Postseason Playing Pepper: Colorado Rockies

The Rockies had a rush this season, coming from way back to almost take the NL West title, before settling for the wild card.  David from Rockies Review and Miles from Inside the Humidor let us know what's going on with the rare air team.

C70: What is the Rockies' strength going into October?

ITH: The Rockies strength this year going into October is pitching, with Cook, Jimenez, and De La Rosa. But even stronger than the pitching in my belief is management, Jim Tracy's ability to manage the game and remove guys when things are not going well or substituting the right guys to gain an advantage. His trust in his team shows and he allows them to play the game and they knowledge of his support is evident. So I would say the real strength is Jim Tracy.

RR: The Rockies strength going into October is their depth. They scored the second most runs in the league, yet didn't have a single player with more than 92 RBI's (Troy Tulowitzki). They have four starters in the outfield, meaning one will always be ready on the bench if needed, and Ryan Spilborghs as their fifth outfielder who is pretty formidable. Their defense is also a strength. Clint Barmes and Troy Tulowitzki are possibly the best middle infield combo in the league. They have great range and great arms. With the extra outfielders, plus the addition of Jason Giambi, the Rockies have no shortage of talent.

C70: What worries you about the team?

RR: If there is a spot on the Rockies team that is worrisome it is their strikeouts. This team does way too much striking out. In fact, in 2009 they set a club record for strike outs. With runners on base this team struggles to move the runner over and play small ball. While they lead the league in sacrifice flies, they seem to leave runners on base all the time do to the extreme number of K's.

ITH: Right now the biggest worry is Jason Marquis, but also I worry about consistency at the plate. Can the offense consistently produce runs and not leave 8-10 men on base?

ITH: I dont know if it's much of a surprise as of Sunday, but Marquis being left off the roster would be a bit of a surprise. Personally I would keep him on the roster for long relief purposes.

RR: There may be a surprise to some people that 15-game winner and All Star Jason Marquis may be left off the postseason roster. Marquis has been seeking his 16th win for five consecutive outings. He has struggled mightily in September, with an ERA near six. His struggles have created a certain amount of doubt that he may be left off the roster.

C70: Who is the one key player for the Rockies, the player that, if they don't go well, the Rockies go home early?

RR: The key player for the Rockies is Troy Tulowitzki. Tulo's turnaround has gone hand in hand with the Rockies turnaround. Once he started hitting the team found their stride. He plays with such high energy that he can turn a game around with one swing of the bat, or one good defensive play. He is this team's vocal leader on the field and in the clubhouse. As Tulowitzki goes, so go the Rockies.

ITM: Troy Tulowitzki.

C70: How does this team compare to the Series team of 2007?

ITM: This team realizes how good of a team they are as compared to the 07 team who had an incredible run, but I don't think they knew how good they were, aside from people and the media reminding them of their winning 21 out of 22 and so on. This team knows what they are capable of and that credit goes to Jim Tracy believing in his players.

RR: This team is very similarly to the 2007 team that won the NL Pennant. The core of the team, minus Matt Holliday, still exists. For Matt Holliday the Rockies improved by getting Huston Street and Carlos Gonzalez, who have made major impacts on this Rockies team. Street is twice the closer that Brian Fuentes was, and Gonzalez adds speed at the top of the lineup that has power in his bat. Beyond those two, the Rockies are basically the same team with two years of added experience.

Thanks to Miles and David for their insights!