The Rockies might be very bad again

• "They have hit rock bottom, so hopefully they start the rebound," DNVR sports reporter Henry Chisholm tells us.

Threat level: The Rockies ranked dead last in ESPN's most recent power rankings, dinged for a bad batting average but lauded for exceptional play from its pitchers.

Why it matters: The Rockies, who make their Coors Field debut Friday against the Athletics, are just plain bad — but their roster features players who could prove foundational for future success.

State of play: The team boasts two Gold Glove-winning players, center fielder Brenton Doyle and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, who seems poised for a breakout season, maybe even an All-Star selection.

• Another name to watch: First baseman Michael Toglia, who will look to build on what Chisholm called a "phenomenal" 2024 season that saw him smash 25 home runs.

Between the lines: Two veteran Rockies pitchers, German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela, will provide stability in the bullpen after injuries forced them to miss much of the past two years.

• Seth Halvorsen — a "monster" who can throw 100-plus miles per hour pitches, per Chisholm — will likely serve as Colorado's closer.

What they're saying: The Rockies "could make considerable progress this year — but not enough to be playing meaningful games in September," Athlon Sports concluded in its 2025 season preview.

The intrigue: Two minor-league prospects could become regular starters, Chisholm says.

• Pitcher Chase Dollander, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, could make his MLB debut in May despite an uneven Cactus League performance, while outfielder Zac Veen earned the team's spring training MVP award (and arguably the team's best hair).

What's next: Friday's game versus the Athletics starts at 2:10pm.