In 2008, the Colorado Rockies scored 747 runs. That was good enough to easily lead the NL West. However that was only the 18th highest total in the majors. In 2007, on their way to the World Series, the Rocks scored 867 runs, fifth best overall. So what happened? While it's easy to point out drop offs by Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins and injuries to Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki, there is much more to the story. I have a theory as to what really happened.
After, it didn't take long for me to notice that the Rockies were having a tough time scoring. At one point I was watching a game on TV when Holliday hit a solo shot in the first inning. It hit me then, that in all the games I'd seen since coming back, that was the first run I'd seen the Rockies score in the first inning. I also thought to myself "I don't think I've seen them even get a man on base in the first." (Matt was in a bit of slump at that point.) A few days later, I was at the ballpark. With Clint Barmes batting, I looked up at the scoreboard to check out his stats and saw something completely shocking, but not really. In over 350 pa, Barmes had drawn just 16 walks. This was the guy hitting 2nd in the order. Leadoff man Willy Taveras, wasn't doing much better. It was obvious at that point, the Rockies offense was struggling because the "table setters" weren't getting on base. Recently, I came across my proof.
Rockies leadoff hitters combined for an avg./obp./slg. of .251/.311/.349. The number two hitters combined to go .260/.311/.376. Those were easily the two biggest holes in the line up. Even the number eight hitters went .272/.345/.439. (The eighth hitters actually had slightly better numbers than the six and seven hitters). In 2007, the top two spots went .279/.335/.351 and .280/.339/.442.
The combo of Barmes, Taveras, and an injured Tulo simply get it done at the top. While Tulo should bounce back I wouldn't expect Barmes are Taveras to. On a side note, after Tulo came back and was hitting well, Clint Hurdle kept Barmes in the two hole until the final few weeks while Tulo was stuck near the bottom.
So what should the Rockies do this off season, besides go after pitching which everybody needs? The answer is obvious, get a high quality lead off man to go in front the bashers. By bashers, I mean Matt Holliday.
