It has been a tough season for the Colorado Rockies this year and it will continue for the last six weeks of the season. The entire organization is struggling as they try to find their identity.
Despite their talent, the Rockies are again at the bottom of the standings. Listening to their fans you hear the state of the franchise is worse than ever and that the organization lacks direction.
Pitching Struggles
The tough season for the Colorado Rockies can, in part, be tied to their pitching struggles. Prior to the start of the 2022 season, the team’s starting rotation and bullpen were considered to be one of their strengths. However, this season that rotation has struggled to pitch quality innings. They’ve also had trouble keeping the team in several games. They cannot seem to get the starting pitching or the bullpen operating effectively on a consistent basis.
Teams can deal with pitching woes that hit pitchers off and on. However, it has been a down season for just about every member of the starting rotation. Kyle Freeland, Austin Gomber, Chad Kuhl, German Marquez, and Antonio Senzatela are all having the worst seasons of their careers. That’s difficult for any team to overcome.
Bullpen
The bullpen, too, has performed below expectations most of the season. The Rockies should have won more games, but their bullpen struggles to hold leads handed to them. They have blown many games because they gave up extra runs that lead to many losses. The team’s bullpen arms are second to last in ERA and strikeouts.
Even Their Defense
On top of the pitching woes, their defense is having issues. Tied for the best NL defense in 2021, the Rockies’ defense has struggled this season with unnecessary errors. They are ranked second to last in the MLB barely above the Pittsburgh Pirates in errors and fielding percentage. That has put more pressure on the already taxed bullpen and their starters dealing with their own issues.
Any Hope for the Future
Another tough season for the Colorado Rockies leads the fans to ask if there’s any hope for their future. Fans would like to see the Rockies build a winning team now. However, while they are not a contending team, they are far from needing a rebuild. They have some pieces to work with, but they also need to make some moves to show they are serious about winning.
Top Prospects
The Rockies have some top prospects that could be ready for full-time MLB action next year. Their farm system has gradually been getting better over the past few years. They are now in the top 10 for the first time since the 2017—mlb.com puts them at number nine. Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, outfielders Zac Veen and Ryan Vilade will be counted on for spots on the MLB roster for 2023.
For pitching, Ryan Rolison could be counted on for 2023. However, in June it was announced he was scheduled for surgery and would miss the rest of the season. He should be ready for Spring Training 2023.
Proud City
The tough season for the Colorado Rockies will continue. They are headed for their fourth consecutive losing season—the postseason trips of 2017 and 2018 seem like a long time ago. Although fans are frustrated, they are very supportive of their team. The Rockies can brag an average attendance of almost 32,000 fans, eighth in MLB.
It’s time for the Rockies to get serious and give the fans something to cheer for. Denver is a great sports town and the fans deserve better. With a few moves and key prospects, this tough season for the Colorado Rockies could be the last they see for the foreseeable future.
Main Photo:
Players Mentioned:
Kyle Freeland, Austin Gomber, Chad Kuhl, German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela, Ezequiel Tovar, Zac Veen, Ryan Vilade, Ryan Rolison
