Colorado Rockies Information
The Rockies started the season on the right foot, sweeping the Mets and Yankees in the same season. After rumours that Todd Helton, the face of the Rockies Franchise was going to Boston, Helton stayed – but the Rockies still lost their top pitcher Jason Jennings. It is argued that Denver’s altitude makes it difficult for visiting teams, however, Coors Field is considered one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the majors. And in spite of their short history, the Rockies have had three batting champions and three home run champions – proving that “mile high” style of baseball reveals some pretty impressive offensive numbers.
The Colorado Rockies are in their 11th season in the National League West, and they’re still looking to improve as a team. They’ve only made one playoff appearance, in 1995 against the Atlanta Braves, and they’ve never won more than 83 games in a season, but the Rockies organization still expects to be a big part of the picture in the NL West when all is said and done. Clint Hurdle enters his third season as manager of the Rockies, and he’s convinced, as is management, that this team has the necessary pieces to make a serious run at a playoff appearance. The Colorado Rockies might not be known best for their on-field performance but rather for the field itself. The Rockies play their games at Coors Field in Denver, where the field is a full mile above sea level. The capacity was expected to be around 44,000, but after record setting attendance numbers at Mile High Stadium, the organization paid to increase capacity above 50,000. Even with the lines near 350 and center field almost 425 feet away, Coors quickly became a hitter’s paradise due to the thin air in Colorado. The field is also equipped with 45 miles of wiring that insulate the field with an underground heating system used to quickly melt any snow that might find its way onto the playing field.
The pitching staff for the Rockies isn’t expected to post numbers like those of Schilling, Pedro, Unit, or anyone in that group. Jason Jennings posted respectable numbers last season with 12 wins, but only two other pitchers posted double digit wins last season, and neither pitcher will be in the starting rotation in 2004. Darren Oliver has moved on to join the Florida Marlins, and Shawn Chacon has moved into the closer role for the Rockies. Joe Kennedy and Shawn Estes will try to step up and pitch as well as they can in the mile high air. Chacon has been a starter throughout his career, but he’s ready and willing to step in as the new closer, replacing Jose Jimenez, who is now in Cleveland.
The Rockies offense will once again be led by all-star first baseman Todd Helton. Helton’s name comes up almost every year when the “triple crown” talks start up, and even though his numbers were well above average last year, they were below Helton’s own personal standards, so he’ll look to improve on them in 2004. Vinny Castilla will make his second stop in Colorado after a successful stint with the Braves. Larry Walker is still trying to get over his injured groin so that he can make an impact on this team like he used to in the mid to late 1990s. Preston Wilson will also be looking to prove that his breakout year in 2003 wasn’t a fluke by putting up similar numbers in 2004.