The Colorado Rockies, a team that went from the N.L. West cellar to just a half a game out of the wildcard spot, have won nine of their last 10 games. They have gone from hosting an 18-28 record to currently standing strong at 37-33.
Better yet, they have won 17 of 18 games, very much similar to the run to the World Series just two years ago. Colorado is 19-5 under head coach Jim Tracy and is 8-2 in interleague play, the best in the majors by percentage points. They have also won nine games in a row on the road, which is unheard of based on previous history.
Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be. This is what should be expected, even with the off-season departure of Matt Holiday.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is no fluke. No one ever seems to take the Rockies seriously, which in 2007, and now, has provided an advantage, which has led to six-straight series wins. Also, a lot of the great play has been catered to Tracy. Since he has taken over, the team seems to be playing much looser, and are smiling more, which is evidence that they are having fun on the diamond.
How are they doing it? Well, do you remember the start of the season? They team was a victim of one-run losses, posting an 0-9 record in one-run contest before posting its first win decided by one run. The Rockies are still struggling in that area overall with a 6-10 record, but the team in 4-1 in their past five games that had a winner by one run.
What is the difference? Well, to simply put it, everything. The team is getting good pitching, timely hitting and are putting runs on the board. In the month of June, the Rockies have scored five or more runs 14 times and have allowed five or more on three occasions.
And they are making it exciting too. Recently, Aaron Cook took over the No. 1 spot for most wins in a Rockies uniform, with 59 wins, one more than former standout Jason Jennings. The team is even getting walk-off wins, like the one again Pittsburgh just last weekend and the defense is shaping up well thanks to a more consistent everyday lineup.
The defense, arguably, has the best infield in all of baseball. Obviously, that can be disputed, but the fact show
The bullpen is also putting in work, led by Hudson Street, who has saved 16 of 17 this year. In May, Street was six-for-six in save opportunities with a 0.82 ERA. So far this month, Street is 1-0 with eight saves and a 2.79 ERA.
An effort like that is needed for a run like this. Now that Colorado is getting much more publicity through ESPN, and other national and regional channels, they are considered contenders.
Regardless on what people say, the Rockies have always been contenders. The potential was always there and has finally been exploited.
Just like the last run where the Rockies won 20 of 22 games to win the wild card, this run is another one fore the ages.
Keywords: Aaron Cook, Colorado Rockies, ESPN., Hudson Street, Jim Tracy, Matt Holiday, rockies winning streak
