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MLB: Power Ranking All 30 Major League Starting Rotations

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Feb 19, 2014; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) chats with the pitchers including Doug Fister (58) (in blue) in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2014; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) chats with the pitchers including Doug Fister (58) (in blue) in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Kyle Kendrick (38) throws during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Kyle Kendrick (38) throws during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

4th. NL West. Colorado Rockies. 28. player. 108. <p><strong>Projected Starting Rotation:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RHP Kyle Kendrick (10-13, 4.61 ERA, 32 GS for Philadelphia in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jordan Lyles (7-4, 4.33 ERA, 22 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Tyler Matzek (6-11, 4.05 ERA, 20 G, 19 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Eddie Butler (1-1, 6.75 ERA, 3 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Jorge De La Rosa (14-11, 4.10 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>

Like Josh Collmenter in Arizona, Kyle Kendrick isn’t exactly your prototypical Opening Day starter or staff ace. He’s not a flashy flame-thrower and instead relies on changing speeds and inducing ground balls, but has been consistent and dependable – which is exactly what the Rockies need.

The 30-year old signed with Colorado after eight seasons in Philadelphia, where he served the bulk of that time as middle of the rotation starter. But Kendrick will be on the mound on Monday in Milwaukee, and most importantly for a team that sent 15 starters to the mound in 2014, he is expected to start more than 30 times afterward.

After Kendrick, 24-year olds Jordan Lyles and Tyler Matzek will take their turn in the rotation. Lyles has four years of big league experience, but his 4.33 ERA in 2014 was the first time he ever recorded an ERA below 5.00. The lefty Matzek finished last season strong with a 1.69 ERA across four starts in September.

They may be the worst starting five in the game at this point, but the Rockies’ young rotation has a lot of upside, especially if highly touted right-handed prospects Jon Gray and Eddie Butler (either of which could develop into the staff ace) prove ready for the big leagues. Gray is expected to begin the season in Triple-A, but he and his triple digit fastball should be in the rotation in April or May.

Also, Jorge De La Rosa – who would be the Opening Day starter if healthy – will help once he returns from a left groin injury. He is expected to make his first start April 14. Other options for the rotation include Christian Bergman and David Hale.

Next: 27. Philadelphia Phillies

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