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

Rockies bring back catcher Phillips

Free agent Yorvit Torrealba still might return. But if he doesn't the Rockies have a backup plan.

Giants' Lincecum lengthens reign as ace of NL

Talk about a freak — Tim Lincecum needed just 15 wins to bag another NL Cy Young Award.

Selig: Some teams didn't make profit

Some teams lost money in 2009, baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday after the final owners meeting of the year.

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denverpost.com

McKenry among those added to 40-man roster

DENVER — With a farm system bulging with prospects setting the 40-man roster is never easy. The Rockies made their additions in advance of the Rule 5 draft next month. The list: RHP Alberto Alburquerque, RHP Edgmer Escalona, C Michael McKenry, RHP Juan Nicasio and RHP Chaz Roe. The Rockies now have 38 players on their [...]

Rockies bring back catcher Paul Phillips

Free agent Yorvit Torrealba still might return. But if he doesn’t the Rockies have a backup plan. They signed Paul Phillips to a minor-league contract today, The Denver Post learned, providing them with a veteran to pair with Chris Iannetta. “I still have a shot at being the backup and I love the team,’’ said Phillips [...]

Rockies spring schedule released, highlighted by trip to Albuquerque

DENVER — As promised, the Rockies’ spring training schedule courtesy of the team’s PR staff. Here is the release with the schedule: The Colorado Rockies today announced their 31-game 2010 Cactus League schedule, which features 15 home dates for the club in Tucson, Arizona. The final two games of the schedule will played in Albuquerque, New [...]

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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.