The Colorado Rockies will report to camp as the defending National League Champions for the first time in their history. The more impressive thing you ask? They've made just 1 change defensively, that was at 2nd base, signing former San Diego Padre and Atlanta Brave Marcus Giles, but he's not a lock for the job, he'll have to contend with young prospect Jayson Nix.
The one thing that the Rockies won't do next season is sneak up on anyone. They were the surprise of baseball down the stretch in 2007, making a run that noone saw coming. To say they could possibly be just as good as last season isn't much of a stretch. Though, they will have to deal with a division that is, arguably, one of the best in the bigs.
The rotation still has a potent 1-2 punch with Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis along with Jason Hirsch and Ubaldo Jimenez who will round out the front four. The 5th spot will be an interesting battle between Kip Wells, Josh Towers, Mark Redman and possibly Franklin Morales, but don't count out young right-hander Taylor Buchholz as well. Not a bad problem to have if you ask me.
The bullpen was addressed as well, adding right handers Jose Capellan and Luis Vizcaino. With those two guys in the mix, the Rockies bullpen should be just as strong as 2007, especially having a guy like Manny Corpas in the 9th inning.
Arrivals:
RHP Jose Capellan (trade with Tigers)
RHP Jose Vizcaino (free agent from Yankees)
RHP Kip Wells (free agent from Cardinals)
Departures:
RHP Denny Bautista (traded to Tigers)
INF Jamey Carroll (traded to Indians for a player to be named)
RHP LaTroy Hawkins (signed with Yankees)
2B Kazuo Matsui (signed with Astros)
Offensively, the Rockies will be able to put up runs and keep themselves in a lot of games. Led by veteran and lifetime Rockie Todd Helton, MVP Matt Holliday, SS Troy Tulowitzki (fresh off signing a 6-year extension), and returning free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba who was very close to joining the NY Mets back in December.
The Rockies have shown that you don't have to sign high priced free agents to be successful, you can build within and still be the National League Champions.
Prediction Time:
The Rockies are going to be in the hunt for the NL West title all year, no question about it. As long as Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis can pitch the way they did in 2007 and the offense keeps clicking, this is going to be a scary team to deal with.
Rockies - 93 - 69
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