Sunday Rockpile: The Rockies a possible sleeper team in 2015?

The Rockies as a 2015 sleeper team – FanGraphs

Kevin linked this yesterday, but it's worth pointing to again. It’s a tough time to be optimistic about the Rockies, seeing as we haven’t had a winning season since 2010, or a playoff spot since 2009. Paul Swydan from FanGraphs gives us a fresh breath of optimism that we all need. Based on the projections from FanGraphs, the Rockies are pegged to win 77 games, which is short of playoff contention. But with some luck and health, the Rockies can win eight to ten more games and sneak their way into the playoffs. He brings up a few reasons why. Paul touches on Tyler Matzek, who he says was "easily the best in the Rockies starting rotation" and, "If he can be that guy for six months, the Rockies just might have a four-win pitcher on their hands." He also notes that if the Rockies have any shot at contending, the call ups of Eddie Butler and Jon Gray will be essential, along with the rest of team having the ability to stay out of Keith Dugger’s training room.

Announcing finalists for 2015 SABR Analytics Conference Research Awards – SABR.org

The finalists for the SABR Analytics Conference for 2015 have been announced, and SB Nation’s own Grant Brisbee was nominated, as was a long form essay for SB Nation by Jason Turbow. Results will be announced and presented at the fourth annual SABR Analytics Conference, March 12-14, 2015, at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.

NL talent dominates Network's right-fielder rankings – MLB.com

MLB Network ranked the top 10 right fielders in baseball, Carlos Gonzalez made the cut, placing sixth. Former Rockie Michael Cuddyer also made the list, placing ahead of CarGo in the fifth spot, which might be somewhat surprising to some fans, knowing what CarGo is capable of when healthy.