Colorado Rockies Pitcher Jorge De La Rosa Poised To Be Even Better In 14′
By Andrew Dill
Jul 19, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa (29) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
De La Rosa Has High Hopes For The Rockies in 14′
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa bounced back last season after a rough 2011 and 2012 campaign. Jorge would leave the game where the Colorado Rockies were at home taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks with what was a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow. Two years later, he dazzled in a Rockies uniform while being a key-piece in the starting rotation.
De La Rosa would go 10-1 with 2.76 ERA at Coors Field in 2013, which was the lowest mark by a Rockies starting pitcher. The lefty would go 16-6 last season with a 3.49 ERA, striking out 112 batters in 167.2 innings pitched. Here is more from Jorge from Troy Renck of The Denver Post about his confidence level.
"“I have a lot more confidence right now than this time a year ago. I don’t feel pain anywhere. It’s huge. I am stronger"
De La Rosa also noted he wants to be even better than his magnificent 2013 season. When he, Jhoulys Chacin, and Tyler Chatwood took the hill, the team would go 38-21 with a 3.40 ERA. He believes the Colorado Rockies could make the push to the postseason, even with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division.
"“I plan on being even better and getting us to the playoffs. We have more talent than we did in 2009. I believe in this team.”"
There is no question he should believe in this team. When you have players like Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer, Justin Moreneau, Nolan Arenado, and Wilin Rosario in the line-up, you have to like your chances. The team just added starting pitcher Brett Anderson from the Oakland Athletics in the offseason who should be a solid 3-4 pitcher for this club. The main thing with this club is they NEED to stay healthy.
De Le Rosa is on the final year of his 4-year, $42.5 million dollar contract with the Rockies this season. He is slated to make $11-million this season which is the second-highest on the club behind shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Here is his take on the contract and his goals.
"“I will stay focused, I promise you that. I won’t think about it. If they want to talk about contract, OK. If not, that’s OK too,” De La Rosa said. “I will do my job and win the most games I can. You know how much I love this team. They have been good to me, and my goal is help them win again.”"
Pitchers and Catchers will report on February 15th for the Rockies and their first full workout as a team will be on February 22nd.