 Nobody expected the Colorado Rockies, or any other team from the NL West for that matter, would be making a run at the wild card. The team started out as awful as they were expected to, but managed to turn things around in June, starting the month 20-29 and ending it 41-36. The surprising thing this season has been that despite having such an inflationary ballpark like Coors Field the offensive numbers have been quite average for the National League. The roster is not full of guys going for 40 and 50 homeruns, but numbers closer to 20 and 30. Instead, the slugging percentage is boosted because of the ridiculous number of doubles. So whether, the Rockies batters are hitting home runs or doubles, they are driving in runs. They have the second most runs driven in for the National League. Todd Helton is the best contact hitter and unlikely player in Colorado, a soft-hitting first baseman. The power comes from up the middle. Shortstop Tom Tulowitzki and second baseman Clint Barmes have the most home runs with 28 and 23. Right fielder Brad Hawpe slowed down from his torrid early season pace, but is still a bat to fear. Dexter Fowler is the resident speedster, though Carlos Gonzalez has emerged as a rival set of legs. Colorado's power to the gaps may serve them better than their overwhelming power passed the fences has in past seasons. The Rockies starting pitching rotation for the playoffs should consist of Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis, Jason Hammel, and Jorge De La Rosa. The recently acquired veteran pitcher Jose Contreras may provide a few inspirational moments, but should not find his way onto the rotation. The pitchers numbers, after being adjusted for their home field, are not bad at all. The closer Hudson Street is a power pitcher that keeps the ball out of the thin air. He has help from lefty setup man Franklin Morales and right Matt Daley. The fact that the starters and bullpen will be pitching more games on the road might actually be an advantage for the team. Colorado dominated at home and is about to break just above .500 on the road, but a prolonged season in the thin air could be devastating for pitchers. Since the hitters are not driving bombs anymore the road may be the best friend for the Colorado Rockies may be in a unique position to be one of those surprise wild card teams no one sees coming in the postseason. They may even make it back to the World Series if the team gets hot.
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