| Scott Miller's Take |
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Even manager Clint Hurdle laughs and admits that maybe this year, the Rockies might want to find a way to get into the playoffs without having to win 21 of 22 games in a wild sprint down the stretch. What a run it was in Colorado, the most memorable stretch of baseball the Rockies have ever played. And what's best about it is that the contending should continue over the next several seasons. Video Outlook
Strengths
The Rockies feeder system is developed and paying off. Of the 25-man World Series roster last season, 16 players were homegrown. And eight of nine starters are back, all but second baseman Kaz Matsui. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was a smash in his debut season and can do it all -- field, hit, run, heck, he probably makes a mean jambalaya, too. Outfielder Matt Holliday posted MVP-type numbers last year, Todd Helton remains the backbone of the clubhouse and last year's run will only increase Colorado's confidence.
Weaknesses
Second base was an issue coming out of the spring. Is rookie Jayson Nix ready to handle it? Ian Stewart and Clint Barmes could find themselves in the mix if not. The rotation should be solid behind Jeff Francis, Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez, but Franklin Morales, who was nails down the stretch last season, is coming off of a bad spring. Is he ready for the big time?
Difference Maker
Troy Tulowitzki. Anybody who saw Tulowitzki play for any extended length of time last year knows that he's a superstar in the making. This has been Todd Helton's team for so long, but the Rockies clearly are in the midst of a transition to Tulowitzki. And that's a testament to Tulowitzki's skills, not a knock on the classy Helton.
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| Top Prospects |
| 1. |
Ian Stewart, 3B/2B |
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Offseason trial at second opens up huge opportunity for awesome talent.
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| 2. |
Franklin Morales, SP (L) |
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Strong finish and postseason contributions give him job to lose this spring.
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| 3. |
Greg Reynolds, SP (R) |
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Immense talent will miss first month or two, but can start by summer.
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| 4. |
Joe Koshansky , 1B |
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Yet another power corner infielder, but it's a crowded situation for him.
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| 5. |
Chris Nelson, SS |
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Great numbers but he needs a new position with Tulo around long term.
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Complete NL West prospects |
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Matt Holliday is coming off one of the best seasons in NL history, and is likely to be in the running for MVP again this season. (Getty Images)
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Community
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Nephitesport asks users -- Who do you think will be the Rockies "TEAM" MVP at the end of the 2008 season? Who will lead us back into the playoffs and to our 1st NL West Division title? Vote now.
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Give us your thoughts!
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 90-73 (2nd in NL West / NL Wild-Card / NL Champs)
Manager: Clint Hurdle, 7th year (442-509)
Stadium: Coors Field (50,449; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | W. Taveras, CF | Led team in stolen bases last season |
| 2. | T. Tulowitzki, SS | Can he replace Matsui's speed in the No. 2 slot? |
| 3. | T. Helton, 1B | An impressive .332 career batting average |
| 4. | M. Holliday, LF | '07s NL Batting Champion, RBI leader and LCS MVP |
| 5. | G. Atkins, 3B
| Will his time in Colorado be cut short because of Stewart? |
| 6. | B. Hawpe, RF | Had career highs in R, H, HR and RBI but struggled vs. lefties |
| 7. | Y. Torrealba C
| Back with Rox after Mets deal fell through |
| 8. | J. Nix, 2B | Slow to progress but showed promise in Triple-A last season |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
J. Francis (L) |
Team-high 17 wins last season |
| 2. |
A. Cook (R) |
Missed the Rox Sept. run because of injury |
| 3. |
U. Jimenez (R) |
'07 midseason call-up in first full season |
| 4. |
M. Redman (L) |
Joined the club in Sept. but didn't appear in the postseason |
| 5. |
F. Morales (L) |
Shares Rox record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched by a starter (20) |
| Closer |
Comment |
| M. Corpas (R) |
Dominated after taking over closer in June |
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