Colorado Rockies

Losses: IF Garrett Atkins, P Jason Marquis, C Yorvit Torrealba, P Alan Embree, P Joe Beimel

Gains: 3B Melvin Mora, C Miguel Olivo (P Jeff Francis from injury)

Analysis: Not a lot of action this winter by the Rockies. They did give minor league contracts to Paul LoDuca and Jay Payton, but other than being of note to APT for their former Metdom, there's really nothing worth going on about. The Rockies let Jason Marquis go, partly because they have Jeff Francis coming back from missing last season. Garrett Atkins was really no longer welcome in Colorado, for lack of production. Melvin Mora should be a similar player, though his age really dismisses potential that is still held by Atkins. I personally prefer Miguel Olivo to Yorvit Torrealba. There could probably be some debate over that, but for the rockies, it makes sense, because I believe that Torrealba still wants to be a starter. The Rockies, however, are ready to give the job to young gun Chris Iannetta, who is likely ready for that responsibility. Olivo will provide a solid reserve in case he is not. The loss of the two aging left-handers Embree and Beimel (Beimel is still young enough to produce) leaves the Rockies with just Franklin Morales in the bullpen (lefties hit .205 off him last season). Overall it was a pretty even winter for Colorado, satisfactory, if nothing else.

More moves: It's possible they will try to find another LHP. Other than that, the Rockies will just let their kids grow into their positions.

2010 Thoughts: The Rockies season depends on the development of their kids: C Chris Iannetta, 3B Ian Stewart, 2B Clint Barmes, SS Troy Tulowitzki, CF Dexter Fowler, LF Carlos Gonzales. Todd Helton still holds his position at first base, and will continue to provide a clutch bat and strong leadership. Of the kids, Ian Stewart sticks out as an X-factor for the offensive season. The pitching staff is again young, but solid. Ubaldo Jimenez throws the hardest fastball in the major leagues, and has begun to harness his weapon. Jeff Francis had a great year before his injury and if he returns to form, he can again be dangerous. Aaron Cook ha a tough year, but is a strong starting pitcher, and Jorge De La Rosa bloomed into a pretty good swing-and-miss pitcher, and a winner as well. The bullpen still has Huston Street holding down the ninth inning, where he was very effective last season, blowing only 2 saves in 37 chances (0.91 ERA). The rest of the bullpen depends on their ability to get lefties out. Rafael Betancourt and Manny Corpas can be solid cross-over pitchers, but Franklin Morales will have a lot of say in the production of the pen.

Prediction: The offense has potential to be strong, but due to the youth may be inconsistent. The pitching should be solid if Jeff Francis is healthy and I think the bullpen has enough to get the job done. The inconsistency keeps the Rockies away from a division title, finishing 2nd in the NL West.