Take a look at the picture above. NL Champs: Relive it. Savor it, because it isn't happening again anytime soon. The once improbable feeling of watching the Rockies play into October has been replaced by another improbable feeling; that we will see the team reach the postseason this season.
They put on a front, a lie; made us believe we were building for another run at the "improbable" championship. Instead, we are left scratching our heads and instead of hoping for playoff baseball, we are forced to wonder if Matt Holliday will still be in purple pinstripes in a couple of weeks.
Despite being chosen by many to pick up right where they left off (I did not), the Rockies have settled back into the mess we are all accustomed to as Rockies fans. With rumors swirling about Matt Holliday's likely suitors, it's time to analyze an abysmal first half for the team who Rocksobered up to being the the franchise we all knew didn't really turn around in the ladder third of last season.
First Half Grades:
Pitching D
THE GOOD
Aaron Cook A At 11-6 (T-3rd in League Wins), Cook has blossomed into the long-awaited ace on the Rockies pitching staff. His 3.57 ERA is commendable considering the team ERA of 4.93. Cook has without-a-doubt been the best Rox pitcher in the first half.
Taylor Buchholz B+ (3-3)- The starter-turned-reliever has been a pleasant surprise; a solid 1.83 ERA in 40 appearances has kept the team in many games with his middle relief.
Honorable mention: Jason Grilli B, Matt Herges B-
THE BAD
Brian Fuentes C (1-4, 3.41)- Closer, set-up, closer...which one is it? I vote neither. Fuentes has shown he is unreliable as a closer and he needs a change of scenery. He seemingly finds ways to lose games for the Rockies.
Honorable mention: Ubaldo Jimenez C-(4-9, 4.22)
THE UGLY
Jorge De La Rosa D+(3-5)- since being brought in via trade from the Royals, De La Rosa has enjoyed a roller coaster type season. His solid outings on June 14th and 19th have been overshadowed by his 7.26 ERA, courtesy of games like July 10th, allowing 7 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings.
Manny Corpas D- (1-3, 5.24) - 14 appearances as closer, 6 blown saves. It's ugly.
Honorable mention: Mark Redman F (2-5, 7.54), Greg Reynolds F (2-6, 6.71), Cedrick Bowers F (13.50)
Hitting - C
THE GOOD
Matt Holliday A (.337, 14 HR, 51 RBI) - Easily the team MVP for the first half. Holliday has single-handedly kept the team in close games and has also sparked the team to victory personally on more than one occasion. Losing Matt via a trade would be devastating to not only the team but the fan base in Denver
Ryan Spilborghs A (.314, 6 HR, 33 RBI) - Spilly has worked himself into being a fixture in center field and occasionally right. If the Rockies trade Matt Holliday, they have player capable of playing every day coming through in the clutch.
Honorable mention: Garrett Atkins A- (.304, 14 HR, 54 RBI), Clint Barmes B+ (.295, 5 HR, 23 RBI), Chris Ianetta A-
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