2009 MLB season in review: Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies had a very interesting season. They started without Matt Holiday, a key component of their 2007 World Series run, and not knowing who was going to take his place on the team. Through the opening part of the season they were so bad that after an 18-28 start the front office fired manager Clint Hurdle, and replaced him with Jim Tracy. Tracy was able to motivate his team so well that they went on a second half tear and ended up as the winners of the National League Wild card. After losing in the first round of the playoffs, the world of baseball was so impressed with the job that Jim Tracy did that he was named N.L. Manager of the Year.

Their final record was 92-70 and they finished in second place for the N.L. West 3 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. They spent four days in early April in first place and built a .5 game lead before a mid spring slump seem to prematurely end their 2009 campaign. After changing managers they were bale to recover and while they were 12 games under .500 at mid season they improved on that and in October found themselves 24 games over .500. That fact alone underscores why Tracy was named the Manage of the Year.

The Rockies offense was led by 1B Jim Tracy, and they were able to score 804 runs. As a team they batted .261 while getting 1,408 hits, and 180 home runs. This team struck out 1,277 times and drew 660 walks, which was the best among National League teams. Their pitching staff featured two starters with double digit victories. There staff ERA was 4.24 and they struck out 1,154 batters while issuing 528 walks.

In the end 2,665,080 fans came out to Coors Field to see Rockies home games. For their 81 home games they averaged 32,902 fans which was 11th best among the 30 MLB teams. For the 2009 season they were able to sell 65.2% of their ticket inventory.