Know Your Enemy: Colorado Rockies

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies went 64-74 in 2012 for back-to-back last-place finishes under newly minted manager Walt Weiss in the improving National League West. In 2014, the Rockies will take the field for the first time since 1996 season without Todd Helton, who retired last season. Justin Morneau and former Chicago Cub LaTroy Hawkins were the biggest acquisitions this offseason. Morneau will take over first base for Helton and Hawkins, who had 13 saves with the New York Mets in 2013, may split closing duties with Rex Brothers, who had 19 saves last season.

Troy Tulowitzki‘s and Carlos Gonzalez‘s health is the big question mark for the club. Both stars have missed significant playing time the past two seasons, but when they are in the lineup the Rockies perform significantly better. Pitcher Jhoulys Chacin has also battled the injury bug this spring and may have to delay his 2014 debut. Chacin was one of three Rockies’ starters to finish last year with a sub 4.00 ERA at Coors Field.

The Rockies sent Drew Pomeranz to the Oakland Athletics for Brett Anderson, who at age 26 has already undergone Tommy John surgery could bounce back and prove to be a top-of-the-rotation starter for the club.

Projected Lineup
Corey Dickerson CF
Michael Cuddyer RF
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Justin Morneau 1B
Wilin Rosario C
Nolan Arenado 3B
DJ LeMahieu 2B

Projected Rotation
Jhoulys Chacin
Jorge De La Rosa
Brett Anderson
Tyler Chatwood
Franklin Morales

Schedule
Rockies @ Cubs July 28-29-30-31
Cubs @ Rockies August 5-6-7

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