The 2019 Colorado Rockies were a major disappointment. With the lineup they have, there is no reason why they shouldn’t have contended for the playoffs. Considering the fact they really didn’t make any moves, are at number 23 in my rankings.

For the Rockies to ever be successful, they’ll need to resolve the situation with superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado. They need to decide if they are going to trade him and bring back a great package of prospects or if they are going to ride out the rest of his big contract. Arenado is considered to be the best third baseman in baseball and there is no doubt that the Rockies are better off with him than without him.

They also have another superstar on the left side of the infield in Trevor Story. Story is a once in a generation type of player. He has plus power with above average speed and plays shortstop well. Story and Arenado should continue to thrive as the best left side of the infield in baseball. I also expect first baseman Daniel Murphy to rebound back to form after an injury riddled his 2019 season.

The Rockies’ biggest issue is and always will be pitching. Coors Field is where pitchers go to die and most struggle with allowing the home run in the thin Colorado air. Players like Kyle Freeland and Jon Gray will also look to bounce back and German Marquez should continue to get better.

The farm system is very top heavy, but it’s ranked 23rd in baseball according to Bleacher Report. It’s lead by Brendan Rodgers, who struggled after making his debut last season. The system is desperate for good pitching prospects, which is why a Nolan Arenado trade makes sense considering they have Rodgers who can immediately replace him.

Overall, I don’t expect the Rockies to resolve the Nolan Arenado situation and they’ll continue to be at a stalemate with him for the length of the season. That could be detrimental to the team and cause them to continue on a downward spiral in the standings.

Top Acquisition – Ubaldo Jimenez

Biggest loss – Chad Bettis

MVP – Nolan Arenado

Projected Finish – 5th in NL West

Projected Lineup:

1. Charlie Blackmon, RF
2. Trevor Story, SS
3. David Dahl, CF
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Daniel Murphy, 1B
6. Ryan McMahon, 2B
7. Ian Desmond, LF
8. Tony Wolters, C
9. Pitcher

Projected Rotation:

1. Jon Gray
2. German Marquez
3. Kyle Freeland
4. Antonio Senzatela
5. Jeff Hoffman

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Twitter: @B_Murphy_MU