No. 26 Athletics | No. 24 Padres | Nos. 30-21
No. 25: Colorado Rockies
Last Season: 68-94
Projected record: 73-89 (fifth in NL West)
BBTN video preview: NL West | Betting guide
A five-year stretch of losing is likely to continue for a Rockies franchise that hasn't entered full rebuild mode, but lacks the firepower to contend. The Rockies parted with signature star Troy Tulowitzki last summer but curiously retained the services of brittle outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies don't look markedly different from last year's 94-loss team, with enough offense -- led by special talent Nolan Arenado and useful Charlie Blackmon -- to entertain on a regular basis, but painfully overmatched starting pitching.
The Rockies have begun building for the future. According to Keith Law, they have the No. 7 overall farm system in baseball. ZiPS might be even higher on the Rockies, with six prospects in its top 100, with an average ranking of 37.6. -- ESPN.com
Gone are the days of Todd Helton, Larry Walker and even Tulo, but these Rockies should again lead the National League in runs scored. Of course, much of the offense came in home games, where the team hit a robust .302 with 288 extra-base hits. Third baseman Arenado is a joy to observe, whether at the plate or in the field, and while the organization continues to struggle on the mound, at least a terrible bullpen was upgraded with veteran arms, including likely closer Jake McGee.
The last time the Rockies made the playoffs, in 2009, the pitching staff boasted a reasonable 4.22 ERA. Last season, the team ERA was 5.04. Baseballs fly all over majestic, altitude-aided Coors Field, but the Rockies must develop better pitching, because free agents aren't interested. Young right-handers Jon Gray and Eddie Butler have looked overwhelmed, and time will tell if right-hander Jeff Hoffman can provide innings. The Rockies realize their situation differs from the rest of baseball, but they have won before. If young pitchers emerge, perhaps it will happen again.
No. 24 Padres | No. 26 Athletics | Nos. 30-21
