The Colorado Rockies were relatively quiet this offseason in terms of adding new faces. Though they have been tied to the Texas Rangers in a potential Michael Young deal, their three biggest moves were extending the contracts of young starts troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez and resigning pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. They are led by veteran Todd Helton and bring back a solid core as they compete for the division this year.
Projected Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler (CF)
Troy Tulowitzki is arguably the best shortstop in the Major Leagues
- Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
- Carlos Gonzalez (RF)
- Todd Helton (1B)
- Ian Stewart (3B)
- Seth Smith (LF)
- Chris Iannetta (C)
- Eric Young (2B)
Projected Rotation:
- Ubaldo Jimenez
- Jorge De La Rosa
- Aaron Cook
- Jhoulys Chacin
- John Maine
Strengths:
“Tulo” and “Car-go” lead a young, solid and improving nucleus in to this season. They play in Coors, a hitters paradise despite the humidor and should produce a lot of runs.
Gonzalez had a breakout season last year, hitting .336 with 34 HRs and 117 RBIs. Not too many superstars put up numbers like that and a repeat performance would enter the outfielder into the conversation as one of baseball’s best.
Tulowitzki was rewarded for his service this offseason with a massive long-term deal ( a seven year extension worth $134 million, keeping him under contact until 2020) and Gonzalez just signed a 7 year- $80 million deal. The Rockies have their best players locked up long term. Even if this isn’t the Rockies year (it isn’t) they have time to develop a well-rounded squad capable of contending.
The bench is also a strength for the Rockies who just added Ty Wigginton to go along with Jose Lopez and Ryan Spilborghs at manager Jim Tracy’s disposal.
Weaknesses:
Chris Iannetta has shown great potential year after year and has put up decent power numbers (18HRs and 16HRs in 2008 and 2009 respectively) but had a terrible year in 2010 (.197, 9HRs). As of now he is penciled in as the Rockies starting catcher and prospect Willin Rosario is still a couple of years off.
Todd Helton has been the face of this franchise for nearly a decade but his skills have declined precipitously in recent years. Last year, Helton, a .324 career hitter, batted only .256. He hit 49HRs in 2001 but has averaged less than 12 over the last four years. The team brought in Wigginton as an insurance policy but Helton is still the starter and leader of the club. Is he over the hill or can he still contribute?
Ubaldo Jimenez had a stellar year last season (19-8, 2.88 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) and will look to repeat his performance but behind him the rotation is suspect. De La Rosa has never quite lived up to the hype and Cook and Maine are serviceable big league pitchers (though Maine was tossed off by the Mets, never a good sign). The real question mark is Chacin who showed promise in his first full season posting a 1.27 WHIP last year. Can he continue to improve or will hitter adjust to him this season?
Storylines:
The Future is Bright: The Rockies have four prospects in Kieth Law’s Top 100 (and another named Rex Brothers, how awesome!) and have their best players locked up for the foreseeable future. They are a young team, Ubaldo is only 27, and have a real chance to be really good in the next couple years. Their top prospect pitched in Single-A last year so they’ll have to wait but time is a luxury the Rockies currently have.
The Young and the Restless: Its no secret the Michael Young wants out of Texas and that the Rangers and Rockies have been in talks about him. If they can make this work, the Rangers want a lot in return and Young is owed a lot of money, Michael Young will be a vast improvement at second base and a fixture in the two hole in the lineup .
Prediction:
82-80, 3rd place, NL West. The Rockies are the epitome of an average team, some bright spots, some black holes, not a ton of depth and a decent but not overwhelming bullpen. There is success in the future for this team and that time table could be moved up if they get Michael Young and make some shrewd deadline moves. This year, however, 3rd place seems to be calling their name nearly as loud as a spot on the couch to watch the playoffs.
Bold Prediction:
- Garlos Gonzalez will prove himself as a bona fide superstar with another big year.
- Jorge De La Rosa is bad, this year everyone will realize it.
- Chris Iannetta, with regular playing time, will hit .205 with 35 HRs.
- Michael Young will be a Colorado Rockie
And Now For Something Completely Different:
Sean was wrong yesterday in his analysis of the Melo trade, though I miss Danilo already.
Eminem reached a billion youtube views yesterday.
This is what 320,000 firecrakers all going off at once looks like.
The new Brian Wilson commercial, a must see.
Its important to keep up on your current events.
Do you have the common cold?
-Max Frankel
