Don’t Write The Rockies Off…Yet!
So, you saw the numbers - Red Sox leading the series 2:0, Rockies are the first team since 2001 Yankees be held to only 1 run or less in first 2 games of the World Series, Hideki Okajima and his incredible 0 ERA in the post season, or the Rockies (minus Matt Holliday) went 1-22 in Game 2.
Is the series really over? Far from it.
Let’s not forget the Rockies have had 8 days off. Let’s not forget this is the first World Series appearance for the franchise. Let’s not forget the average age of the Rockies team is 27.8 - 11th youngest team in the league - while the Red Sox are the 2nd oldest team.
Game 1 was a disaster. Game 2 was much better, but the hitters were still too tensed. Holliday getting picked off on the 1st? That was a careless mistake that his nerves got the best of him. Their DH Ryan Spilborghs strokeout 3 times - all looking - was a clear sign that they were overmatched by the experience Red Sox team, and overwhelmed by the October atmosphere, especially in Fenway. But Game 3 is going to be at home, the Rockies will be able to play some Home ball where they won 51 games and batted .298 instead of the .261 on the road. These guys played hard and did the little things all season, it is really hard to imagine they would just roll over and make it a clean sweep for the Red Sox.
Now, am I saying that they have a shot? Not really. They still have to face Beckett and the deadly lineup of Boston, and they still have to find a way to win in Fenway - in October. What I am saying is that the Rockies WILL come back and give the Red Sox a run for their money, and force them to close the deal at home. I see the Rockies win a couple games, forcing a Game 6 back in Boston, and Manny being Manny, not worry about a damn thing and win it big for the Sox.
The Rockies are a young, talented team that lack a Big Time Ace to be on the same level as the elite teams. Maybe Jimenez can be that guy one day, but it is not going to be this year. Obviously there bullpen can use some upgrades as well because after all, this is still baseball, you still need pitching to win. As long as the front office keep the young core players around, they will have a shot at October for the next couple seasons.
- Paul
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