Spring training site
Tucson, Ariz.
Looking back at 2007
90-73, NL wild-card winner, NL champions
New faces
LHP Micah Bowie (free agent, Nationals), RHP Jose Capellan (trade, Tigers), LHP Chris George (free agent, Rangers), 2B Marcus Giles (free agent, Padres), OF Scott Podsednik (free agent, White Sox), RHP Josh Towers (free agent, Blue Jays), RHP Luis Vizcaino (free agent, Yankees), RHP Kip Wells (free agent, Cardinals)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Luis Vizcaino, who has bounced around and was in middle relief for the Yankees, will fill a big role for the Rockies in middle relief after Colorado let LaTroy Hawkins, Jeremy Affeldt, Denny Bautista, Elmber Dessens, Jorge Julio and Rodrigo Lopez all leave in free agency. Vizcaino has been serviceable, but not spectacular by any stretch.
Gone but not forgotten
The Rockies got second baseman Kaz Matsui on the cheap ($1.5 million) after the former Japanese star sputtered with the Mets. But he lived up to his billing for the Rockies with some clutch hits in the postseason and signed a three-year, $16.5 million deal with the Houston Astros.
Spring training battles
Not only did the Rockies lose their starter at second base in Matsui, but they also lost his backup in Jamey Carroll, who will be the utility infielder in Cleveland. The Rockies are looking at a lot of different people at second, but the leader entering the spring is Jayson Nix. He'll be challenged by former shortstop Clint Barmes (pushed out of his old spot by emerging star Troy Tulowitzki), Omar Quintanilla and former Padres and Braves second baseman Marcus Giles.
The Rockies also have two open spots in their starting rotation and plenty of holes in the bullpen.
Projected lineup
- CF Willy Taveras
- SS Troy Tulowitzki
- LF Matt Holliday
- 1B Todd Helton
- 3B Garrett Atkins
- RF Brad Hawpe
- C Yorvit Torrealba
- 2B Jayson Nix (or others)
- Pitcher
Projected starting rotation
- LHP Jeff Francis
- RHP Aaron Cook
- RHP Ubaldo Jimenez
- RHP Jason Hirsch
- RHP Kip Wells
Projected bullpen
- RHP Manny Corpas (closer)
- LHP Brian Fuentes
- RHP Luis Vizcaino
- RHP Matt Herges
- RHP Ryan Speier
- LHP Franklin Morales
Biggest strength
The Rockies' young lineup returns virtually intact from 2007, with no easy outs from 1-6 and plenty of power from 2-6.
Most glaring weakness
The Rockies let a lot of pitchers go in the offseason. They might miss Josh Fogg and Jeremy Affeldt (both now with the Reds) the most. LaTroy Hawkins is now with the Yankees. Their bullpen was so stellar during their incredible 21-of-22 streak at the end of the season and in the NL playoffs. About half of that group is back.
