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Rockies:
Todd and the Todd-lers
by Daniel
Paulling
April 8, 2005
The Colorado Rockies have tried to win in many
different ways. Being the closest stadium to the moon, General Manager
Dan O’Dowd put together a team that clubbed home runs ad infinitum.
The team was successful by earning the  NL
Wild Card in their first season, but this was not a plan that would
last for a long time.
The Rockies then moved towards a plan that centered on speed to
cover the spacious outfield gaps. When this did not work, the Rockies
moved to overpaid players like Mike Hampton, Charles Johnson, and
Preston Wilson.
This ultimately failed too so the Rockies have begun all over again.
And this time it looks like they are getting it right with youth,
offense, and a few decent arms. Here’s a look at how the Rockies’
rebuilding plan is coming along.
The Starting Rotation
The starting rotation will be headed by 2003 Rookie of the Year
Jason Jennings. While Jennings’ ERA went up only half a run
in the 2004 season, it was still over five runs per game. If Jennings
can regain his form from 2003, the Rockies would have a formidable
pitcher and perhaps someone worthy of a fantasy pick.
Second in the rotation is Devil Ray castoff Joe Kennedy. Last year
wasn’t that big for Kennedy, he just won the ERA title for
the Rockies organization with a 3.66 ERA. If he can stay in that
range, the Rockies could have two pitchers worthy of fantasy picks.
Shawn Chacon is the number three starter in the rotation. He was
an All Star in 2003, but did not fare so well as a closer last season.
This can be attributed to the fact that he was never a closer, always
a starter. The Rockies are now moving him back into the rotation
and if he can repeat his 2003 season, the Rockies have a rotation
that is already deep.
Jeff Francis is penciled in
as the number four starter with the Rockies, and you know what?
He’s got game. Dayn Perry of FoxSports ranks Francis as the
15th best prospect while Baseball America has him at
23. I think he is a very formidable pitcher with an excellent changeup.
I think his curve will flatten out in Coors and he will be stuck
with two pitches in his home park.
The final spot in the rotation will be filled by either Jason Young,
who is considered to be a good prospect out of Stanford, or Darren
Oliver or Jamey Wright. While none of these players garner attention,
they should provide useful innings for the Rockies.
The Lineup
The “everyday” catcher will be JD Closser, considered
the Rockies best catching prospect. They would love to dump Charles
Johnson for a bag of baseballs, but would have no problem sitting
him on the bench in favor of this 25-year-old youngster. He should
provide 15-20 bombs with a .280 average in his first season.
Everyone knows who is playing first base, so I’ll just skip
that portion. Aaron Miles and Clint Barmes, two players that should
be pesky at the plate and catch the ball in the field, will handle
the middle infield. At third base is Ian Stewart, who is noted for
being athletic and having a very good bat. After all, Baseball America
ranks him 4th on their top prospect list.
In the outfield, the Rockies have Matt Holliday, a surprising player
with a good bat. Garret Atkins, blocked by Stewart at third, will
try his hand in the spacious outfield of Denver. Preston Wilson
will patrol center field until some team will trade just about anything
for him. Dustin Mohr, a scrappy ballplayer that leaves everything
on the field, will man right field. Brad Hawpe and Choo Freeman
are two players to keep a close eye on, as they are good prospects
that can hit.
But what’s the biggest thing on the minds of the Colorado Rockies
this year?
"Being competitive is very important," Helton said upon
arriving early at camp. "Young guys get confidence, pitchers
get confidence in the defense. I think it's going to be big, bullpen-wise,
to hold down some games. We need to come out and win some close
games early, get some momentum and go from there."
The Rockies will be hard pressed to compete this year, but if their
young starters can pitch and the hitters mash like crazy, they just
might be competitive in the very near future, something fans in
Denver have been waiting for a long time to see.
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