Utility:
Jeff Baker INF, Ian Stewart[ii]
3B, Eli Marrero OF, JD Closser C
25th
man contenders: Willie Harris 2B, Jamey Carroll INF, Omar
Quintanilla INF, Choo Freeman OF, Ryan Spilborghs OF, Manuel Corpas P, Zach
Day SP, JD Closser C
Departures: Dustan Mohr OF, Desi Relaford INF, Todd Greene C, Jay
Witasik RP
Additions: Ray King RP, Jose Mesa RP, Willie Harris 2B
Strengths: Talent, youth, desire, opportunity, the 2008 season. The
ROY could hail from Colorado this year, so could a 100 loss season, although
the Rockies did not lose any significant players in the off season and are
one year more experienced. This year is about building a foundation
Weaknesses: Finding a good babysitter will be tough, career backup
Yorvit Torrealba is considered a veteran on this team which brought in other
vets like Ray King and Jose Mesa to demonstrate to the wealth of young
talent how NOT to disregard healthy eating, proper exercise, self control,
anything to do with law abiding. Behind Jason Jennings, who has the
potential to surpass the mile high pile of pitchers who have failed in the
Colorado air is a crapshoot, loaded with talent and a pair of Kim’s, the
rotation and bullpen are open to anyone who performs. Surrounding Todd
Helton is a free for all, youth and talent are the only constants, however
injuries are already hitting the Rockies this spring, (Day, Fogg, Torrealba,
Salazar, Marrero, Tsao).
Foreseen
variables: 20-year-old phenom Ian Stewart could swing his way into a
roster spot. If converted pitcher Simon Ferrer[iii]
can continue to impress with his devastating knuckler in the minors, the
thin air of Colorado may be his next destination. Todd Helton could be moved
for prospects before his decline becomes apparent and value diminishes.
2006
Projection:
Last in the division. Plenty of talent, but time and Coors Field still need
must be conquered prior to respectability.
