The Colorado Rockies certainly made some interesting moves to their roster this past off-season, and much of it flew under the radar thanks to the non-coverage from ESPN, or as I refer to them, the Eastern Seaboard Promotional Network.
When Jorge de la Rosa threw out his elbow last year, the re-shaping of the team began. Ubaldo Jimenez was dealt to the Indians in return for Cleveland's future, LHP Drew Pomeranz(projected #2 starter), and Alex White who has a good chance to get into the rotation. Jhoulys Chacin will likely be the opening day starter. Jeremy Guthrie was acquired via Baltimore as well, and likely will be a 3 or 4 guy for Colorado.
Aaron Cook and Ryan Spilborghs were let go, Seth Smith was traded to Oakland for Josh Outman and Guillermo Moscoso, 2 pitchers who will probably make the rotation. The Rox also let Ty Wiggington, Huston Street, Chris Ianetta and Ian Stewart go, players who never lived up to their potential.
O'Dowd made a big splash in free-agency signing OF/1B Michael Cuddyer from the Twins, an All-Star last year and likely taking over in Right Field. They also signed Ramon Hernandez at catcher, Casey Blake(3b) and Marco Scutaro(2b/SS). Cuddyer will be a great bat in the 5th spot, Todd Helton should continue to produce batting 2nd, and the rest of the lineup will be up in the air besides Fowler leading off. Watch out for Wilin Rosario, a young catcher who has risen all the way from single-A to AAA quickly because of his strong arm and solid plate demeanor. He could get the call fairly early in the season.
Overall, I like the talent they brought in this year. Stewart, Ianetta and Cook were not getting it done, and with bigger bats now in the lineup, they should have plenty of run support if Car-Go and Tulo can stay healthy.
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