Aptitude At Any Altitude

Colorado’s collective club may cooperate with the mile high mountain air in Denver’s Rockies. As a professional hitter, pasting the ball at Corrs Field is a pretty painless proposition. Throughout the young franchise’s history, men have been swinging and stipulating shots past the outfield wall on an everyday basis. Opposing hitters look forward to breaking out of slumps when in town to visit. The park is so conducive to homerun hitting and unfriendly to pitchers. Pitchers’ careers can be ruined with one outing at Corrs. Hitters can go on tears and streaks after appearing at the Colorado home plate.
Denver is a city more fascinated by their beloved Broncos and awe-inspired by the re-developing Avalanche. Baseball flies under the radar but the Rockies are quietly establishing themselves as a contending team. Their dugout looks in decent shape coming off a World Series appearance two years ago. That late charge resulted in respect and you can no longer discount this dedicated bunch of ballplayers. This year’s version of the NL West team needs to corroborate a combative and corruptive force, particulary on the mound.
The Rockies released their top run producer when Matt Holliday signed a free agent contract with Oakland. Colorado’s core of sluggers configure to make up for some of Holliday’s numbers. First baseman, Todd Helton, is 35 years old but poised for a comeback year. Helton returns from a balky back that kept him hurt all off-season. Helton only drove in 29 RBIs in 2008 as a result of his back problems. He will be an adequate replacement for Holliday offensively. Manager, Clint Hurdle, will take it easy on the fleet footed Helton this season. Todd will rest for portions of the season as he saves himself for sporadic power surges. Helton’s 12 year big league experience has produced many all-star seasons. Number 17 is one of the most well-known and lovable Rockies. Last year was the first time in his career he failed to hit at least .300. The lifetime Colorado Rockie has 310 career long balls and close to 2,000 career hits since 1997. His .328 average makes him one of the most underrated players in the past decade. Helton, a household name in Denver, is a cut above your everyday veteran major leaguer.
Third baseman, Garrett Atkins, broke out in his first spring game in two weeks. Atkins belted a homerun in 10-6 Colorado victory. Garrett garners to be a steady slugger as long as he can improve his .225 batting average with runners in scoring position. The California-born righty should anchor the cleanup spot. Atkins’ approach at the plate is an undisciplined one but he hits for power and with a quick swing, can club one out of Corrs or any other ballpark. Garrett is a gamer and one of the premier third basemen in the National League.
Troy Tulowitski is a talented and tenacious shortstop but has been ailing some injuries and has had a slow Spring. Troy is not hitting well so far but creates a balance in Hurdle’s lineup as a right-handed stick. Troy will continue to grow as he emerges as a top tier infielder and he has a high ceiling as a player. Tall for his position at 6’3”, Tulo grabbed the attention of fans during Colorado’s post-season run in 2007. He tosses and throws well in the field and has double-play capabilities.
Ryan Spilborghs is also a fluid righty hitter and most likely will leadoff. He provides pop and can get on base frequently. Spilborghs has the speed to be a leading base-stealer. Ryan earned the CF spot over Willy Taveras. Catcher, Chris Iannetta and Clint Barnes are additional right-handed roster hitters. Iannetta, nicknamed “Dreamy”, is a 25 year old with exceptional skills. The surging Iannetta was supposed to be the catcher of the future but has established he can hit already in just his first stint. He has a chance to be the opening day catcher if he continues to shine on the grand stage.
The back end of the Rockies rotation has some serious question marks. Number one and two likely will go to righties, Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez. Both are formidable starters, and with Jeff Francis out of the year, need to step up. The front-line starter Francis’s slider will be a missing Colorado component in competition this season. Jason Marquis is a veteran who is capable of double digit wins. Francis might meet expectations and be the third man in Colorado’s mix. Number four starter, Jorge de la Rosa, finished 2008 well. His low ERA late last fall were good but the left-handed Jorge needs to become a consistent pitcher. Greg Smith and Franklin Morales will compete for fifth starter. The polished Smith has finesse for a lefty and Morales’ candidacy rests on whether he can command his pitches or not.
Huston Street was a force for the A’s as a deft closer. Street will replace Brian Fuentes in relief. Manuel Corpes will probably set up Huston with fearsome fireballer, Taylor Bucholtz sidelined for some time. Interestingly, Corpes can earn the closer role. He answered back on Friday in a solid effort and Street now has competition. The depth of the bullpen is deep enough to be effective. Right-handed Jason Grilli and Ryan Speier, along with the lefty veteran, Alan Embree, have quality arms as long as they are not overworked. Juan Morillo is a viable thrower who has handled pressure situations so far this Spring. Morillo cannot be sent to minors so he needs to make himself known in order to make the team. Juan is out of options but the bullpen could be his home if he continues to earn the manager’s respect. Glendon Rusch is another left-hander with versatility as a reliever.
Bench-wise, Colorado seats a deep one with OF Matt Murton, Jeff Baker and Omar Quintanilla. Murton’s right-handed bat has had a solid Spring. Matt was acquired from Oakland for infield prospect, Cory Wimberly. He can spank the ball when called off the bench, as proven as 2006 Cub reserve. He adds flexibility along with Baker. Baker can play the corner outfield positions well and has a powerful swing. Quintanilla is a useful utility man and defensively refined. Dan Ortmeier is a switch hittter who could be an extra outfielder too. Seth Smith, Ian Stewart and Carlos Gonzalez all reported to Rockies camp looking for a backup role or chance to play the outfield regularly. Smith might be the leader for the left field job. Yorvit Torrealba is also a backstop on the Rockies roster.
Colorado is a work in progress but a watchable team. The Rockies need to find ways to stop leaving men on base and deliver runs with men in scoring position. They were only .256 in those situations last year, so some creativity is needed on the offensive side of the ball. They were also 8th in the league in scoring runs. Given they play in bandbox Corrs Field, that is unacceptable. I believe the team will get better in terms of both statistics in 2009. The pitching is puzzling. Hurdle’s challenge will be keeping his starters in the game late and allowing the bullpen some rest. The Rockies need to establish a formidable rotation or they will not scare anybody this year. The field factor plays against them so that is the one challenge facing Colorado’s starters. Focusing on guys who pitch well at home is key. The ability is there and if the Rockies can put all the pieces together, should have a year to remember. They may not reach the post-season, but a winning record would be an accomplishment.

Parting points: I started a new book- “Yankee For Life” by Bobby Murcer. It looks like an easy, enjoyable engagement.