Colorado Rockies' Biggest Strength So Far In 2016

It’s not that big of a surprise. So far in 2016, the biggest strength for the Colorado Rockies is their offense. This is more than the Coors Field effect, though.

They have a legitimately strong offense. Fifth in the MLB in runs scored, the Rockies are scoring despite playing nearly half their games in the difficult road venues of the National League West.

The Rockies are atop or near the top of several of the most important offensive team categories. They are sixth in hits, doubles and OPS. They are third in triples and slugging, as well as fourth in batting average. Translation: They are swinging and making good contact.

To show the extent this is not Coors Field, just look at the away game split for the Rockies’ offense. They are third in MLB in runs scored in away games. That is better than their overall ranking. They only rank 15th in runs scored at home. On average, they score 4.5 runs per road game and 5.5 per home game, so some of this is just their schedule imbalance so far.  That makes their offense even more impressive as they have played 10 more road games to date and they are still an elite offense. Just wait until they play more at Coors Field.

There is something else that is impressive about the Rockies’ offense so far this season. They are third in MLB in sacrifice bunts with 16, but unlike the success of the Miami Marlins‘ hitting, only seven of these have come from pitchers. They have had more bunts from position players than pitchers.

The Rockies are fighting hard to stay near the .500 mark. Their offense is holding up its end of the bargain. If their pitching ever catches up, the National League better be ready.