morneau
2. Brett Anderson
3. Drew Stubbs
4. LaTroy Hawkins
5. Franklin Morales

Morneau was a great addition for the Rockies, as he gives them a veteran presence to fill Todd Helton's spot at first base. Stubbs was also a key pickup to play center field, and his power could translate well at Coors Field. Anderson, Hawkins and Morales are just a few of the pitchers that were brought in to shore up the pitching staff.

Top 5 Prospects

Jonathan Gray

Top 5 Prospects

Jonathan Gray — 1. Jonathan Gray
2. Eddie Butler
3. Rosell Herrera
4. David Dahl
5. Chad Bettis

Bettis is the only name on the list who could have a big impact with the major league ball club this season. He could make the team as a reliever, possibly as the setup man. Gray and Butler will be huge for the Rockies down the road, but they need more time to develop.

Final Record/Divisional Prediction

Coors Field

Final Record/Divisional Prediction

Coors Field — The Rockies should be an improved team this season, but there is still a ways to go to get into contention. The NL West should be competitive with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks leading the way. An 80-win season is probably the best-case scenario and the Rockies should climb out of last place in the division. Colorado will need to buy some more time until Butler and Gray arrive to be serious contenders again.

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Colorado Rockies

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