Batting Order: The Rockies may very well have the best batting order in baseball. They have seven potential all stars in the lineup, including stars like Larry Walker and Todd Helton. Shumpert is one of the best second basemen in the game, giving Colorado a Roberto Alomar-esque hitter in the two hole. Fowler's a great leadoff man and could lead the NL in runs considering the firepower behind him. Seriously, they have an OB9, HR at 16 guy in the 6 spot! Even their weak hitters manage to be an OB 9 and 8, and Iannetta reaches on 3. Overall, a sensational group that will power the team to some truly impressive box scores.
Rotation: On the flip side, Colorado features the worst rotation in baseball. Tier 4s across the board, including a HR allowed by Yoshii. With a control 2 Chacin heading out against aces like Kevin Brown, Randy Johnson, and Tim Lincecum, the Rockies could be in for a long season. They could sacrifice budget and sign some free agents, but as of now, they're looking at a woeful season from their starters.
Bullpen: The positive pitching news is the bullpen, which should be able to finish any games that Colorado leads heading into the 7th. Jimenez is a good closer and his set-up man Gabe White is even better. Roenicke gives them a great 2 IP option, especially when their starters inevitably implode and allow 7 or 8 runs by the 4th inning. House is an inning eater for those kind of games as well, a bad pitcher for cheap, but he doesn't allow doubles at least! Not enough to balance the starters out, but a support staff that should let Colorado win some games.
Overall: The Rockies may be the ultimate feast or famine team, certainly destined for some blow-out wins and losses. However, it's hard to imagine that there'll be more wins than losses, especially considering the high level of pitching around them in the NL West. A cellar finish is expected, but it should be a fun ride along the way with the explosive power this team features.
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