The American League dwarfs the National League in top-tier teams. Most people expected any of the four AL playoff teams to be able to blow away the NL representative with offensive firepower once the World Series rolled around. With the focus on the AL, fans have watched the Cleveland Indians vanquish the Evil Empire. In the meantime, they’ve missed an incredible story in the so-called “minor” league.
The Colorado Rockies have made history by winning 21 out of 22 games and are headed to the World Series for the first time in the franchise’s existence. They had to go 13-1 to end the season and then win a 163rd game in a 13 inning thriller against the San Diego Padres just to make the playoffs. Only five other teams have ever gone on such a hot streak. They are also just the fifth team to go to the World Series after finishing last place in their division the previous season.
The most amazing part of the whole ride is how the Rockies have done it. They’ve had great pitching, walk-off hits, great defense and help from other teams during their September and October streak. It seems like every night has showcased a new hero.
But who are they exactly? Colorado’s roster consists of a bunch of chump no-names, right? Todd Helton is the only highly recognizable Rockie and even his production has fallen from when he was one of the top first baseman in the Majors.
The Rockies have a roster that the AL will get to know soon. Leftfielder Matt Holliday and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki are top candidates for the NL Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year awards, respectively. Holliday was in the top five in several offensive categories, including runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs and batting average.
One surprise from the Rockies has been their pitching. During the regular season Jeff Francis was the star of the rotation going 17-9 with an impressive 4.22 ERA, despite having to pitch home games in the thin air at Coors Field. Josh Fogg was the only other pitcher boasting double digits in the win column with 10. Francis and Fogg again are leading the staff with two victories each during the postseason. The playoffs have led to a transformation of the entire pitching staff, though, as the team currently boasts an ERA of 2.08 and WHIP of 1.11.
If any team can offer a contest to either the Indians or Red Sox, it’s the Rockies. The NL is lucky to have Colorado in the World Series because they present its only legitimate hope for victory. Whichever team wins the AL must take these Rockies seriously and hope the tram cools off during their break, because the only thing in baseball that’s harder to end than a hot streak is a cold streak, and Colorado has the hottest streak of all.
