Reasons to Watch the Colorado Rockies in 2010
Posted on 30. Mar, 2010 at 12:00 pm by 3D in Colorado Rockies
As part of our MLB preview rollout this week, we asked some friends to write up a homer post detailing why we should give their team a look in 2010. The Micksta from Aurora, CO weighs in on the goods from this year’s version of the mile-high nine.
The 2009 Wild Card winners will be a strong contender again in the NL West for the division title and are able to win any series against any team in the entire senior circuit. The Rox have had a productive spring with just about every hitter finding his swing with the exception of Ian Stewart. The once crowned “stud” to replace Atkins at third needs to figure it out and step his game up or he’s going to find himself watching Eric Young Jr. because the Rox are too good to wait for him to “find” his swing this year.
The core of the Rox is back and better than ever. Troy Tulowitzki will be the leader with the stick in the Rox lineup and is expected to put up Silver-Slugger numbers while still anchoring an ever-improving defense. Our left-handed, two-headed monster at first base (Helton & Giambi) will split time this year with Helton projected to play about 125-130 games at first. Giambi and Helton have really hit it off and both players bring excellent hitting leadership to a young, free-swinging team.
The Rockies outfield is easily the best in the West and may be the most athletic outfield in the league. Hawpe is our steady-Eddie in right who will flat rake with more protection in the lineup this year. Dexter Fowler will be in center again and will most likely hit lead-off all year. If Fowler can cut down on his strikeouts by putting the ball on the ground more then watch out for him to swipe 30+ bags. Rounding out the lineup are the outfielders, starting with Ryan Spilborghs who is lighting it up this spring with a renewed mental focus. Seth Smith and Carlos Gonzales proved last September and October that they are able to start and pinch-hit with smashing success.
The Rox pitching staff will once again be solid enough to lead them to the playoffs for back-to-back years for the first time in their short history. The Rox will look for Jimenez and Cook to produce 30+ wins together while also being able to rely on surprise stud Jorge De La Rosa. The fourth and fifth spots in the rotation will be pretty flexible come the start of the year with Jason Hammel, Jeff Francis, and Franklin Morales in the mix. The only question mark for the Rox pitching staff is Street who continues to have shoulder stiffness. Manny Corpas will most likely be the starting closer when the Rox open up in Milwaukee, but don’t get your hopes up on Corpas anchoring the bullpen in the Mile High city.
Bottom line: Rox are going 95-67 this year while smoking the rest of the West! All the Rox need to do is finish May at .500, then let those bats heat up in the Denver summer while the Rox break off their typical 10-12 game winning streaks throughout June and July.
Meerkat
30. Mar, 2010
Nice write up on your boys, Micksta.
I hope Huston “batting practice” Street pitches every time the Phils are in town. That way the Coors Light will taste much sweeter during post game happy hour.
3D
31. Mar, 2010
Tough break losing Fuentes last year, Street is sketchy. And “professional hitter” Matt Stairs makes any homer look awesome.
Great job Mick!