MLB: Can the Colorado Rockies Make the Playoffs?

In the first half of the season the Colorado Rockies went from mediocre, to the hottest team in baseball, to a team sliding down faster than a luge. Finally, on a home stand just prior to the All Star break, the Rocks took 5 of 6 and righted the ship with a 44-44 record. Now they have started another road trip, and after they will have to deal with the all star pitching in their division. They have a long road ahead if they want to be seen in October.

There biggest concern coming into the second half is their very high team ERA. There also isn't just one group to attribute this to, ace Jeff Francis has given up six runs in his last 3 starts, and Brian Fuentes, the all star closer, imploded just before the break with the result of four blown saves in a row. Recently the bullpen has come around as Fuentes was injured and Manny Corpas moved to the closer role. Manny has accomplished a few saves and has recently been getting great help from the relievers as well. So now that the bullpen seems to be working, it is up to the starters to get back in top form.

Of course as good as the offense is the pitchers are being saved even after giving up six runs, as Francis learned after getting the win Friday at Milwaukee. With Holliday still on fire, Tulowiski still amazing, and Atkins regaining his rhythm, this offense will make any pitcher cringe, especially after seeing what they did to such ace pitchers as Beckett and Schilling of the Red Sox.

That has become the calling card of the Rocks this year, their domination of the east coast. They took two of three from Boston in convincing fashion, swept the Yankees, beating Roger Clemens among other greats, and later swept the Mets, one of the best teams in the national league. Of course, the games that count are going to be against their own division, as the offense will have to find ways to break Peavy of San Diego and Penny of LA if they are going to have a shot at the division, or even a wildcard. The offense might be up to the challenge, they may even be excited to continue their streak of dethroning aces. That will leave the pitching, and the starters especially, to help the offense out and at least hold on to the leads that the new Blake Street Bombers will surely get.