(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the Majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked. Except this is the last day, so maybe this message no longer applies. Yes, actually, it no longer applies. But I'm leaving it up here anyways.)
This Team Won the Pennant Two Years Ago
Remember that? The Rockies won their first and only National League pennant back in 2007, when they got wildly hot in September and early October to run all the way to the World Series. Of course, they lost to Boston in the Fall Classic, but at the time I was impressed with this team. I thought they were finally building a team that could win in that ball park, especially now that the humidor was "de-juicing" the baseballs and they had a lot of young and talented pitchers. Whoops! Last year sent Colorado back to irrelevance, as they finished 14 games below the .500 mark and they dealt with regression from players like Troy Tulowitzki (more on that later). If they want to be relevant again this year, they'll need their pitching staff to rebound, and for Tulowitzki to return to his excellent form of 2007. Otherwise, it's status quo in the Mile High city.
What The Hell Happened, Jeff Francis?
I would really like an answer, yet I know you won't be able to give it to me this year since you tore your labrum and will be out for the 2009 season. I thought you were good. I thought you'd be a star in this league that could buck the trend of pitchers faltering at Coors Field and you could anchor a pitching staff that would contend in the NL West for years to come. Yet last year you went 4-10 with a 5.01 ERA and were largely ineffective for the entire season. Maybe you can still be a great starter in the future and last year can be chalked up to your shoulder injury. I hope you get healthy, and I hope we have a chance to see what you can really be. Your franchise needs your arm, because while Aaron Cook was an all-star last year, the rest of that rotation could really use some help.
Buy Bleacher Tickets For Games When Jason Marquis Is Pitching
According to the Rockies website, to sit out in the outfield at Coors Field will only cost you no more than $15 dollars per ticket this season. So, Denver residents, if you want a good time, and a potential souvenir, go to the game when Jason Marquis is on the bump. It's incredibly affordable, and with this guy pitching in the think Rocky Mountain air, it's almost a certainty that once or twice a game the opposition will homer into your section, no matter where you sit in the outfield. Marquis was acquired by Colorado from the Cubs for Luis Vizcaino as a salary dump. And Marquis figures to only be in Denver one year, so if you want a home run ball you'll need to go to Coors this year. He seems like a nice guy, but he gives up a ton of home runs. He's allowed 167 home runs in his career in 198 career starts, and in a ballpark where the ball flies this could be a potential disaster.
Troy Tulowitzki Must Be the Face of This Franchise
When he burst onto the scene as a fantastic rookie in 2007, the Rockies had the best season in their franchise's history. "Tulo" not only played great on the field, but he embodied the spirit of what we thought was the start of something great on Blake Street. With last season's down year, he'll need to pick up the production to help carry this line up. Matt Holliday now plays for Oakland, and Todd Helton is old, so the youth in this group will have to perform. Guys like Garrett Atkins, who's a budding star, along with Chris Ianetta and Brad Hawpe will be counted upon to keep the Mile High City rocking, but it's Tulowitzki who has that David Wright/Derek Jeter like image if he's healthy that will keep the Rockies in the news.
Bold Predictions
- Colorado will finish this season above .500, even with the pitching issues they have. Ubaldo Jimenez and Aaron Cook will be enough for this team to win maybe 84 games.
- My boy Tulowitzki will return to form, and hit close to .300, with 20 homers and drive in 100.
- Huston Street will save 30 games this year, and him and Manny Corpas will provide the Rockies with a nice 8th and 9th inning combo.
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