Streak Is Over, Rockies Back In The Hunt?

There were remnants of the 2007 World Series run, the Rockies are back to being discussed on sports radio, Rockies apparel is being displayed prominently at local sporting goods stores, and waitresses are even talking about them again.

As the 11 game win streak comes to an end the Colorado Rockies find themselves in a good position to become a contender with the All-Star break approaching.

Now just two games below .500 the Rockies are another shorter win streak away from the Wild Card Spot and 11.5 games back from the Dodgers in the NL West.

Of course with all of that being said several things need to happen in order for the Rox to be a legitimate contender:

1. Jorge De La Rosa has to quit melting down early in ballgames, or be sent on assignment to Colorado Springs. He is leading the club in strikeouts but his tendency to fall apart quickly will plague the club as they get deeper into the season.

2. Deal Garrett Atkins. He has the potential to become a major distraction and his Mendoza like .208 batting average isn't helping the Rockies cause.

3. Jason Marquis needs to continue to dominate and use his experience to teach others how to grind though the season. Marquis is leading the Rox in wins going 8-4 thus far and has the most experience on the staff.

4. Houston Street needs to stay consistent and keep the Rockies ahead when he has the ball. Street changed up his foot positioning on the mound and that seems to have fixed his early season troubles. Street has a 1.08 ERA for May and June.

I know it is still early and no one wants to put the cart before the horse but the Rockies have the talent to mix things up and compete the rest of the summer.

Since Jim Tracy took over as skipper the Rockies are 13-5, and the team seems to be finding it's identity, and as long as ugly habits don't reappear the Rox should have a chance.