Why Putting Pitching First is Key for the Colorado Rockies – A Mile High Necessity

The Best Colorado Rockies Offense: Unveiling the Surprising Contenders

Introduction

The Colorado Rockies, known for their high-scoring games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field, have had numerous seasons with impressive offensive performances. The question of which Rockies team had the best offense has often sparked debate among fans and analysts. Many would assume that the Blake Street Bombers era of 1996 and 1997, or the 2007 team that reached the World Series, would hold the top spot. However, according to the league and park-adjusted stat, OPS+, a surprising contender emerges – the 2014 Rockies, who won only 66 games. This unexpected revelation prompts further examination of the players and their performances during that season.

The 2014 Rockies Offense: Unveiling the Standout Contributors

Troy Tulowitzki, the star shortstop, led the team in almost every offensive category despite playing in just 91 games due to injuries. His remarkable 1.035 OPS and 170 OPS+ placed him in the same territory as Rockies legends Larry Walker and Todd Helton. Justin Morneau, the first baseman, won his first batting title, slashing .319/.364/.496 with 17 home runs and 82 RBIs, earning a respectable OPS+ of 125. Another former Twin, Michael Cuddyer, battled injuries but made the most of his 49 games, posting a slash line of .332/.376/.579 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs for an OPS+ of 148. Corey Dickerson emerged as the second-largest contributor with an OPS+ of 141 and leading the team with 24 home runs. Additionally, Nolan Arenado, a promising sophomore third baseman, improved from an OPS+ of 81 in his rookie year to 115 in 2014. Drew Stubbs, the primary center fielder, quietly put up a 114 OPS+, hitting 15 home runs and stealing 20 bases.

Notable Disappointments: LeMahieu and Gonzalez

Surprisingly, two players who would later become key contributors for the Rockies had underwhelming seasons offensively in 2014. DJ LeMahieu, who eventually won batting titles in both leagues, had an OPS+ of only 75 during that season. Even his specialty, batting average, suffered, with his worst mark at .267, 28 points below his career average. Carlos Gonzalez, who experienced off-field and health challenges, struggled and ended up with an OPS+ of 88, significantly lower than his performances in the previous and subsequent seasons. It is worth noting that Gonzalez was an All-Star in 2012 and 2013, as well as a Silver Slugger Award winner in 2015 when he hit a career-high 40 home runs. However, during the Rockies’ best hitting season, he underperformed.

Editorial: The Role of Pitching in Rockies Success

While it is fascinating to explore the impressive offensive performances of the 2014 Rockies, it is crucial to acknowledge the team’s struggles on the mound. With an ERA+ of 88, which tied them with the inaugural 1993 Rockies for the worst in franchise history, the pitching staff faced significant challenges. Names like Jordan Lyles, Christian Bergman, Christian Friedrich, Yohan Flande, and Boone Logan were part of a pitching staff that couldn’t support the team’s offensive firepower.

This raises an interesting dichotomy between the Rockies’ offensive prowess and their ability to win games. Out of the Rockies’ top six offensive seasons, only the 2007 team managed to make the playoffs. This discrepancy highlights a critical lesson for the Rockies organization and any team playing in the thin air and vast expanse of Coors Field: pitching matters. In fact, if we examine the best pitching seasons using ERA+, the Rockies have played “Rocktober” baseball in five of their top seven seasons, including 2007, 2009, 2010, 2017, 2000, 2018, and 1995. Winning records accompanied all seven of these seasons, reinforcing the notion that success requires solid pitching even in a high-scoring environment like Coors Field.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Rockies’ Offense and Pitching Dilemma

The 2014 Rockies remain an intriguing outlier in the franchise’s offensive history. Despite only winning 66 games, this team boasted an offense that statistically ranks as the best in franchise history. Troy Tulowitzki, Justin Morneau, Corey Dickerson, Nolan Arenado, and Michael Cuddyer led the way, while DJ LeMahieu and Carlos Gonzalez struggled during that remarkable offensive season. The 2014 Rockies serve as a reminder that baseball can be unpredictable and that individual player performances do not always guarantee team success.

Furthermore, the Rockies’ struggle to combine strong offensive performances with solid pitching illustrates the unique challenge faced by teams who call Coors Field home. Despite the high-scoring nature of games played in Denver, the Rockies have found it difficult to consistently win without a reliable pitching staff. This serves as a reminder that factors beyond offense can significantly impact a team’s overall success.

As the 2023 season unfolds, the current Rockies squad faces similar challenges. With a team OPS+ of 88, it seems that the pitching staff needs to step up if the Rockies hope to replicate the success of their best offensive seasons and compete for a playoff berth.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the best Colorado Rockies offense of all time reveals unexpected contenders. However, it also emphasizes the role of pitching in the Rockies’ quest for success. Only by balancing offensive firepower with solid pitching can the Rockies hope to secure postseason victories and leave a lasting legacy in the annals of baseball history.