Time to look ahead
By Nick Abel | October 15, 2009
Well, after a disappointing showing in the NLDS for the Rockies. It’s time to look toward 2010. First things first. How long is it going to take for the Rockies to lock up Jim Tracy and Dan O’Dowd for at least another 2 years? If ownership wants to show they are serious about keeping a winning team on the field, this will get done in the coming weeks. O’Dowd has built this team from within and it is key to keep him for at least 2 more years. What Jim Tracy has done for the team speaks for itself. He has managed a last place team to contending for the division the last weekend of the season. This must be top priority for ownership if they want to be considered as serious owners that are more about winning than the money.
Many people are now very skeptical about Street as the closer for the Rockies. He did choke against the Phillies, but what he did during the regular season cannot be forgotten and right now, the Rockies have no one to replace him and expect better results. We know the Rockies are not the kind of team to go out and sign a top closer. They are a dime a dozen and what Street faced this postseason will make him a better closer. Signing him to at least a 2 year deal will help the Rockies for the coming seasons. This gives Franklin Morales to continue to work on his control and set him up for a future closer role.
As sad as it will be to see them go, we will have to say good bye to Garret Atkins and Brad Hawpe. Atkins did not perform like the Rockies hoped for and now they have no choice but to go with Ian Stewart. Hawpe and Manny Corpas will be used as trade bait for bullpen help most likely. The Rockies like to stick to the young core of players, Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez, and Dexter Fowler. There is no way the Rockies would consider re-signing Jason Marquis. He would cost too much and his second half performance also speaks for itself. He was brought here to replace injured starter Jeff Francis who should be back in the rotation for 2010. I see the rotation looking like this, Jimenez, Cook, De La Rosa, Francis, Hammel. It is hard to see where Torrealba will end up. He was clutch down the stretch and a great catcher, but the money may be too much for the owners to fork over. The team is heavily relying on Ianetta to work on the hitting and get to where they think he can be. Helton, Barmes, Tulo, and Stewart will round out the infield. Barmes will really need to work on the hitting in the offseason if he wants to be in a Rockies uniform past 2010, 0-13 in the playoffs won’t cut it when you are competing for a world series.
These are just the basics and top priority items that the Rockies need to get done so we can move on and look toward spring training 2010. Other items may be considering signing Jason Giambi to a one year deal. He seemed to enjoy Colorado and the players enjoyed having him in the clubhouse. He brought the x-factor to the Rockies and could be very beneficial for a full season. I know the Rockies are about the young talent and building within, but having the veterans on the team that have been there are a priceless commodity. Until next time, Go Rockies!
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