One of the first signs of spring is when pitchers and catchers report.
The cold and dreary winter is replaced with visions of a bright and lively spring.
The same is even true for the Colorado Rockies, though the Colorado sports betting market may have to work a little harder to feel that way.
For the first time since 2013, Nolan Arenado is not a member of the Rockies.
You think it’s weird reading that, it’s even weirder when you see one of the best players in MLB have a St. Louis Cardinals hat and jersey in his locker.
The third baseman was traded to the Cardinals earlier this month.
Since the news of the trade spread, the reaction has been and remains a consistent drumbeat of anger and disappointment.
Talks of boycotts still ring through social media, podcasts and stories.
How bad could get it for the Rockies?
Now that Colorado pitchers and catchers report today, one question looms over the franchise, fans and bettors: How bad will it get for the Rockies?
As Kevin Dawn, the Barstool sportsbook director at Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk, said to PlayColorado:
“Depends on what you’re looking for here. They are about 50-1 to win the NL West, 80-1 to win the NL and 100-1 to win the World Series. My opinion is it’s going to be a rough season. The Dodgers are the defending champs, the Padres have been loading up all off season, and, one of, if not their best, player is now in St. Louis.”
In terms of the sports betting odds, sportsbooks are in consensus with Dawn that Colorado is a steep underdog.
Over at BetMGM, for example:
- World Series: +8,000 (21st-best odds)
- National League: +4,000 (11th-best odds)
- NL West: +5,000 (tied with Arizona Diamondbacks for worst odds in the NL West)
As BetMGM said to PlayColorado:
“There are very few believers in the Rockies this year, as less than 1% of tickets are on Colorado to win the World Series.”
What is there to look forward to?
The Rockies were longshots before the Arenado trade, now it’ll take a minor miracle.
That definitely makes it harder to feel positive about Colorado and the direction of the franchise.
As Dawn said:
“The bright side is that Arizona and San Francisco aren’t great either, so there will be opportunities for wins if they play good fundamental baseball. Also, the (Rockies) pitching staff is decent and should keep them in games.”
Could the Rockies hit 100 losses?
Back to the original question: How bad will 2021 get?
Should fans expect 100 losses?
An informal PlayColorado Twitter poll says the majority of fans and MLB bettors think the team will hit that not-so-magic number.
In terms of Rockies history, the worst statistical season was 2012 when they hit 98 losses.
After that season, Colorado has hit at least 90 losses seven other times:
- 96 losses in 2014
- 95 losses in 1993, 2005
- 94 losses in 2004, 2015
- 91 losses in 2019
- 90 losses in 1999
Most of the sportsbooks don’t have the win totals up yet, but look for Colorado to push the 98-loss mark. As bad as the Rockies could be this season, they shouldn’t hit 100 losses.
So at least there’s that.
Bring on spring training?
As Dawn said:
“It’s going to be a long summer. The win totals aren’t out yet, but I would guess that the Rockies will be around 65.5 for their over/under wins total. That being said, I would guess them at 67-95, so ‘no’ on the 100-loss season.”
