Rise of the Rockies

The Colorado Rockies, who have 6 had consecutive losing seasons dating back to 2010, had a chance to end this streak this season. Coming out of the All-Star break, they were the hottest team in the league. On August 3rd, they were one game over .500 after winning 13 games in an 18 game span. However, Colorado immediately cooled off and stayed cold. They finished the month of August losing 16 games, falling 5 games under .500 record. Unfortunately, their streak of consecutive losing seasons was extended. Despite their losing season, the future is bright for the Colorado Rockies, as their young talent emerged and make quite an impact this season. 

The Success of the Rockies this Season

The Colorado Rockies have been in a rebuilding stage for the past several seasons. They have acquired numerous young talent through trades and picks in the draft. Many of these prospects have made their MLB debut this season. Just about each "Roockie" has made a significant impact on the team this year.

Trevor Story

The Incredible Trev Story came out onto the scene as the hottest player in the start of the 2016 season. He started his career hitting 7 home runs in 7 games. Story was drafted out of high school in the first round (45th overall pick) by the Rockies in 2011. Originally, he committed to LSU to play baseball. Trevor made his presence known in Spring Training and won the starting shortstop spot. Jose Reyes was thought to be the starting shortstop entering the 2016 season until he was suspended. The star in the making continued to rake throughout the season until he was sidelined by a season-ending thumb injury, requiring surgery. He led all qualified rookies in home runs (27), tied for the most RBI's (72), and was fourth in slugging percentage, (.567). Trevor Story has strong potential to be the next Troy Tulowitzki for Colorado.

Jon Gray

It is a challenge for any starter to have success pitching for a team with a hitter friendly ballpark, such as Coors Field. However, this 6'4" righty has had a solid impact to the Rockies pitching staff this season. In home games, Gray won 7 and only lost 2. Out of his 29 starts, 16 were quality starts. 11 times he pitched until the 7th inning or later. Gray showed pure dominance on the mound in the month of June, posting a 1.89 ERA, striking out 31, holding hitters to a .217 batting average in 5 starts. With his flow, height, and his heat (average pitch speed at 95 mph), he reminds me somewhat of Noah Syndergaard, just with hair on his chin and less experienced. In a non-related baseball stat, Jon Gray leads the league ghost hunting attempts at 3.

On September 17th, Jon Gray put on one of the best pitching performances of the 2016 season. He pitched a complete game shut out, striking out 16 San Diego Padres. Gray set a new Rockies franchise record for strikeouts in a game. Additionally, he set a new franchise record for striking out 6 consecutive batters. This performance helped him vitally in becoming the strike-out king of all rookies in the 2016 season, with 185.

David Dahl

David Dahl is another "Rookies" who had a positive impact for this young Rockies squad. He showed off his skills in the Future's Game during the "Dahlstar Break." Dahl hit a dinger into the left field seats and earned an outfield assist by throwing out a runner advancing home. This kid has all the tools to be a successful player in the majors, and proved that in the 63 games he appeared in. The former 10th overall draft pick in 2012 hit safely in 37 of his first 47 games played. Dahl started his career off with a 17 game hitting streak, tying the MLB record for the longest hitting streak to start off a career. He ended his first season hitting .315, with 24 RBIs, and an OBP of .359.

Tyler Anderson

Tyler Anderson is the oldest of the freshman class for the 2016 Colorado Rockies. The former 1st round draft pick by the Rockies in 2011 had a couple of setbacks in his path to the League. In 2013 and 2015, he suffered stress fractures in his elbow, sidelining him for most of the 2013 season and all of 2015. After overcoming the recurring injury, Anderson earned a spot in the Rockies starting rotation and made his debut in June. The southpaw led all Rockies pitchers in WAR (wins above replacement) with a 3.2. Despite Coors being a hitter-friendly ballpark, pitching at home was no problem for Anderson. At Coors this season, he posted a 5-2 record, with a 3.00 ERA in 12 starts at Coors. Plus, he was a part of the exclusive #PitchersWhoRake club of 2016, with one home run.

Tony Wolters

Tony Wolters had a unique path to the majors. I saw him play with the Carolina Mudcats a couple of years ago, (2012, 2013), who at the time, was a High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians organization. Although he was a highly rated prospect in their system, he spent two full seasons with the Mudcats. I figured he would have moved up to Double-A after one season in High-A ball. Because of this, I assumed he was going to be one of those guys who was a top prospect in High-A and stayed there the majority of his career, such as Beau Mills or Michael Burgess, (who?).

Around May of this year, I turned on a Rockies game and saw Wolters was starting catcher. He was claimed off waivers by the Rockies from Cleveland and had a great Spring Training, earning a spot on the roster. Only playing half a season of Double-A and 2 games in Triple-A, the "Roockie" filled in the role of catcher as well as a backup middle infielder smoothly. Wolters made a strong case to be the starting catcher next season if resigned.

Honorable Mentions

Other notable Roockies include Stephen Cardullo, Raimel Tapia, Carlos Estevez, and Jeff Hoffman. These guys also made positive contributions to the team. However, most of these guys, other than Estevez, were late August/September call-ups.

The Vets

The rookies Colorado had this season were a major contribution to the team, however, the veterans provided in a positive impact:

• Nolan Arenado led the league in RBIs and won his third consecutive Gold Glove at 3B
• Carlos Gonzalez (CarGo) was hot all season. He flirted with a .300 average, hit 25 bombs with 100 RBIs in 2016.
• DJ LeMahieu, who is arguably the most underrated player in the league, won this year's batting title for the league's best batting average at .348. LeMahieu was also 3rd in OBP in the league.
• Charlie Blackmon took control of the team's lead-off hitter and excelled greatly. He hit for a.321 average with 27 bombs and 74 RBIs.
• Chad Bettis led all Rockies starters with 14 wins.

Both Blackmon and LeMahieu ranked in the top 15 best On Base Percentages in the National League. Also in the NL, Nolan and DJ placed in the top 10 in overall WAR. Nolan had one of the best defensive WAR's in the majors at 2.19 in 2016.

The 2016 Colorado Rockies gave an insight of what looks to be a promising solid team for seasons to come. Because of their loaded offense, they may look to trade this off-season for some veteran pitchers that will help the young arms in the rotation and bullpen develop. This year was exciting with all the young talent performing above their expectations, and they are only getting better. Don't let them sneak up on you next season!

2016 MLB Predictions

AL East

1st- Baltimore Orioles 94-68
2nd- Tampa Bay Rays 89-73
3rd- Toronto Blue Jays 87-75
4th- Boston Red Sox 86-76
5th- New York Yankees 82-80

This division will certainly be one of the toughest if not THE toughest. I feel Baltimore will click this year in every aspect. Offensively, they should have no problems scoring runs. Defensively, one of the best in the league. Pitching is the biggest question. Last season their staff had a down year. I see them turning it around this year and Kevin Gausman will be a large factor. 

A little biased, but I truly believe the O's can get it done. I usually never pick them first, but I am confident in the birds this year. I see Tampa being a sleeper team this season. If Tampa won the division this year, they would be the 5th team different to win the division in 5 straight seasons. I don't see Toronto's starting pitching to do as well as they did in the second half of last season. I feel Boston's rotation is a step up from last year, but I don't see their offensive being intimidating as previous years. Boston is the popular pick to win the division this season. The Yankees did not do much in the off-season, except add a closer, when they already had one. The Yanks will need players to step up offensively like they did last season. 

Potential Breakout Players
Orioles- Kevin Gausman, Jonathan Schoop, and Joey Rickard
Yankees- Luis Severino and Aaron Judge
Blue Jays- Marcus Stroman
Red Sox- Travis Shaw
Rays- Matt Moore and Steven Souza

AL Central

1st- Kansas City Royals 95-67
2nd- Minnesota Twins 85-77
3rd- Chicago White Sox 81-81
4th- Detroit Tigers 76-86
5th- Cleveland Indians 72-90

This division will probably be better than people will think. It is usually not too competitive as other divisions, but Minnesota is a young team on the rise, Kansas City will still be dominant, Cleveland's pitching rotation is very under-looked, and the White Sox and Tigers have the pieces to make a potential run to win their division crown as well. This is probably the Royals division, but don't count any team out.

Potential Breakout Players
Royals- Reymond Fuentes and Ian Kennedy
Twins- Jose Berrios
Indians- Tyler Naquin and Carlos Carrasco 
White Sox- Carlos Rodon
Tigers- Daniel Norris

AL West

1st- Houston Astros 90-72
2nd- Los Angeles Angels 85-77
3rd- Texas Rangers 80-82
4th- Seattle Mariners 74-88
5th- Oakland A's 68-94

Houston has a young core of players that connected last year, and I feel they will connect again this season and win the West. The Angels had a down year last year, and I look for them to bounce back. People always think Seattle will contend each year, but I just do not see it. In the past seasons, they have had great offensive bats, but have just been too inconsistent. The Rangers had probably the best 2nd half finish, besides the Blue Jays and Mets, of any other team in the league, and won their division. They should be strong again this season, but I feel Houston and Los Angeles will out play them this year. And as for Oakland, I see small potential for a magical run, but I do not think it will happen. 

Potential Breakout Players
Astros- Tyler White and Ken Giles
Angels- Andrew Heaney
Rangers- Delino Deshields Jr
Mariners- Taijuan Walker
Athletics- Billy Burns and Kendall Graveman

NL East

1st- New York Mets 92-70
2nd- Washington Nationals 90-72
3rd- Miami Marlins 77-85
4th- Atlanta Braves 71-91
5th- Philadelphia Phillies 69-93

The Mets probably have one of the best, if not the best, rotation in baseball. Their offense is lead by Yoenis Cespedes, who is one of the most streakiest players in the game, and what I mean by that is when he gets hot, he stays hot, for a while. Plus, BARTOLO COLON! The Nats will most likely be the only team to contend with the Mets. Don't be surprised if the Nats make a serious run towards the Mets sometime during the year. Even though they don't have Bartolo Colon, they are a scary team. The Marlins will be improved from last year, and could contend as long as Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez, their top two franchise pieces, stay healthy throughout the course of the season. Miami's rotation will be better than people expect too. This team has a chance to surprise people if they play their pieces correctly.

Philadelphia and Atlanta are young and rebuilding. I'd give them another year until they return for contention. Atlanta has the best farm system of talent in the minor leagues. Some players will be MLB ready by this year. Who knows, maybe their young talent will go on a run and win a couple of games. Philadelphia doesn't have the luxury of a strong minor league system, but do have some young stars that could make an impact this year and for the following years, such as Aaron Nola, J.P. Crawford, and Mark Appel.

Potential Breakout Players
Mets- Steven Matz and Zach Wheeler
Nats- Trea Turner and Joe Ross
Marlins- Tom Koehler
Braves- Freddie Freeman and Matt Wisler (PLZ open the Freeman link)
Phillies- Jeremy Hellickson and Aaron Nola

NL Central

1st- Pittsburgh Pirates 95-67
2nd- Chicago Cubs 93-69
3rd- St. Louis Cardinals 90-72
4th- Cincinnati Reds 77-85
5th- Milwaukee Brewers 67-95

The Pirates have fallen short of the division crown for the last 3 seasons. I think this will fuel them to finish first place, and they will put all of the piece together to do so. Their bullpen looks stellar, and should be at the top of the league once again. The NL Central is the toughest division on paper in the National League. Last season, the Cardinals, Cubs, and Pirates were in the top 5 in best records in the MLB, and they were all in the same division! How crazy is that? A lot of fans of the game are saying this is the Cubs year, but I feel like their year will come next year for some reason. They certainly have the tools to win it all, but I'd give it another year. St. Louis is always in contention and they look to have a strong team this year as well. A healthy Adam Wainwright and the addition of Mike Leake makes their rotation even more scary than it already is. 

Cincinnati and Milwaukee are in the middle of "keeping some veteran players and rebuilding at the same time" stage. Both teams rotation's cannot contest with the other 3 teams rotations. The Reds have a sleeper offensive with Devin Mesaraco and Zach Cozart coming back from injuries, missing the majority of last season.

Potential Breakout Players
Pirates- Cory Luebke and Juan Nicasio
Cubs- Kyle Hendricks
Cardinals- Tommy Pham
Reds- Adam Duvall, Zach Cozart, and Devin Mesaraco
Brewers- Taylor Jungmann

NL West

1st- San Francisco Giants 96-66
2nd- Los Angeles Dodgers 89-73
3rd- Arizona Diamondbacks 83-79
4th- Colorado Rockies 75-87
5th- San Diego Padres 69-93

This is the Giants season, right? They've won the World Series every even numbered year since I was in 8th grade (2010). They have all the pieces, if the pitching staff stays consistent and healthy, to at least win the division, and perhaps be the best team in baseball. Plus, Hunter Pence is an American hero^. The Dodgers will contest closely with the Giants. The two longtime rivals match-up pretty well, almost equally, on paper. The Diamondbacks made some bold moves in this off-season, upgrading their rotation and bullpen. Their offensive is lead by MVP hopeful Paul Goldschmidt, followed by other key components to their roster. They could certainly make enough noise this year to win the NL West.

The Rockies, I feel, as well does my good friend Paul Schnorenberg does, could also be a potential sleeper team. Their offensive is electrifying, especially with the "Story" of their new rookie short-stop, who, in his first couple of games, looks like he will replace Tulo just fine. Last but not least, the Padres. Their big off-season last season blew up in their faces, and they look to turn it around this season. Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, and James Shields should all have better seasons than last. The Padres have some nice pieces, but I still do not see them competing with the big dogs of the division, unless those three players mentioned above have career years along with some other key players on the team. Maybe their new color scheme will give them an extra boost.

Potential Breakout Players
Giants- Kelby Tomlinson
Dodgers- Corey Seager and Kenta Maeda
Diamondbacks- Shelby Miller and Jean Segura
Rockies- Trevor Story and Jon Gray
Padres- Wil Myers and Andrew Ca$hner


Playoffs
AL                                    NL
                              Quarterfinals                                        

1) Royals vs 4) Rays/Blue Jays           1) Giants vs 4) Cubs/Nationals
2) Orioles vs 3) Astros                       2) Orioles vs 3) Astros

                              Semifinals                          

1) Royals vs 3) Orioles                       4) Nationals vs 2) Pirates

AL Champs: Orioles                          NL Champs: Nationals



World Series: The Beltway Brawl

Nationals defeat Orioles in 7 games
MVP: Bryce Harper
This was tough to pick. At first I had the Astros over the Pirates. Then, after some thinking, I had the Pirates over the Orioles. Finally, I came to the conclusion it would be the Nationals over the Orioles. It was VERY HARD to choose against the Orioles, but I think this is finally the year for the Nats. They have had championship caliber teams for the last several seasons. This will be the season they will make noise in the playoffs, and Harper and company lead the way to a World Series title.

MLBe Excited About This Season

Major League Baseball is back in action today!

The season kicks off with between two divisional foes in the Cardinals and the Pirates at 1:05 pm ET. This game is followed by another inner division match-up between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays. Last but not least, the Mets looks to start the season defeating the team that took them out last season in the fall classic, the defending champion Kansas City Royals.

What Baseball Has to Offer Each Year and This Year

Major League Baseball brings a load of different things each year. First, you have seen what your team has accomplished in the off-season (if anything), and spring training, and have a mindset of what to expect for the season. It always feels good to have high expectations and feelings, but then again, being realistic is always needed to be considered for. Plus you do not want to get your hopes up, and your team has a terrible season and ends up last. 

There are teams that you, your friends, dad, cat, or that dude you always see at work and talk about baseball with, did not see coming and having a break-out year, such as the Mets last year. There will be players people have never heard that literally come out of no where and make the largest impact to a team, when you thought it would be the star player acquired in December. Players who missed most or all of last year, that we have forgotten about will make us remember how good they were before their setback (Matt Moore, Cory Luebke, etc). Rookies will emerge from the minors, average players will become all stars, bench players step up when they are asked too, and those star players will continue to show their consistency like they have been, hopefully.

Fans at MLB games are always the best on the media aspect. From sleeping fans, to kids getting baseballs, surprises from a loved one coming back from their assignment in the military overseas, to spectacular catches made, and other things fans do to make the games fun and entertaining. 

There will be new rivalries created. Fights will break out between individual players and teams. 

Extra inning games that run so deep, position players will pitch.

Crazy, improbable walk-off wins

The no-hitters, perfect games, and cycles

The +15 run games, +15 strikeout games,

Tweets from your favorite player's and teams accounts, getting you hyped before every game, or being hilarious

The beards and flows

BARTOLO COLON

Games from April through October, and same cases, November. Oh what a ride it will be. Excited to see what 2016 has to unfold for us.