Series Preview: Houston Astros vs. Colorado Rockies, June 15-16, 2015

Series Preview: Houston Astros vs. Colorado Rockies, June 15-16, 2015

It's been eight years since the Rockies turned the playoffs in to "Rocktober", now they find themselves at a crossroads. Do they burn the ship down like the Astros did in the early 2000's or reload around some still above-average talent pieces. The Rockies are in a better situation before they went to the scorched earth policy, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are valuable commodities that can be flipped for a big return.

Colorado is already 8 1/2 games out of first place in the NL West and sit six games under .500. The team hasn't had a winning record since 2010. Sounds familiar doesn't it? The question is which way will the Rockies go?

The Astros, on the other hand, have had their breakout season. Houston still sits on top of the AL West, leading the Rangers by 2 1/2 games. The team got back on track, picking up series victory over the Mariners after dropping seven straight.

Rockies Offseason Additions

The Rockies seem happy to let Michael Cuddyer walk for the first round draft pick from the Mets. The Rockies stayed pat for the most part - minus adding Kyle Kendrick, Daniel Descalso, and Nick Hundley.

Pitching

Game 1 - LHP Dallas Keuchel (7-2, 1.90 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) vs. RHP Chad Bettis (2-1, 3.05 ERA, 1.17 WHIP)
Game 2 - RHP Vincent Velasquez (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) vs. LHP Chris Rusin (2-1, 3.38 ERA, 1.46 WHIP)

Dallas Keuchel takes the mound in Houston in game one. He faces the Rockies for the first time his career after picking up his second loss of the season. Kuechel allowed only two runs over seven innings in that start. At Minute Maid Park this season, Keuchel is 5-0 with 1.29 ERA in seven starts.

Texas Tech Red Raider Chad Bettis starts for the Rockies in game one. Bettis is making his seventh start for the Rockies this season, 15-overall in a three major league seasons. He has posted five quality starts in six opportunities this season.

Vincent Velasquez makes his second major league start for the Astros in Tuesday's day game. Velasquez was sharp in his first outing, pitching five scoreless innings against the White Sox.

Chris Rusin was sharp in his first three starts of the season, allowing just three earned runs over his first 18 2/3 innings. But the wheels came off in his most recent start, allowing six runs on 11 hits against the Marlins.

Hitting

George Springer continues to hit the cover off the ball, batting .440 in his last 25 at-bats with four doubles and two RBIs. Colby Rasmus has come alive, batting .333 in his last 12 at-bats with two doubles and three RBIs. Carlos Correa is batting .240 in his first 15 major league at-bats but he has 2 home runs and five RBIs thus far.

Nolan Arenado has three home runs in his last 27 at-bats with six RBIs. DJ LeMahieu is batting .375 in his last 15 games with a home run and seven RBIs. Troy Tulowitzki is batting .386 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in his last 15 games.

Prediction

Astros pitching prevails, the team takes both games before they head to the mile high city.