Pitching could be key to Rox success in 2020

DENVER -- A 60-game regular season still offers plenty of time for third baseman Nolan Arenado and shortstop Trevor Story to back the claim that they’re the best left-infield duo in the Majors.

Outfielders Charlie Blackmon and David Dahl can do damage in 60 games, and that could be enough opportunity for second baseman Ryan McMahon to emerge as an offensive star. And after years of doing damage as an opponent at Coors Field, imagine what new right-handed designated hitter/outfielder Matt Kemp can bring.

But you know that already. For the Rockies to make an impact, they'll have to pitch well. Recent seasons have examples of the pitching being good enough to reach the postseason, but last year, poor pitching was a major factor in Colorado's 71-91 finish.

Will 2020 be a sprint to contention, or a careen to oblivion? You know what will determine the answer.

What needs to go right?
The Rockies will need a repeat of solid 2019 showings from Germán Márquez and Jon Gray, but they have a greater need for rebounds from Kyle Freeland, who struggled last year after a strong '18, and Antonio Senzatela, who took a step back last season after a solid two years.

Colorado had five starters with an ERA+ higher than 100 in 2017 (Gray 138, Freeland 123, Márquez 115, Senzatela and Tyler Chatwood each 108), and four in '18 (Freeland 166, Márquez 125, Senzatela 108 and Tyler Anderson 104). The Rox made the postseason each year. Last year, Gray (135) and Marquez (109) were the only ones to do so.

Big question
In the bullpen, will Wade Davis bounce back from a 2019 that was affected by a left oblique muscle strain and the loss of bite to his pitches? And will Scott Oberg stay healthy once he returns from opening the season on the 10-day injured list with a sore back?

The Rockies have several pitchers who are developing into solid relief options (Jairo Díaz, Carlos Estévez, Tyler Kinley and James Pazos among them.) But good work from Davis and Oberg, who was slowed for much of Summer Camp, is a must.

Prospect to watch
Brendan Rodgers, the Rockies' No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will be part of the 30-man roster to begin the season, but he will have to earn his playing time as the left side of the infield is stacked and there are plenty of options at second base.

On the schedule
If the Rockies are hanging in the National League West race, as they expect to do, the Aug. 21-27 road trip -- three games at the Dodgers and four at the D-backs – could make or break the season. It is the last road trip of the busiest part of the schedule -- 33 games in 34 days.

Team MVP will be ...
Arenado is determined to play all 60 games, if healthy. After being unhappy with the team’s direction during the winter, then having the shutdown force him to gain perspective, he enters with a clear mind and is determined to carry the team.

Team Cy Young will be ...
Gray quietly put together a solid 2019 season, finding success (especially at home) with his fastball and slider. This year’s project -- develop a changeup that is a weapon to his arm side -- could complete his development into a frontline pitcher.

Bold prediction
Daniel Murphy will challenge for the NL batting title and could find himself in the NL MVP Award discussion. The swing that he has shown in 2020 is the one the Rockies expected when they signed him to a two-year deal prior to the '19 season.