Colorado Rockies

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Chris Fry

Chris Fry created this group on SportProjections.com.

2008 Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions

Contributor: Tom Stephenson, mvn.com/mlb-rockies

2007 Record: 90-73

2007 Summary: The Rockies had a shaky start to the season, but rebounded and closed out the season by winning 14 of 15 to take the wild card. The 11-game winning streak from September 16-27 set a franchise record.

Matt Holliday narrowly missed out on the MVP award, and rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki very nearly won the Rookie of the Year award, finishing a close second behind Ryan Braun. Less publicity was given to the solid seasons enjoyed by Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe, but they were key cogs in the Rockies' lineup.

The Rockies overcame several injuries to pitchers during the season. Jason Hirsh, Rodrigo Lopez, and Aaron Cook were all lost for the season during a two-week stretch in late July and early August, but rookies Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales pitched well down the stretch to help the playoff push. The star of the staff was Jeff Francis, who tied a franchise record with 17 wins and also had a 4.22 ERA.

2008 Key Additions: The Rockies shored up the bullpen with the acquisitions of free agent Luis Vizcaino and Jose Capellan, obtained in a trade with Detroit. Kip Wells and Josh Towers were brought in to provide insurance for the pitching staff. For the most part, though, it was a quiet offseason for the Rockies.

2008 Key Losses: Kaz Matsui departed in free agency for the Astros. Josh Fogg, LaTroy Hawkins, and Jeremy Affeldt also departed in free agency.

2008 Starting Lineup:
1. Willy Taveras CF
2. Troy Tulowitzki SS
3. Matt Holliday LF
4. Todd Helton 1B
5. Garrett Atkins 3B
6. Brad Hawpe RF
7. Yorvit Torrealba C
8. Jayson Nix 2B

2008 Starting Rotation: Jeff Francis, Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Hirsh, Franklin Morales

2008 Closer: Manny Corpas

2008 MVP: Jeff Francis. The Rockies' unsung hero last season, Francis rebounded from a slow start to win 12 of 13 decisions over the summer. The difference between a good season and a great season for the team will be a standout performance from Francis.

The Rockies will be successful if: The cast is almost the same one that ran to the NL pennant late last season, so the key is to build on last season and hope that the pitching can be consistent. That's asking a lot of a 24-year-old (Jimenez) and a 22-year-old (Morales), but the West is so tough that any drop-off will cause the Rockies to be sitting at home this October.

2008 Season Prediction: While the Rockies largely stayed quiet in the offseason, the Diamondbacks and Dodgers made moves to improve their teams. The West will be even tougher in 2008 than it was last year, but the Rockies should be in the race until the end. Call it a homer pick, but I think 2008 will finally be the year that the Rockies claim the division title.

Standings Prediction:
1. Colorado Rockies
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. San Diego Padres
5. San Francisco Giants

denverpost.com

No sure deal for Betancourt

The Rockies announced Friday that they declined the $5 million contract option for right-handed reliever Rafael Betancourt.

Tulo misses out on Gold Glove

By any measure, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is a great defender. But, he is not yet a Gold Glover. The Rockies, despite having three strong candidates, were shut out for the fifth consecutive season.

Rockies' Tulowitzki unable to catch first Gold Glove

By any measure, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is a great defender. But, he is not yet a Gold Glover.

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denverpost.com

List of Rockies’ arbitration eligible players

DENVER — Salary arbitration has been collectively bargained since 1974. It has been misunderstood for nearly as long. Currently baseball clubs control the contracts of almost all players with zero to three years of major league experience. There is an exception made for “Super Two” players who are eligible for arbitration if they played at [...]

More about Torrealba turning down the Rockies’ two-year deal

DENVER — The Rockies have not talked to Yorvit Torrealba since they declined his $4 million option last Friday. Torrealba rejected a two-year, $4.5-million deal from the Rockies in the days leading up to that decision. That choice needs context, however. He turned that down before the Rockies had decided whether they were going to [...]

No Gold Gloves for Rockies for the fifth straight year; Rollins, Gonzalez among winners

The Rockies, despite having three strong candidates, were shut out for the fifth consecutive season in the NL Gold Glove Awards, according to a major league source.

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rockymountainnews.com

RINGOLSBY: Ramirez not the key to the Dodgers' success

Put the Mannymania on hold. Yes, Los Angeles is a star-studded town, and yes Manny Ramirez became a Dodger darling in his two months with the team at the end of last season. No doubt if he finally signs with the Dodgers there will be a positive reaction from the fans. But get serious.

Helton preparing to get face lift

Huston Street made his debut with the Colorado Rockies on Thursday, giving up a run and three hits in a 4-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox in front of 2,943 fans at Hi Corbett Field.