The Colorado Rockies pitching staff is surprising fans with simply average outings, rather than their usual train-wreck performances, this season.
The Rockies are sitting with a team ERA of 4.95, which is not bad considering Coors Field is more of a launch pad then a ball park.
Jon Gray has pitched well as of late, beating the reigning National League champion New York Mets on Friday. Gray is a hard-throwing righty, who has seen his fastball reach speeds of up to 100 mph. It seems like Gray has found his stride this season and could become the Rockies new ace.
But Rockies fans know from past experiences that it is too early in the year to make any bold statements.
Former Rockies ace Jorge De La Rosa has been tumbling downhill all season, compiling a 10.18 ERA before finding himself on the DL and now struggling in rehab assignments.
Jason Hirsh former Rockies pitcher joined Michael Klahr and Mark Knudson to talk Rockies pitching.
“He doesn’t have to be the overpowering dominant pitcher, the guy to carry the load like he has been in the past.” Hirsh said about De La Rosa.
De La Rosa may need to change his mindset and become more of a finesse pitcher rather than trying to beat hitters with his fastball.
De La Rosa’s fastball is walking into the strike zone at 89 mph, which is batting practice speed for MLB hitters.
Hopefully De La Rosa can get past his own ego and become a pitcher that can help the Rockies rather than hurt them.
Listen to the podcast below to hear more about Jon Gray and Jorge De La Rosa on the Sports Stampede …
Catch Michael Klahr and Mark Knudson on the Sports Stampede every Saturday from 8a-10a on Mile High Sports AM 1340 or FM 104.7, or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.