A fast start for the Colorado Rockies was a must.
In a 60-game MLB season, there is no room for error. The breakdown shows that one loss in this crazy season is equal to almost three in a regular 162-game schedule.
That gets even more magnified when you’re in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the up-and-coming San Diego Padres.
Add in the teams expected to contend for the additional two wild card spots, and you get a clearer sense of why the urgency was palpable for the Rockies.
For the 2020 season only, both leagues will have eight teams — 16 total — for the postseason. That’s a jump from the usual 10.
Here’s how the MLB playoffs will look:
- Division winners
- Division second-place finishers
- Two wild card teams
Rockies off to historic start
After eight games, Colorado got the start it needed.
As Thomas Harding pointed out on Twitter, at 6-2, the Rockies tied their second-best start to a season in franchise history.
At 6-2, the #Rockies have tied the second-best season start in their history. Tonight starts a four-game series against the #SFGiants. For now, I'll re-post the thread of stories and highlights from yesterday's series-deciding win over the #Padres.https://t.co/4C91yJkeNS
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) August 3, 2020
It gets even better.
Entering the four-game homestand against the San Francisco Giants, Colorado has the second-best record in the National League. The Chicago Cubs have the best record at 7-2.
What’s the main reason for the Rockies’ fast start?
Pitching.
“They’re setting a great tone,” Rockies manager Bud Black said of his starters. “They’re doing a fabulous job of first-pitch strikes, pitching ahead, working aggressively, pitch efficiency — all the things you look for. You want to ride it out.”
Rockies’ odds improve
‘The goal now is to sustain this and make it last.
For now, the oddsmakers have taken notice.
| Colorado Rockies odds | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| NL West winner | Dodgers -500 Padres +550 Rockies +1,000 DBacks +1,400 Giants +8,000 | Dodgers -420 Padres +600 Rockies +900 DBacks +1,500 Giants +6,000 |
| NL winner — Top five followed by Rockies | Dodgers +180 Braves +600 Nationals +900 Cubs +1,000 Mets +1,000 Reds +1,200 Cardinals +1,200 Rockies +4,000 | Dodgers +180 Braves +650 Cubs +1,000 Nationals +1,00 Reds +1,200 Mets +1,200 Cardinals +1,300 Rockies +3,800 |
| World Series winner — Top five followed by Rockies | Dodgers +390 Yankees +390 Astros +1,100 Braves +1,300 Twins +1,500 Rays +1,700 Rockies +7,000 | Dodgers +400 Yankees +400 Astros +1,100 Braves +1,300 Twins +1,400 Rays +1,500 Rockies +6,500 |
Both DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook have adjusted the NL West odds from opening day.
Colorado opened at +3,000 futures odds for both sportsbooks to win the NL West.
The Rockies are now at +900 on FanDuel and +1,000 on DraftKings.
If this historic start continues, those sports betting odds will only get better.
When it comes to MLB betting in Colorado, fans may want to jump on these odds to increase the potential cash out.
On both DraftKings and FanDuel, the Rockies’ odds also improved to win the National League pennant.
When the season started, Colorado was at +6,000 and +6,500, respectively. The Rockies are now at +3,800 on FanDuel and +4,000 on DraftKings.
However, the sportsbooks are still unconvinced that the Rockies will win the World Series. Though the odds jumped there as well: Colorado opened at +12,500 on DraftKings and +14,000 on FanDuel. The Rockies now sit at +7,000 and +6,500 to win the World Series, respectively.
On a side note, Colorado is favored on both Colorado sports wagering apps in the series opener versus the Giants.
Lack of power
What’s incredible about the start for Colorado is the lack of power from third baseman Nolan Arenado.
One of the best players in baseball is still searching for his first home run of the season. It’s not a matter of “if” but when Arenado gets in the power groove. When he does, and if the Rockies continue to get great pitching, it increases their chances for success.
That also highlights why it was so crucial for Colorado to get off to a quick start.
Had the Rockies stumbled out of the gate, all the focus would be on Arenado.
Colorado can gain confidence from the 6-2 start and strong pitching knowing their leader has yet to find his power in the batter’s box.
The Rockies’ faithful were hopeful this unique season could turn special. The quick start makes the hope shift to “this could actually happen.”
