Opinion: The next ten days are critical for the Rockies

Picture: Getty

The All-Star break is over and the second half of the season has begun. As they say, "it's not how you start, it's how you finish".

The Rockies have had a good first half of the season. In arguably the toughest division in all of baseball, Colorado held on to first place up until mid-June when the wheels started to come off. It seemed that Rockies fans, looking at recent history, were expecting that. All things considered, they're still in the race for the division (as of this writing, they are 9 1/2 games out of first place) and they are in the running for the National League wild card (only 2 games back on Arizona). In the last 10 games, the Rockies are 5-5 while Arizona is 3-7. IT AIN'T OVER!

Here's some good news going into the second half: the Rockies are expecting the return of Chad Bettis and Tyler Anderson to the pitching staff. That's like picking up two acquisitions for nothing!

Now, what do they do with the trading deadline looming (July 31st)? Does the franchise trade away talent to improve their position in the division and wild card, or do they trade high valued talent now for prospects that will help them next year and beyond? This is a tough question and one that may not be answered for the next 10 days. If they come out of the gate hot and pick up some games in the division and wild card, they're buyers. If not, players with the highest value on the team will then have a price tag and they'll be selling.....except Arenado. He isn't going anywhere.

Going back to Bettis...his return might be the inspiration the team needs to turn the tide and make a strong run to the postseason. Coming back from cancer treatment, Bettis has faced worse circumstances. He'll quickly remind the team and the fans....DON'T GIVE UP!