Rockies' Average Staff Good Enough to Make the Playoffs

As the Colorado Rockies slowly pick up ground on the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in the National League West, questions are becoming more and more frequent in the mainstream media. Is this team for real?   There are few questions about the team’s lineup, especially now that shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is playing at a high level again. Brad Hawpe and Todd Helton are also putting up their best numbers in years, and the young guys are performing well enough to maintain consistent playing time.   That leaves the pitching staff. Ranking 11th in the National League with a staff ERA of 4.45, a slow start and an ineffective bullpen have hurt the staff in 2009.   The bullpen has been a major disappointment in Denver. Nearly every pitcher who has come through the revolving door in right field has failed to perform, leading to a plethora of lost leads and crushing defeats.   Of all Rockies relievers this season, only closer Huston Street and to a lesser ... (link)