2012 Colorado Rockies Predictions
Led by shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, the Colorado Rockies were expected to be a strong contender in the National League West in 2011. Instead, they were one of the biggest disappointments in baseball.
They finished fourth in the division with a 73-89 mark, and the expectations aren’t anywhere near where they were last year as we head into the 2012 season.
With less pressure, however, the Rockies may be able to sneak into the postseason for a third time in six years. They have the lineup to do so, but much will depend on how well the pitching staff performs.
Projected Pitching
Starting rotation: Jhoulys Chacin (R) – The Rockies are counting on Chacin to step up and become a true No. 1. He has pitched well the past two seasons, going 9-11 with a 3.28 ERA in 2010 and 11-14 with a 3.62 ERA in 2011, but the organization wants more.
Jeremy Guthrie (R) – While Coors Field is no pitcher’s park, Guthrie should still benefit from getting out of the AL East. He went 11-14 with a 3.83 ERA in 2010 before going 9-17 with a 4.33 ERA last year, but he could be a pleasant surprise in the NL this season.
Guillermo Moscoso (R) – Moscoso is another newcomer who should add some stability to the rotation. He posted a 3.38 ERA for Oakland in 2011 but only went 8-10 due to a lack of run support at times. He should get better run support in Colorado.
Tyler Chatwood (R) – Chatwood still has plenty of upside and should be willing to work hard after going 6-11 with a 4.75 ERA for the Angels last year.
Juan Nicasio (R) – Nicasio could end up with the final spot in the rotation. The 25-year-old showed promise while going 4-4 with a 4.14 ERA in 13 starts last season.
Closer: Rafael Betancourt (R) – Its unclear how well Betancourt will do in the ninth. The 36-year-old veteran reliever, who has been used primarily as a setup man, only has 27 career saves.
Projected Lineup
Ramon Hernandez (Catcher) – Hernandez is a stopgap at catcher until Wilin Rosario is ready to be an everyday backstop. The veteran free agent produced well in limited action for Cincinnati last year, batting .282 with 12 homers and 36 RBI.
Todd Helton (First Base) – Father time has caught up with Helton, one of the all-time great Colorado Rockies, but he’s still a solid option at one-bag. He batted .302 with 14 round trippers and 69 RBI is just 124 games last season.
Marco Scutaro (Second Base) – The Rockies are hoping Scutaro will be at least the player he was last season when he hit .299 with seven homers and 54 RBI in 113 games with the Red Sox.
Casey Blake (Third Base) – Health was an issue for Blake last season, but he can give the Rockies 15-20 home runs and around 70 RBI if he plays 140 games.
Troy Tulowitzki (Shortstop) – There might not be a better shortstop in baseball. The 27-year-old, batted .302 with 30 homers and 105 RBI last season.
Carlos Gonzalez (Left Field) – Gonzo’s 2011 numbers weren’t what they were in 2010 when he batted .336 with 34 home runs and 117 RBI. Still, it’s hard to complain about his .295 average, 26 homers and 92 RBI.
Dexter Fowler (Center Field) – Fowler doesn’t have home run power, but his speed makes him a doubles and triples machine. He had 35 doubles and 15 triples in 2011. It was his third straight season with at least 20 and 10 in each category.
Michael Cuddyer (Right Field) – The long-time Minnesota Twin should benefit from flighty Coors. He batted .284 with 20 jacks and 70 RBI last season, and I wouldn’t be surprised with 30 round trippers this year.
Prediction – 4th Place NL West: Colorado could surprise in the West, but it’s going to take a much better season from the pitching staff to do so. The Rockies are listed at +750 to win the NL West.
