2010 Colorado Rockies Spring Training Preview

After a rough start to the 2009 season, a start that cost former manager Clint Hurdle his job, the Colorado Rockies rallied to take the National League Wild Card. The team wound up losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Philadelphia Phillies. The 2010 version hopes to take the next step and win the NL West, but have they made enough changes to accomplish that?

The Rockies suffered only one significant loss due to free agency and that was starting pitcher Jason Marquis, who signed with the Washington Nationals. Marquis won 15 games for the Rockies last season while eating up over 215 innings. The Rockies also lost some role players including third baseman Garrett Atkins, who had a horrible season in 2009 and catcher Yorvit Torrealba, a decent defender with a less than potent bat.

New to the Rockies in 2010 Will be third baseman Melvin Mora. A Baltimore Oriole the past 10 seasons, Mora has some power, he hit 23 home runs in 2008. Mora will be used as a back up for the young Ian Stewart at third as well as play some second and left field. Colorado also brought in a new back up catcher in Miguel Olivo. He crushed a career high 23 home runs for the Kansas City Royals in 2009, so playing at Coors Field could agree with him.

The biggest addition for the Rockies will probably be the return of starting pitcher Jeff Francis. He missed all of the 2009 season due to shoulder surgery in his pitching arm. The former 17 game winner is expected to be ready for the beginning of spring training.

The rotation is solid, with ace Ubaldo Jimenez leading the way followed by Aaron Cook, Jorge De La Rosa, Jason Hammel, and the aforementioned Jeff Francis. Jimenez had his second solid season in a row picking up 15 wins last season. His 3.47 earned run average is impressive, especially in the thin air of Colorado. Although none of the other starters blow you away, top to bottom the Rockies may have the best rotation in the division.

The bullpen will be anchored once again by closer Huston Street. Street had a very successful first season in Colorado in 2009 converting 35 of 37 save opportunities. Franklin Morales will probably wind up setting up for Street this season. Matt Daley and Rafael Betancourt will also be in the bullpen.

The offense will be led by shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. After a disappointing 2008 season, Tulowitzki bounced back in 2009 cracking 32 home runs with a .297 batting average. The Rockies offense also features Todd Helton, Brad Hawpe, Ian Stewart, Clint Barmes and some speed from center fielder Dexter Fowler. Hawpe is looking to bounce back from a lackluster second half in which he only hit for a .240 average. The Rockies will also have veteran power hitter Jason Giambi coming to pinch hit and spell Todd Helton at first.

With the Los Angeles Dodgers likely sliding back a bit, the NL West will be ripe for the taking. The Rockies have the balance of pitching and offense that can win the division. Prediction: 94 wins and 1st in the NL West.