Baseball fans in Colorado have been treated to one of the most impressive runs in recent memory. The Rockies have shocked critics with each successive victory, but at some point, you have to wonder if or when this Cinderella story is going to end.
With a 4-0 sweep in the NLCS against the Diamondbacks, the Rockies are this year's National League representative in the Fall Classic for the first time in franchise history. They just completed back-to-back series sweeps in impressive fashion. Touted as one of the NL's best offenses all season, the Rockies have surprised many of baseball's best with the ways they have been winning. Colorado's stellar pitching and top-ranked defense have silenced the big bats the Phillies carried all year long, and the young patient talent of the Diamondbacks.
With the NL Championship in their possession, I cannot help but look ahead to their potential World Series opponent. The ALCS is still up for grabs with the series tied at one game a piece. Cleveland and Boston will slug it out in a few more spectacular games that even the most casual fan can't help but appreciate.
If the Red Sox were to emerge victorious, the Rockies would be traveling to Boston to start the World Series, where they were able to take two of three from the Sox this season. Despite the series loss to Colorado, Boston sported an impressive 12-6 interleague play record this year, second best in the American League behind the Angels (14-4) and Tigers (14-4). Even though they had the Red Sox number during the regular season, Fenway is a whole different monster (no pun intended) during the postseason.
Cleveland also presents a challenge to a young Rockies team that, despite their recent streak, still wants to prove they are a championship caliber ball club. Since 2004, the Indians are 5-1 against Colorado, including five straight. The Indians are also putting up some ridiculous playoff numbers, including five players (Kenny Lofton, Grady Sizemore, Victor Martinez, Ryan Garko, and Jhonny Peralta) with batting averages above .340. Their mix of experience and youthful exuberance could challenge a young Rockies pitching staff in unfamiliar territory.
Whether it's Boston or Cleveland, one thing is for sure, we are in for possibly one of the best Fall Classics the game has ever seen. I hope fans in Colorado are truly appreciating the ride their team has given them to this point. Virtual mistake-free baseball for about a month now has catapulted the Rockies from lovable underdog to potential World Champion. In about two weeks, we will see if that Rocky Mountain high can carry the Rockies all the way home.
Can the Rockies be stopped? Post your take in the comments.
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