One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 4, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray (55) delivers a pitch in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Rockies: The pitching keeps it close

Being a starting pitcher for the Colorado Rockies just might be one of the most difficult tasks in professional sports. Since their creation in 1993, the thin air of Denver has chewed up and spit out hundreds of young arms for the Rockies. The front office has begun getting a better handle for what it takes to succeed as a pitcher in the Mile High City, and the Rockies are on the verge of having a rotation that can handle the challenges of pitching in Coors Field and on the road.

In his first full season with the Rockies, Jon Gray went 10-10 with a 4.61 ERA. Hardly anything to write home about when considering the eye-popping numbers being put up by pitchers under the age of 25 around the league, but still very encouraging for a rookie in Colorado. Gray actually finished the year with a better ERA at home than on the road. He ran out of gas in August and September, but should handle the workload better in 2017.

In addition to Gray, the Rockies have Tyler Chatwood and Chad Bettis, both of whom turned in promising seasons in 2016, combining for a 26-17 record. For the Rockies and their young starters, it won’t be all about turning in seven innings of two-run ball every time out. There are different measuring sticks for what it means to be an effective pitcher in Colorado. Keep it close nine times out of ten, and the offense will be able to put up enough runs to make the game interesting. It’s no secret that the Rockies are the top sleeper pick for 2017, and that all hinges on getting just enough out of their pitching staff.

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