Jan 07 2009
NL West Projections: Lineups, Rotations (Colorado Rockies)
The Colorado Rockies are not necessarily in rebuilding mode, but they are making moves and not staying pat and have already moved star left fielder Matt Holiday to the Oakland A’s in return for a young starting pitcher Greg Smith, setup/closer Huston Street to help their bullpen out, and young outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who should fill the void in left field for the Rockies in 2009, unless returner Seth Smith wins the job in Spring Training. The Rockies are also in the process of trading a reliever for starting pitcher Jason Marquis (from the Cubs) to furthermore upgrade and complete their starting rotation. The Rockies are probably content now going with the young outfield in Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez, Ryan Spilborghs, as well as Brad Hawpe. The bullpen should be stronger, even with the loss of closer Brian Fuentes to the Angels. They have Huston Street who will most likely be the setup man to closer Manny Corpas, unless Corpas falters in spring training or during season. Taylor Bucholz also was a solid setup guy and workhorse for the Rockies in 2008.
Projected Lineup:
1 Carlos Gonzalez/ Seth Smith LF, both young outfielders could serve as a platoon, but both are left-handed hitters.
2 Troy Tulowitzki SS , this young stud looks to rebound in 2009, after an injury-riddled 2008 season.
3 Todd Helton 1B, the veteran also looks to bounce back in 09′ after a dismal, injury-riddled season in 08′.
4 Garret Atkins 3B, Should move back to third base with the return of Todd Helton to full health at first base.
5 Brad Hawpe RF, Expect to put up similar numbers in 09′ as he put up in 08, 20 plus home runs and 90-100 RBI’s.
6 Ryan Spilborghs CF, Finally gets a chance to be an everyday hitter and should put up a solid season in 09′
7 Chris Ianetta C, Mostly an offensive-type catcher, who shall hit 15-20 HR’s.
8 Clint Barmes 2B, Should be the everyday second baseman, but look for young stud Ian Stewart to compete for a platoon at this position, if not the everyday job.
Projected Rotation:
SP1 Aaron Cook, This sinkerballer and 2008 All Star will be the ace for the Rockies.
SP2 Jeff Francis, the 2008 ace will move down to the number slot in rotation and looks to bounce back after a rough, injury-riddled season.
SP3 Ubaldo Jimenez, has raw talent with his upper 90’s fastball, hopefully he can put it together for a whole season and gain some consistency.
SP4 Greg Smith, comes in the Matt Holliday trade and shall have more success in the NL with a better offense and no DH, but E.R.A should go higher at the hitting-friendly Coors Field.
SP5 Jason Marquis, comes over from the Cubs and shall anchor this rotation. Jorge DelaRosa will fight for one of the two open spots and try to bounce either Marquis or Smith to the bullpen.
Closer Manny Corpas, the 2007 closer who helped the Rockies to their playoff run to the World Series, shall bounce back as the everyday closer in 2009.
