What has changed since last year that has made the Colorado Rockies play soooo much worse?

Question

What has changed since last year that has made the Colorado Rockies play soooo much worse?

Answer 1

They are not close to as lucky.  Their young pitching has regressed to the point where some of them are back in the minors.  Tulo has regressed and then got injured.

Answer 2

Last year they had the best record in MLB after June 1, I believe.  The end of the season was amazing, but they had turned it on long before that.

The big change is the top of the lineup.  Taveras steals a lot of bases, but bats so poorly and has OBP under 300 BATTING LEADOFF!  That just kills you.  He missed much of last season, which may have been a blessing in disguise.  

Then you have Matsui - he was the unsung hero of the season.  He was injured during the early part of 2007 when they started badly, but the turn-around started when he returned to the lineup.  When Taveras was hurt he batted first, when Willy was in he was a great second spot hitter mixing speed and some power.

The guys at second now, Barmes and Baker, have been improving, but their speed is not like Matsui, so even getting them on base after Willy T strikes out is not like getting Matsui on base.

Trade Willy, play Spilly or Pods in center, and you will see them win 40 of their last 62.  Won't be enough for playoffs, but it would be a good strong way to end the season.

Answer 3

they had luck and momentum on their sad last year. remember, they played pretty badly the first half last year and had  a huge surge in the second half. they have no momentum this year

Answer 4

Confidence levels I suppose

Last year they were not that good until winning 22 out of 23 and barely getting the wildcard on a 1 game playoff

Losing the World Series can bust your confidence a little

Answer 5

Its their confidence they dont belive in themselves anymore they think they suck and they think they're not good