Opening Day 2014: Looking At The National League West
By Phil Watson
The Rockies are leaning on 41-year-old LaTroy Hawkins to close out games in 2014. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
5. Colorado Rockies
Last year: 74-88, fifth place
Projected finish: Fifth place
What’s New: LHP Brett Anderson (Oakland), OF Brandon Barnes (Houston), RHP LaTroy Hawkins (N.Y. Mets), LHP Boone Logan (N.Y. Yankees), RHP Jordan Lyles (Houston), LHP Franklin Morales (Boston), 1B Justin Morneau (Pittsburgh), OF Drew Stubbs (Cleveland).
Who’s Gone: OF Dexter Fowler (Houston), 1B Todd Helton (retired), IF Jonathan Herrera (Boston), LHP Josh Outman (Cleveland), C Yorvit Torrealba (L.A. Angels).
Who’s Down: LHP Boone Logan (15-day DL, recovering from elbow surgery), RHP Jhoulys Chacin (15-day DL, right shoulder strain).
Outlook: The Rockies were hurt last season by injuries to their two best players, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, and they added Justin Morneau to replace Todd Helton, who retired after spending his entire 17-year career with the Rockies. The bullpen, however, could be a potential problem—41-year-old LaTroy Hawkins starts the season as the closer and it doesn’t get a lot better from there.