DENVER -- The Rockies took steps forward in 2018. Fueled by a starting rotation that led the National League in innings pitched, they advanced to the National League Division Series -- a step farther than the Wild Card Game finish of 2017.

To continue on a path they hope leads to a World Series title, however, they will need to address some situations. Here are five:

1. How do they improve the offense?

According to Baseball-Reference.com, among players who appeared in 70 or more games, the Rockies had five players with OPS-plus figures near or above 100 (considered league average) -- Nolan Arenado (133), Trevor Story (127), Charlie Blackmon (115), David Dahl (113) and free-agent-to-be Carlos Gonzalez (close enough at 99). DJ LeMahieu, also headed to free agency, usually is in a decent range, but was down after an injury-filled 2018.

For comparison, the Dodgers had eight players with OPS-plus figures above 100 -- nine if you count Manny Machado, who had 66 games in blue. Even with that firepower, the Dodgers had to beat the Rockies in a tiebreaker to win the NL West.

Do the Rockies play a free-agent market that has more questions than answers? Is there enough depth from the farm system and pitching to make trades?

In any case, adding a proven bat would mean the Rockies wouldn't be dependent on young players making a quantum leap offensively. With first baseman Ian Desmond, who struggled with injuries in 2017 and spent 2018 searching offensively, able to shift positions defensively, the Rockies have some flexibility for adding an impact offensive player.

As Dahl proved when healthy, it's possible for a system product to push his way into playing time. This is true no matter what players the Rockies bring in from the outside. Left-handed-hitting corner infielder Ryan McMahon, who proved not ready in the beginning of his rookie season, but made some contributions late, and right-handed-hitting infielder Garrett Hampson, whose tools play at the top of the lineup, could help the offense.

2. What becomes of Nolan Arenado's contract situation?

There is not an immediate deadline here, since Arenado is eligible for arbitration and doesn't become a free agent until 2019. For reference, the Rockies and Blackmon reached a one-year agreement before the arbitration filing deadline, then continued to work on a six-year deal worth at least $108 million that was completed the first week of the 2018 season.

It could be costly. Already, a report -- confirmed to MLB.com -- had Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who also becomes a free agent in 2019, turning down a $200 million offer from his club (length of the alleged offer hasn't surfaced).

Video: Must C Crushed: Arenado takes NL HR lead with a pair

Should the Rockies put together an offer, it likely would have greater payouts early on as opposed to later, since the pitchers who fostered the turnaround begin hitting free agency in 2022 (Jon Gray and Tyler Anderson) and 2023 (Kyle Freeland and German Marquez).

At any rate, Arenado doesn't expect the Rockies to trade him this winter and avoid the whole thing -- especially since his bat and glove help fuel their World Series dream.

3. What to do with this year's free agents?

The Rockies must assess whether Hampson, who could slot into the leadoff spot and drop Blackmon to a spot where he has more men on base, is ready to take over for LeMahieu. They also have to assess whether to re-sign Gonzalez, spend bigger on the free-agent market or expect homegrown players to be the answer.

For the bench, the Rockies have to decide whether to retain outfielder Gerardo Parra, whom they own a $12 million option on for 2019. They could opt not to pick that up, ensuring him a $1.5 million buyout.

4. How does Gray make 2018 go away?

After a solid 2017, Gray struggled to the point this season that he was sent down to Triple-A in late June and wasn't on the postseason roster. At times, he looked like the '17 version of himself. At other times, he looked like a stranger to that version.

Video: PHI@COL: Gray K's 7, allows one run and plates one

Gray spent the year vacillating between fixing his mechanics and feeling hamstrung by thinking about mechanics. He also lost weight during the season, and vowed to be stronger physically next year. He'll also have to earn back faith in big situations.

The Rockies also have to decide if Gray is a tradeable asset for the offensive improvements they desire. The Rockies resisted dealing him at the deadline, and have not been inclined to deal starting pitching.

There are rotation questions beyond Gray: Will righty Chad Bettis, shifted to the bullpen after a right middle finger blister scuttled a solid early going, return to the rotation? Can righty Jeff Hoffman, obtained from the Blue Jays for shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in 2015 with much fanfare, crack the big league rotation?

5. How can the Rockies preserve and improve the bullpen?

It took until late in the regular season for the Rockies to find a dependable group to hold leads. However, two relievers signed to three-year, $27 million contracts (righty Bryan Shaw and lefty Jake McGee) were not pitching well enough to be part of that unit, and lefty Mike Dunn, in the middle of a three-year, $19 million deal, was out with a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Righty Adam Ottavino is set to become a free agent. So, the club must decide whether to compete for him and others. The Rockies owe closer Wade Davis $26 million over the next two years, and are likely to pick up Seunghwan Oh's $2.5 million 2019 option, so they have to be judicious in adding payroll to that area. Righty Scott Oberg -- who emerged this year as a key late-game option -- helps, since he is relatively inexpensive as a first-year arbitration-eligible player.

DENVER -- While top prospect lists are mostly populated with high MLB Draft picks or top international signings, two lower-round picks -- first baseman Roberto Ramos and right-handed pitcher Rico Garcia -- earned the Rockies' Hitting and Pitching Prospect of the Year designations, respectively.

Each team's Hitting and Pitching Prospects of the Year were chosen by the MLB Pipeline staff, based on performance during the 2018 season more than Major League potential. To receive consideration, players must have spent at least half the year in the Minors and appeared on the team's Top 30 Prospects list.

:: Complete prospect coverage ::

Unranked on the Rockies' Top 30 at the start of the season, Garcia, 24, earned the Rockies' No. 21 ranking and Ramos, 23, took the No. 23 spot in the July re-ranking on MLB Pipeline.

Both were selected by scouting vice president Bill Schmidt and the scouting staff out of unheralded collegiate programs. Ramos, a native of Hermosillo, Mexico, was a 16th-rounder in 2014 out of College of the Canyons, a two-year school in Santa Carita, Calif., and Garcia is a Honolulu native seeking to become the second player from Hawaii Pacific University to make the Majors. Former Rockies outfielder Benny Agbayani was the first.

Listed at 6-5 and 220 pounds, the left-handed hitting Ramos found his power this season.

Last year at Class A Lancaster, Ramos batted .297 with a .351 on-base percentage, but his 13 home runs and 124 strikeouts suggested adjustment was in order. This season, through 60 games at Lancaster, he hit 17 home runs and, although he had 65 strikeouts, batted .304 with a .411 on-base and a .640 slugging percentage. The performance earned him a promotion to Double-A Hartford, where he slashed .231/.320/.503 and struck out 75 times, but he powered 15 home runs in 61 games.

Ramos might be a work in progress, but he made notable progress in 2018.

Watch: MiLB Video

"He made a nice adjustment with his approach. He wasn't attacking pitches as aggressively and he was laying off more than ever pitches out of his attack zone," Rockies senior player development director Zach Wilson said. "Because he made these small adjustments on his approach he was able to barrel up more balls. His natural power led to some pretty good home run numbers.

"He's got power to all fields and can take the fastball on the outer half to left and left-center. And if you hang a breaking ball, you're in trouble. He's done a much better job laying off good breaking balls. He had some issues in the past with that, as you see with the strikeout numbers, but he's begun to clean that up."

The Rockies generally want their prospects to play multiple positions, but Wilson said the right-handed throwing Ramos profiles strictly at first base. Wilson said Ramos "moves around OK" and has soft hands, and is trying to improve his agility and range defensively.

Garcia is not big -- listed at 5-11, 190 -- but has increased his arm strength since college.

The result was a solid year at Lancaster (7-7, 3.42 ERA while starting 15 of his 16 games, 101 strikeouts in 100 innings pitched) and Hartford (6-2, 2.28 in 11 starts, 61 strikeouts in 67 innings)

Watch: MiLB Video

"He has really made some solid delivery adjustments over the past couple of years, which has allowed his velocity to increase," Wilson said. "We've gotten him away from the college routine and into a very good throwing program, with bullpens between starts. All that has allowed him to go from 89-93 [mph] to, now, 94-96 and even touch 97. He has an above-average breaking ball and has developed a decent changeup.

"He was able to carve up the Cal League, and he earned a promotion and continued his very good year at Hartford. He's the real deal, and he's going to continue to get better because he's such a competitor."

Here's a team-by-team breakdown of how all 30 teams' prospects fared in Arizona Fall League action on Thursday:

• Gameday: Surprise 10, Glendale 9 | Salt River 7, Scottsdale 6 | Mesa 10, Peoria 9

AL East

Blue Jays
Blue Jays No. 9 prospect Cavan Biggio went 0-for-2, but walked four times and drove in a run. Right-hander Zach Jackson recorded four strikeouts while allowing one hit in 1 1/3 innings of relief for Surprise.

2018 Arizona Fall League rosters

Orioles
Orioles No. 12 prospect Ryan McKenna went 2-for-4 with two runs and a walk out of the leadoff spot for Glendale. One of the hits was a double, McKenna's second extra-base hit in as many games after he tripled on Wednesday. Starter Chris Lee gave up one hit over two scoreless innings, while righty Jay Flaa worked 1 1/3 scoreless frames despite issuing four walks. Tyler Erwin also struggled with his control as he allowed one earned run on three walks and two hit batsmen.

Rays
Shortstop Lucius Fox, the Rays' No. 9 prospect, connected on a three-run home run in the eighth inning en route to his second straight two-hit game for Peoria. He scored two runs, walked once and stole a base, finishing 2-for-4. Joe McCarthy (No. 17) also reached base twice, going 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. On the mound, right-hander Phoenix Sanders allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits, two walks and two balks in 1 1/3 innings, while Brandon Lawson took the loss after giving up a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning.

Red Sox
Esteban Quiroz put Mesa on the board with a third-inning solo homer and reached base five times, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, three walks and an RBI. Mike Shawaryn, Boston's No. 9 prospect, tossed 1 1/3 hitless innings in relief.

Yankees
Steven Sensley plated a pair of runs with a double and finished 2-for-5 for Glendale. Hobie Harris posted 2 1/3 innings of one-run ball in relief, while Matt Wivinis recorded an out late in the game.

AL Central

Indians
Indians No. 6 prospect Yu Chang went 1-for-5 and logged his second start at third base for Glendale. Hard-throwing righty Dalbert Siri scuffled in relief, allowing three earned runs on three hits and a walk in one inning.

Royals
Royals No. 2 prospect Khalil Lee went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two walks and a stolen base from the bottom of Surprise's lineup. Catcher Meibrys Viloria also made an impact with a 1-for-4 performance that included a two-run double and two walks. Grant Gavin recorded the save despite allowing an unearned run on one hit.

Tigers
Daniel Pinero and Daniel Woodrow each collected two hits, an RBI and a steal for Mesa. Eduardo Jimenez was sharp in relief, striking out a pair of hitters over two perfect frames, though Tigers No. 26 prospect Sandy Baez was hammered for five earned runs on five hits in two-thirds of an inning.

Twins
Twins No. 19 prospect Luke Raley went 0-for-4, but walked twice and scored a run for Salt River. Hector Lujan gave up three runs and retired only two hitters. Jaylin Davis went 2-for-5. Adam Bray picked up the win for Salt River with two hitless innings.

White Sox
White Sox No. 4 prospect Luis Robert (No. 44 overall) went 2-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. He's hit safely in all three games so far for Glendale. Outfielder Luis Alexander Basabe (No. 9) and shortstop Laz Rivera (No. 28) each drew a walk, but collectively finished 0-for-7. More »

AL West

A's
Outfielder Luis Barrera scored the walk-off run in the 10th for Mesa to cap a 1-for-4 game in which he scored two runs, walked twice and stole a base. Right-hander Calvin Coker retired all four batters he faced in relief, striking out one.

Angels
Brett Hanewich pitched around a pair of walks as he struck out the side in the 10th to earn his second win in as many outings for Mesa.

Astros
Astros No. 8 prospect J.B. Bukauskas threw 3 1/3 innings in a start for Scottsdale. The right-hander yielded one unearned run that scored on a passed ball, but was lights-out otherwise. He gave up three hits, struck out five and walked one. Abraham Toro-Hernandez (No. 21) went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Trent Thornton (No. 24) followed Bukauskas and gave up two runs on two hits. Ronnie Dawson went 0-for-3, but walked three times. Erasmo Pinales gave up two hits but also struck out two in a scoreless frame.

Mariners
Mariners No. 2 prospect Evan White has five RBIs through two games after his 1-for-3, three-RBI game for Peoria. Chris Mariscal also had a solid game, going 2-for-4 with two runs, while Matt Walker worked an inning in relief.

Rangers
Third baseman Charles Leblanc tallied two hits and two walks out of the No. 3 spot in Surprise's lineup. Starter Tai Tiedemann and reliever Joe Barlow both struggled as they allowed a combined eight earned runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings. Rangers No. 15 prospect C.D. Pelham tossed a scoreless inning to earn the win.

NL East

Braves
Braves No. 6 prospect Christian Pache (No. 66 overall) went 1-for-5, but also grounded into a pair of double plays, while outfielder Izzy Wilson scored a run from the No. 2 spot in Peoria's lineup. Jeremy Walker was effective as he completed three innings of one-run ball in his first AFL start. He was relieved by Braves No. 12 prospect Kyle Muller, who struck out a pair but allowed one run on two hits and two walks in one inning.

Marlins
Marlins No. 16 prospect Jordan Yamamoto was impressive in his start for Salt River. The right-hander racked up five strikeouts, including each of the final two batters he faced, over three scoreless innings. Kyle Keller followed Yamamoto and gave up two runs -- via a two-run homer -- in 1 1/3 innings. Chad Smith was the third Marlins farmhand to toe the rubber, and he cruised through 1 2/3 scoreless innings. He issued one walk and didn't give up a hit. Tommy Eveld put together a scoreless outing as he threw 1 1/3 innings. Brian Miller (No. 11) was inserted as a pinch-runner. Bryson Brigman (No. 26) went 1-for-4.

Mets
Mets No. 2 prospect Peter Alonso turned in a multi-hit effort for the third straight day for Scottsdale. After his 2-for-4 night, Alonso is 7-for-12 through three games. Joe Zanghi cruised through his one inning on the mound, yielding one hit in a scoreless frame. Andres Gimenez (No. 1) entered the game as a pinch-runner and drew a walk in his only plate appearance. Ali Sanchez (No. 25) went 0-for-1. Gerson Bautista gave up one hit over two scoreless innings, and Matt Blackham took the loss after he gave up an unearned run in the bottom of the 11th.

Nationals
Nationals No. 2 prospect Carter Kieboom picked up a pair of hits, including a triple, and scored a run as part of his 2-for-6 night for Salt River. Daniel Johnson (No. 10) went 1-for-5.

Phillies
For Scottsdale, Darick Hall went 2-for-5, including a two-run homer, his first long ball of the Fall League.

NL Central

Brewers
Catcher Mario Feliciano, Milwaukee's No. 23 prospect, went 1-for-3 with an RBI, two runs scored and two walks in his first AFL game. Weston Wilson went 1-for-5 with an RBI double, but also committed two errors at third base.

Cardinals
Tommy Edman was a catalyst out of the leadoff spot for Surprise with his 2-for-4, three-walk performance. He also drove in a run, scored once and swiped a pair of bases. Jeremy Martinez also tallied a hit, while Lane Thomas reached base on a pair of walks.

Cubs
Cubs No. 29 prospect Trent Giambrone paced Mesa's offense as he went 4-for-6 with two RBIs and one run scored. 2018 first-rounder Nico Hoerner (No. 6) went 0-for-5, but picked up an RBI in his second Fall League contest. PJ Higgins didn't collect a hit, but drove in a run and walked twice. Starting pitcher Justin Steele (No. 8) was tagged for four earned runs and five hits in 1 2/3 innings, while lefty Manuel Rondon permitted one walk over two hitless frames in relief.

Pirates
Pirates No. 5 prospect Cole Tucker drove in three runs and stole two bases in a 2-for-5 showing for Surprise. Bryan Reynolds (No. 8) also collected two hits, going 2-for-5 with two runs, while Will Craig (No. 16) scored a run after entering as a pinch-hitter.

Reds
Reds No. 3 prospect Taylor Trammell went 1-for-5 for Scottsdale. Shed Long (No. 8) picked up a hit as a pinch-hitter, while Alfredo Rodriguez (No. 23) went 2-for-4.

NL West

D-backs
D-backs No. 4 prospect Pavin Smith came through with an RBI single as part of a 1-for-4 night for Salt River. Daulton Varsho (No. 5) went 1-for-4 with an RBI and Drew Ellis (No. 9) went 1-for-5 with a two-run homer.

Dodgers
Dodgers No. 2 prospect Keibert Ruiz (No. 39 overall) went 1-for-3 with two walks and an RBI for Glendale. Errol Robinson (No. 20) also had a strong game, going 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a stolen base, while designated hitter Cody Thomas contributed by scoring one run. On the mound, relievers Nolan Long and Andre Scrubb allowed a combined five runs (three earned) on three hits and three walks.

Giants
Giants No. 10 prospect Heath Quinn went 0-for-5 for Scottsdale. C.J. Hinojosa (No. 28) went 0-for-6. Chase Johnson gave up three runs on three hits in one inning. Matt Winn went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.

Padres
Padres No. 13 prospect Buddy Reed went 1-for-5 and scored a run for Peoria. Left-hander Travis Radke recorded three strikeouts and three walks as he allowed an unearned run on two hits in 2 2/3 innings of relief.

Rockies
Rockies No. 11 prospect Tyler Nevin reached base four times (3-for-5 with a walk) and drove in a run for Salt River. Justin Lawrence (No. 17) gave up one unearned run in one inning, but he avoided a big inning by inducing a 1-2-3 double play when he was stuck in a bases-loaded, no-outs jam. Josh Fuentes was inserted into the game as a pinch-runner.

DENVER -- Long after the Rockies' season-ending 6-0 loss to the Brewers in the National League Division Series, rookie infielder Garrett Hampson sought out veteran second baseman DJ LeMahieu for a hug.

Was it goodbye, as in a changing of the guard, with LeMahieu headed to free agency? Was it a, 'See-ya-next-spring' thing? All Hampson knows is that it was a heartfelt embrace.

Video: COL@ARI: Hampson, LeMahieu combine for a slick DP

"It started in Spring Training," Hampson said. "He was always willing to answer any of my questions or thoughts about hitting or defense. He's the type of teammate that cares about other people -- if he sees something, he'll talk to you about it. He's a very good leader by example who doesn't really say much, but people gravitate toward his work ethic and preparation."

LeMahieu, 30, knocked a career-high 15 homers during the regular season despite playing in 128 games. Hampson, who celebrated his 24th birthday Wednesday, debuted with 24 regular season games across three Major League stints. Hampson's respectable .275 big league batting average came in a year that included standout numbers at Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque -- a combined .311/.382/.462 slash line, plus 36 stolen bases in 41 attempts in 110 games.

Video: COL@ARI: Hampson rips an RBI double for his first hit

In this case, and several around the diamond, the Rockies -- still in a winning window after making the postseason in consecutive years for the first time in their history -- face some decisions. Here is a look:

Second base: LeMahieu is a former batting champ with a mantle full of defensive awards. His .276/.321/.428 offensive season represented his worst year at the plate since 2014, but three trips to the 10-day disabled list (hamstring, fractured thumb, oblique) were a factor.

So how will LeMahieu's new-found power, past offensive work when healthy and enduring defense play on a free-agent market that also could include Josh Harrison and Eduardo Nunez (pending option decisions), plus Brian Dozier and Daniel Murphy? All are a little older than LeMahieu.

Perception has been that the Rockies value LeMahieu more than other teams because of Coors Field's offensive friendliness. However, when the Rockies were seemingly headed to also-ran status, scouts from teams higher in the standings valued LeMahieu enough to follow him intently.

Video: ARI@COL: LeMahieu cranks a walk-off HR to win it

Will the Rockies compete for LeMahieu? Or will they turn the job over to Hampson, a third-round pick out of Long Beach State in 2016? Additionally, Brendan Rodgers, the Rockies' No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, could be knocking at the door once he corrects recurring hamstring issues.

Outfield: The free agents to-be are Carlos Gonzalez, who turns 33 next Wednesday, the starter most of the year in right field during a topsy-turvy offensive season; most likely Gerardo Parra, 31, who began the year as the starter in left field, but excelled in a part-time role at the end (there is a $1.5 million buyout on a $12 million club option for next year); and Matt Holliday, who will turn 39 in January, and who joined the team in August as a part-time right-handed bat.

Gonzalez, a left-handed hitter, became a free agent last winter, but interesting circumstances brought him back. Lefty-hitting David Dahl was coming off a 2017 rib injury and would not be ready for the start of the regular season, and lefty hitting Raimel Tapia didn't prove ready in Spring Training to become the leadoff hitter. So, Gonzalez signed a one-year deal during the spring.

But Dahl came up during the season and forced his way into regular duty (.273/.325/.534 with 16 homers in 77 games). Heading into his age-25 season, he potentially could take over center and allow the Rockies to move Charlie Blackmon, 32, to one of the corner spots to save some wear and tear.

With Dahl and Blackmon likely set, do the Rockies turn back to Gonzalez for the third spot? Do they re-sign Parra? If they re-sign Parra, do they go back to the 2017 plan of having first baseman Ian Desmond play some left field -- a plan that would allow them to increase playing time at first base for Ryan McMahon, 23, who struggled with high fastballs early but had some big hits late? Is there opportunity for Holliday, should he continue his career, or Tapia, who turns 25 next season, or right-handed-hitting Noel Cuevas, 27?

Or do the Rockies try to obtain another big bat at first base or in left field and work holdovers around that acquisition to shake up the lineup?

Bullpen: Free-agent-to-be righty Adam Ottavino was shaky in two of his three postseason outings, but that doesn't erase his 112 strikeouts in 77 2/3 regular season innings over 75 outings. The Rockies also hold a reasonable club option on righty setup man Seunghwan Oh ($250,000 buyout or $2.5 million in 2019).

Video: COL@ATL: Ottavino K's Swanson to end the 9th

The Rockies spent big last winter on closer Wade Davis (three years, $52 million), lefty Jake McGee and righty Bryan Shaw (three years, $27 million apiece); however, only Davis -- who overcame a second-half slump -- was on the postseason roster.

Some factors argue for at least picking up Oh's option, and possibly being competitive for Ottavino.

While righty Scott Oberg emerged as a late-inning force, righty Carlos Estevez dealt with oblique and right elbow issues and didn't pitch in the Majors; and righties Yency Almonte and DJ Johnson, and lefty Harrison Musgrave had their moments as rookies, but pitching late in games might be a tall order at their experience levels. 

There are just four teams remaining in this year's postseason, but every fan, even those of the Mariners (the team with the longest postseason drought, now up to 17 seasons), can relate to what it feels like to be in the playoffs. The late nights, the constant tension, the stakes so high you can barely breathe ... and when something wonderful happens, the release and the pure, unbridled jubilation.

With that in mind, we take a look at the greatest postseason moments of the division era. Even if your team isn't a postseason team, you can remember your great October moments … and if it is, you can dream of maybe having another one this month that's even better.

(For the purpose of this exercise, we are going back to 1969, which is the start of divisional play and the birth of the postseason as we know it.)

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Blue Jays: Joe Carter's World Series walk-off, Oct. 23, 1993
The Blue Jays might not have that many postseason moments, but the greatness of this one more than makes up for that. Runner-up: Jose Bautista's ALDS Game 5 bat flip, Oct. 14, 2015.

Video: 93 WS, GM 6, PHI@TOR: Joe Carter touches them all

Orioles: Brooks Robinson's incredible play, 1970 World Series, Oct. 10, 1970
The best part about this play, which might be the greatest defensive play in World Series history, is how surprised the umpire looks. Even he can't believe what he just saw. Runner-up: David McNally's grand slam, World Series Game 3, Oct. 13, 1970.

Rays: First and only World Series trip clinched, Oct. 19, 2008
A decade ago, and still pretty jaw-dropping that all this happened. Runner-up: Grant Balfour strikes out Ken Griffey Jr. to clinch the first ALDS victory, Oct. 6, 2008.

Red Sox: First World Series title since 1918, Oct. 27, 2004
You might remember when this happened. (It's when lifelong Red Sox fans Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore got on television.) Runner-up: David Ortiz's ALCS grand slam vs. the Tigers sent a cop joyous in the bullpen and turns the series around on Oct. 13, 2013.

Video: Must C Classic: Red Sox win first WS since 1918

Yankees: Reggie Jackson's three homers in 1977 World Series
There's a reason no one else gets to be called "Mr. October." Runner-up: Mr. November -- Derek Jeter's World Series Game 5 walk-off homer on Nov. 1, 2001.

Video: 1977 WS Gm6: Reggie becomes Mr. October

AL CENTRAL

Indians: Eddie Murray's walk-off, Game 3, 1995 World Series, Oct. 24, 1995
It was Cleveland's first World Series game in 41 years, and ended with a Hall of Famer sending the crowd into euphorics. Runner-up: Rajai Davis' home run off Aroldis Chapman, 2016 World Series, Nov. 2, 2016

Royals: Royals win 2015 World Series, Nov. 1, 2015
It was a magical season and a magical World Series that just seems more improbable each year that goes by. Runner-up: The Don Denkinger play, and aftermath, 1985 World Series, Oct. 26, 1985.

Tigers: Magglio Ordonez sends Tigers to World Series, Oct. 14, 2006
The sounds that crowd makes the minute the bat meets the ball still gives you chills 12 years later. Runner-up: Kirk Gibson's Game 5 homer, 1984 World Series.

Twins: Kirby Puckett's Game 6 walk-off, 1991 World Series, Oct. 26, 1991
The original "We Will See You Tomorrow Night." Runner-up: Twins win 1987 World Series, their first in Minnesota, Oct. 25, 1987.

Video: Must C Classic: Puckett crushes a walk-off homer

White Sox: White Sox win 2005 World Series, Oct. 26, 2015
A game that was razor-tight, in a series that was much closer than anyone remembers. Runner-up: Scott Podsednik's Game 2 walk-off, Oct. 23, 2015.

AL WEST

Angels: Scott Spiezio's homer, Game 6, 2002 World Series, Oct. 26, 2002
The most Rally Monkey of all the Rally Monkey moments, his three-run clout cued the rally from a 5-0 deficit. Runner-up: Troy Percival gets last out to win 2002 World Series, Oct. 27, 2002.

Astros: Charlie Morton finishes the Dodgers off, 2017 World Series, Nov. 1, 2017
This was so long ago you might not remember it, but trust me, it was wonderful. Runner-up: Chris Burke sends everybody home after 18 innings, 2005 NLDS.

Video: WS2017 Gm7: Morton induces groundout to close out WS

Athletics: Eck closes out the 1989 World Series, October 28, 1989
When in doubt, go with the Hall of Famer closing out a series for an all-time great team. Runner-up: Joe Rudi's amazing catch, World Series Game 2, Oct. 14, 1973.

Mariners: Ken Griffey Jr. slides home to win the 1995 ALDS, Oct. 8, 1995
Basically, everything wonderful about the history of Mariners baseball, happening in one play. Runner-up: Mariners win most recent postseason series, 2001 ALDS over Cleveland.

Video: Griffey slides home to clinch the ALDS in 1995

Rangers: Neftali Feliz sends Texas to its first World Series, 2010 ALCS, Oct. 22, 2010
Over the hated Yankees, no less. Runner-up: Josh Hamilton's 2011 World Series Game 6 homer, which was this close to being one of the greatest baseball moments of recent memory.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Braves: Only World Series win in Atlanta, Oct. 28, 1995
It still seems amazing that this is the only one they ever got. Runner-up: The Sid Bream Slide, Oct. 14, 1992.

Marlins: Edgar Renteria's walk-off to win 1997 World Series, Oct. 26, 1997
Poor Cleveland. Runner-up: The Bartman play, and all that followed, 2003 NLCS.

Video: WS1997 Gm7: Fish win first WS on Renteria's walk-off

Mets: Mookie Wilson reaches base, Ray Knight scores, Mets win on Bill Buckner's error, Game 6, 1986 World Series, Oct. 25, 1986
A Mets comeback for the ages. Runner-up: Miracle Mets win 1969 World Series.

Video: 1986 World Series, Game 6: Red Sox at Mets

Nationals: Jayson Werth's 2012 NLDS walk-off, Oct. 11, 2012
After this, the Nats lost the series. But for the moment, it was great. Runner-up: Strasburg fans 12 to extend last year's NLDS.

Phillies: Brad Lidge gets the last out of a long game, 2008 World Series, Oct. 27, 2008
It took a couple of days for this game to actually finish, but no Phillies fan would ever complain. Runner-up: Roy Halladay's no-hitter, 2010 NLDS against Cincinnati.

NL CENTRAL

Brewers: Paul Molitor's inside-the-park homer, 1982 ALCS, Oct. 6, 1982
Runner-up: Nyjer Morgan's walk-off over Arizona in 2011 NLDS, particularly when called by Bob Uecker.

Cardinals: David Freese's triple to tie 2011 World Series Game 6, Oct. 27, 2011
The walk-off homer in the 11th gets more air time, but this was truly one of the most insane hits in World Series history. Runner-up: Ozzie Smith's 1985 NLCS homer off Tom Niedenfuer, the "Go Crazy, Folks" moment.

Video: WS2011 Gm6: Freese saves the Cards with a huge triple

Cubs: History in 2016
This was … not a tough call. Runner-up: Kyle Schwarber's shot atop the Wrigley scoreboard, Game 4, 2015 NLDS.

Video: Cubs win first World Series title in 108 years

Pirates: Willie Stargell's homer, 1979 World Series, Game 7, Oct. 17, 1979
And to do it in such beautiful threads … Runner-up: Pirates fans scare Johnny Cueto into dropping the ball, 2013 NL Wild Card Game at PNC Park.

Reds: Big Red Machine wins a Fall Classic for the ages, Oct. 22, 1975
It's only East Coast Bias that makes you think of Carlton Fisk when you think of this series. Runner-up: Reds sweep heavily favored A's in 1990 World Series.

NL WEST

D-backs: Luis Gonzalez off Mariano Rivera, 2001 World Series, Nov. 4, 2001
Ah, the perils of playing the infield in … Runner-up: Tony Womack's hit in 2001 NLDS.

Video: Must C Classic: Gonzalez walks off, wins World Series

Dodgers: Kirk Gibson pulls himself around the bases, 1988 World Series
Runner-up: Juan Uribe's 2013 go-ahead homer in Game 4 NLDS against Atlanta.

Video: Must C Classic: Gibson's 1988 WS walk-off home run

Giants: First World Series win in San Francisco, 2010 World Series, Nov. 1, 2010
Edgar Renteria hit .412 with two homers and six RBIs and the city got its first celebration. Runner-up: Madison Bumgarner's dominance in 2014 World Series.

Padres: Tony Gwynn's bad hop double, 1984 NLCS, Game 5, Oct. 7, 1984
The biggest hit of Gwynn's career was a bizarre one, but it got the job done. Runner-up: Padres finish off Braves to win 1998 NLCS.

Rockies: The Holliday slide, Oct. 1, 2007
He touched the plate … well, eventually. Maybe not technically the postseason either, but it came after Game 162. Runner-up: Rockies sweep D-backs to reach 2007 World Series.

DENVER -- It's hard to fathom the dollars it could take for the Rockies to reach a multi-year contract with third baseman Nolan Arenado, their best-known and most-accomplished player. It may be even harder to imagine the Rockies without him.

But with the 2018 season done, thanks to a three-game sweep at the hands of the Brewers in the National League Division Series, the offseason is certainly time to consider the possibilities.

Arenado's two-year, $29 million contract has expired, but the club has control of his 2019 contract because the 27-year-old is eligible for arbitration. So Arenado and the club aren't actually under a deadline; they could reach an agreement for next season through the arbitration process, and not even deal with Arenado being eligible for free agency at the end of the year.

• Despite NLDS loss, future optimistic for Rockies

But if the Rockies don't sign him to a multi-year deal, speculation will abound on whether the Rockies will trade him either during the winter or at next season's non-waiver Trade Deadline. The thought behind that is they could receive a future-building package, rather than see him potentially leave as a free agent with only a Draft pick as compensation.

However, the Rockies are coming off a 91-win season, came a tiebreaker loss to the Dodgers away from winning their first NL West title, and have made the postseason in consecutive years for the first time in club history. Even if the Rockies are keeping him for just one more season, there is a strong argument that they stand a better chance at an elusive World Series title next season with him than without.

There are months to chip away at those answers, but the club holds most of those. As for Arenado, he doesn't know much.

"I haven't really thought about that, honestly," Arenado said after Sunday's 6-0 loss to the Brewers. "I know I expect to be in Spring Training with the Rockies next year. This is a business, and I know how things can get a little weird on that side of stuff, but honestly I expect to be here next year."

Despite the gloom of Sunday, Arenado is coming off a solid season during which he played in 156 games despite a right shoulder injury that slowed him the final two months, led the National League with 38 home runs, drove in 110 runs and put up a .297 batting average, .374 on-base percentage and .561 slugging percentage.

Video: COL@LAD: Arenado belts a solo homer to left field

Arenado and the rest of the Rockies will be turning their attention to improvement next year. The struggles of October -- when the Rockies didn't manage more than two runs in either the tiebreaker or any of their four postseason games -- highlighted improvements that must happen. In going 1-4 during the week, the Rockies went 2-for-31 and drew two walks with runners in scoring position.

"There are plenty of signs that we need to be better as a hitting team," Arenado said. "There's no question about that. At the crucial times, we've got to be able to come out. We weren't able to do that as a group, which is disappointing. Our pitchers pitched great, which is what we needed. It's on the offense. We couldn't get anything going."

Getting back to being Big John
During a crazy season that saw some high points but also saw a Minor League demotion and his being left off the postseason rosters, Rockies right-hander Jon Gray looked more slender than ever. While Gray didn't reveal the reason, he said an offseason goal is to regain weight and strength. His 95.3-mph fastball velocity was the lowest of his career. Last year's 96.4 was his highest.

"I wasn't really heathy," Gray, 26, said. "My velo was down this year. I'm going to get back to that good foundation to build off of. I was down about 20 pounds this year. It's been a little tough. I hope to get back up to 230-235."

Cruel ending to a breakout
Righty Scott Oberg struck out three on Sunday, but gave up two hits and two runs -- on a balk and a wild pitch. But it was just the sixth time in 43 games since July 1 that he gave up a run. The performance was not lost on center fielder Charlie Blackmon, who was sure to credit Oberg while discussing the promising pitching.

"Somebody should write a really good article on how good Oberg has gotten these last couple of months," Blackmon said. "These guys are really good, and right in front of us are becoming very good big league players -- and those guys are going to be around awhile."

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Scott Oberg on NLDS Game 3, balk

DENVER -- Though their season came to an end on Sunday at Coors Field, the Rockies took a step forward in 2018. As the final out was recorded in a 6-0 loss to the Brewers that completed a National League Division Series sweep, there was a sense of optimism in the Colorado clubhouse behind the immediate and poignant disappointment.

The Rockies reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history, losing in the 2017 NL Wild Card Game against the D-backs, then falling to Milwaukee in this year's NLDS. But what they showed in the process is that there is a strong core to build around, and their window for winning is wide open.

:: NLDS schedule and results ::

"You look forward to next year knowing that you can build around a starting staff that is going to have success," said left-hander Kyle Freeland, who didn't pitch in the NLDS. "And you know this lineup is going to have success. I know it didn't show too much against the Brewers this series, but we all know what they're capable of. Knowing we have both hitting and pitching on both sides, it makes the future very exciting."

A franchise that has historically been known for its hitting, particularly in the thin mountain air of Denver, demonstrated on a national stage this October that one of its greatest strengths lies in its pitching staff.

Freeland put together the finest campaign by a Rockies starting pitcher in the franchise's 26-season history, with a 2.85 ERA over 33 starts in his second Major League season. That included a 2.40 ERA at Coors Field, the lowest by any Rockies starter in club history. And German Marquez, in his third big league season, posted a 2.61 ERA in the second half, striking out 124 batters while walking 20.

Though the bullpen, which the club fortified last offseason by adding Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw, as well as re-signing Jake McGee, struggled for much of the season, it had its moments, particularly in September, when Rockies relievers compiled a 2.97 ERA as the club went 19-9 to force an NL West tiebreaker with the Dodgers.

It was the offense that vanished in the NLDS, as it did during many stretches of the regular season. Despite having names like Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story in the lineup, Colorado's hitters had a streaky year, sputtering during some stretches and erupting during others.

"It didn't turn out to be on [the pitching staff] like most every other year of Rockies history," Arenado said. "This year, it really feels like the offense was the problem. It's disappointing, as an offensive player, but I guess it shows you that we can get better."

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Black on offensive struggles in NLDS

The Rockies finished 25th in the Majors with an 87 Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), which is park-adjusted to account for the hitter-friendly environment at Coors Field. One of the questions now that Colorado begins its offseason is whether another bat will be added to the lineup.

"I think we have a good, solid core group," Arenado said. "I think you're always willing to add pieces to help you get better. I think it was a good sign that offensively, we need to get better. I don't know if that's with [outside] help, or we just need to change our approaches and get better at the plate. I know that individually, I need to get better."

Arenado is scheduled to be a free agent following next season, and as 2019 approaches, so might talks of a contract extension.

"Obviously arbitration is going to come around, and that topic will come up, but I expect to be in Spring Training with the Rockies next year," Arenado said. "I love it here. This is a business, though, and things can get a little iffy because of the business side of it. But that being said, I expect to be in Spring Training next year."

Other key players are free agents after the World Series, including DJ LeMahieu, Carlos Gonzalez and Adam Ottavino. The Rockies have a team option for Gerardo Parra.

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Pending Rox free agents discuss future

LeMahieu said after Sunday's game that the day was emotional for him, as he has been with the club for seven of his eight Major League seasons, winning a batting average title in 2017.

Gonzalez has been a franchise icon, having spent a decade with Colorado and re-signing with the team on a one-year deal last offseason.

"This is a franchise that has been good to me and my family," Gonzalez said. "The city and the fans, I've enjoyed every single opportunity I've had with this organization. I know I'm going to be a free agent after the World Series is over. I would love to come back."

After struggling in 2017, Gonzalez had a better year at the plate this season, hitting .276/.329/.467 with 16 home runs in a part-time role.

Ottavino also struggled in 2017, but he bounced back to become one of the best relievers in the Majors this year. He posted a 2.43 ERA over 75 appearances, striking out 112 of the 309 batters he faced (36 percent).

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Black on Rockies being swept in the NLDS

Parra hit .284/.342/.372 in 401 plate appearances, taking a step back from his 2017 performance at the plate, but he came through with key hits down the stretch and played a solid outfield.

Then there are the young players who got their first real taste of the Majors, including Ryan McMahon, who had several clutch hits for Colorado. His walk-off home run against the Dodgers on Aug. 11 came in the thick of a pennant race. David Dahl, who could be a key outfielder moving forward, had a big month of September, hitting .287 and launching nine of his 16 homers on the season. Infielder Garrett Hampson also showed promise when he got playing time, particularly when Story was injured late in the regular season.

Several questions surround the Rockies as they transition to 2019, but one thing has become clear: The future is promising for a franchise entering its 27th season after back-to-back postseason appearances.

"We're a really good team," Story said. "We're young, but we have a lot of experience now. This is just another year of experience that everybody can add under their belt."

Here's a team-by-team breakdown of how all 30 teams' prospects fared in Arizona Fall League action on Wednesday:

AL East

Blue Jays
MLB's No. 1 overall prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his hot start with two more doubles in a 3-for-4 effort. Guerrero Jr. has been on fire to start the AFL and is 6-for-9 through two games. Santiago Espinal (No. 22) went 0-for-5 at the plate. More »

2018 Arizona Fall League rosters

Orioles
Steve Wilkerson and Ryan McKenna combined to reach base six times and scored three runs in Glendale's loss against Peoria. Wilkerson was 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI out of the leadoff spot, while McKenna, Baltimore's No. 12 prospect, finished 1-for-2 with a triple, two walks and two runs scored from the bottom of the order.

Rays
Rays No. 30 Ryan Boldt scored a run as a part of a 1-for-4 performance for Peoria, while left-hander Dalton Moats fired two perfect frames with two strikeouts out of the bullpen.

Red Sox
Bobby Dalbec, the Red Sox No. 6 prospect, went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts. Josh Ockimey (No. 10) reached base with a walk, but otherwise went 0-for-3 with a trio of strikeouts. Teddy Stankiewicz got the start for Mesa, but the outing didn't go as he would have liked. The right-hander gave up three runs over two innings.

Yankees
Estevan Florial and Thairo Estrada, the Yankees' Nos. 2 and 16 prospects, respectively, each recorded a single and an RBI in Glendale's loss against Peoria. Florial, MLB Pipeline's No. 45 overall prospect, also picked up an outfield assist when he threw out Buddy Reed at the plate from left field.

AL Central

Indians
Indians No. 6 prospect Yu Chang went 1-for-4 in his 2018 AFL debut after hitting .304 over 15 games with Mesa a year ago. Outfielder Connor Marabell was one of two Glendale batters to finish with multiple hits, going 2-for-5. Pitching in relief, left-hander Rob Kaminsky allowed one earned run on two hits and struck out pair.

Royals
Nick Heath, hitting atop the Surprise lineup, went 3-for-6 with three stolen bases and three runs scored. Arnaldo Jose Hernandez cruised through 1 2/3 innings on the mound and struck out a pair. Walker Sheller was equally effective on the mound as he closed the game with a scoreless inning.

Tigers
Daz Cameron, the Tigers' No. 8 prospect, went 1-for-5 at the plate for Mesa. Daniel Woodrow, a 23-year-old outfielder also had a tough night at the plate going 0-for-4.

Twins
Twins No. 18 prospect Travis Blankenhorn turned in an 0-for-4 performance while Jaylin Davis went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Devin Smeltzer gave up three hits in his two innings on the mound, but was able to keep those runners from scoring.

White Sox
White Sox No. 4 prospect Luis Robert (No. 44 overall) was 1-for-5 with a strikeout for Glendale after a 1-for-4 showing in his AFL debut on Tuesday.

AL West

A's
A's No. 18 prospect Eli White had a nice night at the plate as he finished 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base. Skye Bolt (No. 30) also had a nice night at the plate. He also went 2-for-4, but did so with a two-run homer. Angel Duno got roughed up on the mound as he gave up four runs in just 2/3 of an inning. Conversely, Jake Bray didn't yield a run or a hit and picked up a pair of strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings. Sam Sheehan also tossed 1 1/3 frames and gave up one run on five walks.

Angels
Angels No. 4 prospect Jahmai Jones remains hitless in the AFL, but he did score a run and has tallied three through the first two games. Third baseman Roberto Baldoquin also scored a run, while going 0-for-2 at the plate. On the mound, Daniel Procopio gave up two runs on two hits in two innings of work.

Astros
Abraham Toro-Hernandez, the Astros No. 21 prospect, came through with an RBI single in the first inning and also drew two walks as part of a 1-for-3 night. Ronnie Dawson came up big for Scottsdale as he hit a pair of doubles and drove in as many runs. Dawson also added a single and finished 3-for-5.

Mariners
Evan White, Seattle's No. 2 prospect, notched two singles from the three spot in Peoria's lineup. He also scored a run in the contest before finishing 2-for-5. Catcher Joe DeCarlo was 1-for-4 with an RBI and a walk.

Rangers
Rangers No. 2 prospect Julio Pablo Martinez went 1-for-5, while Yanio Perez did the bulk of the damage at the plate, finishing 2-for-5 with three RBIs. Charles LeBlanc went 4-for-5, while Josh Morgan went 1-for-5.

NL East

Braves
Braves No. 6 prospect Cristian Pache (No. 68 overall) tallied three hits, an RBI and scored two runs as Peoria won for a second time in as many games. Shortstop Ray-Patrick Didder also collected two hits in the victory.

Marlins
Marlins No. 1 prospect Monte Harrison reached base three times as he drew a walk to supplement his 2-for-4 night. Brian Miller (No. 11) also walked and picked up a hit, finishing 1-for-4.

Mets
Andres Gimenez and Peter Alonso, the Mets' Nos. 1 and 2 prospects, each went deep in Scottsdale's win over Mesa. Gimenez hit a solo blast and finished 1-for-4, while Alonso finished a triple shy of the cycle and scored three runs. More »

Nationals
Nationals No. 7 prospect Daniel Johnson went 0-for-3 at the plate and Tres Barrera (No. 15) went 0-for-4. On the mound, Luis Reyes (No. 23) gave up seven runs in 1 2/3 innings while Jordan Mills gave up a run in his two innings.

Phillies
Phillies No. 11 prospect Arquimedes Gamboa walked twice, but didn't do much else offensively as he finished 0-for-3. Austin Listi had an equally frustrating night at the plate as he went 0-for-4. Seth McGarry struck out four and yielded just one hit over two scoreless innings.

NL Central

Brewers
Brewers top prospect Keston Hiura (No. 30 overall) followed his impressive AFL debut on Tuesday by going 2-for-4 with a grand slam, giving him seven RBIs in his first two games with Peoria. More »

Cardinals
Cardinals No. 27 prospect Conner Greene gave up two runs in 1/3 of an inning. Connor Jones (No. 30) gave up one hit in two scoreless innings. Evan Kruczynski picked up the win for Surprise. The lefty gave up five runs, however none were earned. Lane Thomas went 2-for-5 at the plate. Will Latcham also pitched and gave up two runs in 1 2/3 innings.

Cubs
Jhonny Pereda picked up his first hit of the Fall League in a 1-for-4 performance. Bailey Clark, a 23-year-old right-hander, notched a pair of strikeouts as he pitched 1 2/3 scoreless frames.

Pirates
Pirates No. 16 prospect Will Craig hit his first homer of the Fall League, a two-run blast, and later picked up another hit to finish 2-for-5.

Reds
Reds No. 8 prospect Shed Long played a big part in Scottsdale's win as he went 1-for-3 with a trio of RBIs. He also drew a pair of walks. Ty Boyles threw a perfect inning in relief, notching a pair of strikeouts in the process.Wyatt Strahan and Alex Powers followed Boyles on the mound and were equally effective as each gave up a hit in a scoreless frame.

NL West

D-backs
D-backs No. 3 prospect Jazz Chisholm picked up a couple of hits and finished the night 2-for-5. However, he was caught stealing in his lone attempt. Right-hander Tyler Mark gave up a run on four hits, but his night was cut short as he left the game with an injury. Bo Takahashi followed Mark and proceeded to give up two runs in an 1 1/3 frames. Kevin Ginkel had the best showing of the night among D-backs prospects as he struck out the side to close the game in the ninth.

Dodgers
First baseman Jared Walker showed the power that allowed him to hit 25 homers during the regular season across two levels of A ball when he launched a solo shot to deep right field in the bottom of the seventh inning. Left-hander Ben Holmes turned in a strong first start, tossing three scoreless frames, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out four.

Giants
Giants No. 10 prospect Heath Quinn struck out four times, but also drove in a run as part of a 1-for-5 night. Melvin Adon (No. 19) gave up two runs (one earned) in his inning of work on the mound, while Garrett Williams (No. 20) gave up one run on two hits over two innings and picked up the win. Right-hander Sam Wolff closed out the game as he struck out two in a perfect ninth.

Padres
Padres No. 13 prospect Buddy Reed went 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI from the leadoff spot and also threw out a runner at the plate in his AFL debut. Hudson Potts (No. 23) went 1-for-5 with a double, while right-hander Miguel Diaz tossed three innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out three. Dauris Valdez, a 6-foot-8 righty, worked a scoreless sixth inning for Peoria to earn the win.

Rockies
Rockies No. 11 prospect Tyler Nevin picked up an RBI double for his lone hit of the night. Nevin later added an RBI via a groundup and finished 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Josh Fuentes also doubled and finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.

DENVER -- The bats that disappeared on the road during the week didn't turn up at Coors Field on a chilly Sunday afternoon, either. And a promising Rockies season is over.

The Rockies managed few chances and were shut out for the second straight game as the Brewers completed a three-game sweep of the National League Division Series, 6-0, before a sellout crowd of 49,658.

:: NLDS schedule and results ::

It was just the third shutout of the Rockies at Coors Field this season, supplying an ending befitting a punchless week. In a 5-2 NL West tiebreaking loss to the Dodgers last Monday, a 2-1 win over the Cubs in 13 innings in the NL Wild Card Game and three games against the Brewers -- who head to the NL Championship Series on an 11-game win streak -- the Rockies scored a total of six runs.

While the Rockies can celebrate 2018 as the first time the team made postseason trips in consecutive years -- they played in the NL Wild Card Game last year -- the quick exit means there is work to do.

"They [the Brewers] pitched really well," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "They've got good arms. I think there was a little bit of pressing going on all week. These were games that were high intensity and a lot on the line. You know, the Dodger game, the Cubs game, these three playoff games. I think there were some guys trying a little bit too hard, which is a natural occurrence."

• Despite NLDS loss, future optimistic for Rockies

Starting pitching has been a priority, and it accounted for itself well. German Marquez gave up two runs -- one on Jesus Aguilar's Statcast-measured 418-foot homer in the fourth -- on seven hits with five strikeouts before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the fifth. Counting lefty Kyle Freeland's 6 2/3 scoreless innings in the NL Wild Card Game, Rockies starters managed a 1.99 ERA in four postseason games.

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Aguilar smashes a solo homer to left

• Hometown kid Freeland doesn't pitch in NLDS

But with the season on the line, the Rockies managed four hits -- and made dubious history. In their 26-season history, they had never been blanked in consecutive games when one of them was played at Coors.

Headliner Nolan Arenado went 0-for-4 -- with a befuddled strikeout against Joakim Soria in the sixth encapsulating his day and a 2-for-11 series.

"You gotta give credit to the Brewers, also," Arenado said. "Good pitching. Other than that, we just didn't have good at-bats. Sometimes you go through stretches where you just can't get anything going. Early in the year, we had that, where our pitchers were pitching really well, and our offense couldn't get going. It was like that, just at the wrong time."

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Arenado turns a 5-3 double play

Leadoff man Charlie Blackmon, who managed a couple of well-struck balls, was 0-for-4 on Sunday and 1-for-12 for the series. Trevor Story, who joined Blackmon and Arenado at the All-Star Game, managed two hits, with a double, in Game 3 after going 0-for-8 in Games 1 and 2. DJ LeMahieu, eligible for free agency, doubled on a 1-for-3 day, but he was 2-for-9 in the series.

Blackmon, who has dealt with the Rockies' at times extreme peaks and valleys (and is signed through 2021), said performance in big at-bats is an area for improvement.

"It's one thing to play a six-month season and be a good player; it's another thing to have to get the hit right now or you lose and you go home," Blackmon said. "It's a little different mentality when you play that one-game playoff or you make it to the Division Series and every game is so important.

"We need to bring that into the regular season, and make those leveraged at-bats really count."

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Rockies discuss NLDS loss to the Brewers

It was supposed to change when the Rockies left the road. They put two on base in the second, on Story's leadoff single and Carlos Gonzalez's one-out walk against Brewers starter Wade Miley. However, Ian Desmond flied to left and Tony Wolters grounded out. And it certainly didn't help the offense when the vaunted Brewers bullpen took over -- with Corey Knebel's strikeout of Blackmon to end the fifth.

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Knebel strikes out Blackmon to end 5th

The Brewers scored twice in an odd sixth against Scott Oberg, on a balk and a wild pitch with two out. Rockies closer Wade Davis, with no game to save, yielded consecutive homers to Orlando Arcia and Keon Broxton in the ninth before walking two more and exiting.

Video: Must C Clips: Brewers extend lead on balk, wild pitch

Sunday's defeat left the crowd and the players disappointed, but veteran first baseman Desmond noted that a setback day can't erase the forward step the team took.

"We grinded as a collective group better, and ultimately we made it one step further," Desmond said. "There are a lot of guys in this locker room who are 2-for-2 in postseason appearances. That is not the ultimate goal. That's to win the World Series. But it's not a bad thing for guys to know that we're good enough to make it to the postseason."

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Black discusses the Rockies 2018 season

SOUND SMART
Marquez made his start at 23 years and 227 days of age. The only younger Rockies pitcher to make a postseason start was lefty Franklin Morales, who was 21 in 2007 when he started a game apiece in the NLDS and the NLCS.

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Marquez K's 5 in 5 solid innings

"That's my approach every time I go out, give the team a chance to win and keeping the game close," Marquez said in Spanish, with first-base coach Tony Diaz translating. "That's what I did tonight. Unfortunately, we came up short.

"You've got to tip your cap to the Brewers' pitching staff. Our offense is really good, and they shut us down. That happens."

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Black discusses Marquez's performance

WAS THIS GOODBYE?
In the first inning, LeMahieu ranged to his left to grab Travis Shaw's grounder, took a spin toward the outfield and fired to second for an out on a play that drove in the Brewers' first run. Such plays from LeMahieu, a two-time All-Star and two-time Rawlings NL Gold Glove Award winner, became common after he arrived from the Cubs -- chiefly for infielder Ian Stewart -- after the 2011 season.

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Shaw plates Yelich on fielder's choice

LeMahieu, who added the double and a walk to his day, said the idea that his time in purple pinstripes could be over hit him emotionally.

"It's been an unbelievable experience, just couldn't be more thankful for being a Rockie, for my time since I've been called up," LeMahieu said. "It's easy to do with the group we have. Such an unselfish group.

"The fact that we were eight games out in June, and everyone was getting questions about what's going to happen if everyone gets traded -- to end where we did, it was pretty cool how we played the second half."

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: LeMahieu knocks a double to left

LeMahieu isn't the only one facing free agency.

Gonzalez was a free agent last year, but he re-signed during Spring Training. Now he faces free agency again.

"This is a place that I know over the years, and I feel really proud of every single opportunity I've had in this organization, and we'll see what happens in the end."

Additionally, righty reliever Adam Ottavino will be a first-time free agent, and Matt Holliday will be free, also. The Rockies have a club option on outfielder Gerardo Parra, at $12 million for 2019 or a $1.5 million buyout; they're unlikely to pick up the option but could negotiate a new deal.

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Pending Rox free agents discuss future

HE SAID IT
"This has been a big learning experience. I think I had a solid year. I think the way people approach me and talk to me, it feels like it's been a down year. I guess the bad games I've had, they've been in crucial situations. That part hurts. But I played in 150 games -- that's my goal every year. I drove in 100. I'm very thankful for the year I had. It's hard to sit here and complain about the year I had. I wish I was better in certain situations, and I wish I was better here in October, but that's the part of the game you learn." -- Arenado

Video: MIL@COL Gm3: Arenado discusses hitting in Game 3 loss

DENVER -- A sellout Coors Field crowd watched the Rockies fall, 6-0, to the Brewers and be swept in three games in the National League Division Series. But it didn't get to see its favorite son -- left-hander Kyle Freeland -- pitch in the postseason at home.

Rockies manager Bud Black, noting that Freeland's 6 2/3 scoreless innings in the NL Wild Card Game on Tuesday came on three days' rest, decided to hold Freeland for Monday. Although German Marquez wasn't bad Sunday -- two runs and five strikeouts in five innings -- the season ended without Freeland getting his first postseason start at Coors Field.

:: NLDS schedule and results ::

Before the game, Freeland, 25, threw his support behind Marquez, saying he had "an extremely hot hand." Afterward, he turned his attention to working to put himself in a position where he'll get his chance. Freeland led a youthful, solid starting rotation by going 17-7 with a 2.85 ERA in 33 starts.

"No matter how or when you're defeated, you've definitely got to use that as a motivator to get you going into next year, constantly bettering yourself," Freeland said. "Maybe remember that you didn't make the postseason or you got knocked out in the postseason or you lost a certain game. You want to make sure that doesn't happen again, and you want to do what it takes to make sure that doesn't happen again."

Freeland's ERA was the lowest for a Rockies starter who qualified for the league title in the category, and he is certain to have his name on some Cy Young Award ballots. Baseball Writers' Association of America voters can list five pitchers. The only Rockies pitcher to finish among the top five was Ubaldo Jimenez, who was third in 2010.

Freeland's outing against the Cubs was part of a 1.99 ERA for Colorado's starting rotation in its four postseason games.

"It's exciting, knowing that young guys like us just now really getting into the postseason atmosphere of pitching, it shows that we're not scared of it, we won't back down from it, and we rise to the occasion," Freeland said. "From that Game 163 [a loss at Los Angeles started by Marquez] all the way up until now, starting pitching has been extremely good."