The Colorado Rockies, like every team in the league right now, are getting ready for spring training. Otherwise, the teams have high expectations in the new season. But that’s not the case with the Rockies.
Team owner Dick Monfort spoke at the event on Saturday, outlining his expectations for the team this coming season. He set the bar pretty low for his team heading into the 2023 season.
Our expectations of you were low, but damn https://t.co/tRLUXvNiN4
Being a .500 team is nothing to strive for, especially in a division like the National League West. They will not compete in the division if that is their perspective. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will eclipse them.
MLB Twitter can’t believe Monfort made these comments. Even if you feel that way as an owner, you want to give hope to your fan base. This was something he should have kept to himself.
“Lol aim for the stars?” one fan tweeted.
“I feel bad for Kris Bryant,” said another fan.
The Colorado Rockies haven’t been a .500 team since 2018, when they went 91-72. They ended up losing to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series that year.
Even the struggling teams have little hope for the new season. But those teams don’t share the division with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Maybe being a .500 club is a legitimate goal for the Rockies.
It’s tough being the Colorado Rockies
The Rockies play in one of the toughest divisions in all of baseball. The Dodgers were undefeated in 12 seasons.
They are a small market team. The Rockies can’t afford to give out contracts like the Padres and Dodgers. It would destroy them financially.
Another downside for Colorado is the elevation of their ballpark. Coors Field is known as the most hitter-friendly stadium in the league. Baseballs travel further and breaking balls are less effective. Pitchers are hesitant to sign with the Rockies because their numbers will be inflated.
Altitude also has an effect on players. It’s hard to adjust to the altitude if you’ve never been to Colorado. Your body reacts differently. It’s like you’ve never exercised in your life. Just walking down the street will leave you breathless.
The Colorado rock is limited by its division, market and location. Although they haven’t been competitive in a while, they are doing the best they can with what they have.