by Lindy's

Updated: March 21, 2008, 4:45 PM EST 22 comments

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When owners Dick and Charlie Monfort gave contract extensions to general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle on Opening Day of 2007, one Denver columnist castigated the team for showing so much faith in such a big pair of "losers." That was one of the kinder, gentler comments making the rounds.

Truth is, the Rockies have had more five-year plans than the Kremlin since their inception in 1993. When they weren't going the Blake Street Bomber route, they were taking huge, ill-advised forays into the free agent market (pitchers Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle spring to mind).

Last year, they finally hit on a real plan: Collect lots and lots of good players and take your chances. The Boston Red Sox might have won the World Series, but no team took baseball by storm more than Colorado. Down 6 1/2 games in the NL West on Sept. 15, the Rockies won 13 of 14 and beat San Diego in a one-game playoff to make the postseason for the first time since 1995. When they swept the Phillies and Diamondbacks in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the fairy tale reached 21 wins in 22 games.

Losing to Boston hurt, for sure, but it still couldn't obscure the strides the Colorado franchise made last season. The core of the team is young and homegrown, so the Rockies have a chance to be good for a while yet. And the better the players play, the smarter O'Dowd and Hurdle look.

Pitching

The good old, pre-humidor days of the Rockies bringing up the rear of the NL pitching statistics have come and gone. Last year, Colorado ranked a respectable eighth in the league with a 4.32 ERA — and the bullpen was sixth at 3.85. Jeff Francis and Aaron Cook are the anchors at the top of the rotation and the Rockies are counting on young Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales to pick up where they left off during the stretch drive. Jason Hirsh, trying to come back from a broken leg, has the inside track on the fifth spot. Manny Corpas, who allowed only 14 extra-base hits in 78 innings, is the closer. The Rockies spent the winter entertaining trade offers for Brian Fuentes. If they can't move him by spring training, he's the main setup man.

Starters

Jeff Francis — RHP
2007 line: 17-9, 4.22 ERA, 34 GS, 215.1 IP, 234 H, 63 BB, 165 SO, .278 BAA, 9.78 H/9, 2.63 BB/9, 6.90 SO/9.
Significant stats/injuries: Had one of just 16 CG shutouts in the NL. Was seventh in the NL with 215.1 IP.
Scouting report: Deceptive high-three-quarters delivery; high leg lift, slight hesitation. Good leg drive and downhill leverage. Commands two- and four-seam fastballs (87-91) in and out, up and down. Will cut his fastball in on righthanders at times. Keeps hitters off balance with a big, sweeping curveball that keeps biting and a plus changeup he isn't afraid to repeat. Shows excellent motion with the change. Slow to the plate.
Grade: 3.7.

Aaron Cook — RHP
2007 line: 8-7, 4.12 ERA, 25 GS, 166.0 IP, 178 H, 44 BB, 61 SO, .279 BAA, 9.65 H/9, 2.39 BB/9, 3.31 SO/9.
Significant stats/injuries: Missed two months with a strained oblique muscle. Tied for fourth in the NL with two CGs; was fifth with 300 ground outs.
Scouting report: Power sinkerballer. Herky-jerky three-quarters delivery. Challenges hitters with a heavy sinker that bores in and down to righthanders and runs down and away from lefthanders. Gets a ton of ground balls with his sinker. Mixes in a few hard sliders and big, soft curveballs to show hitters something different. Has had some problems staying healthy. Holds runners well. Quick to home.
Grade: 3.5.

The Rockies will be counting on further development by Ubaldo Jimenez. (Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)

Ubaldo Jimenez — RHP
2007 line: 4-4, 4.28 ERA, 15 GS, 82.0 IP, 70 H, 37 BB, 68 SO, .228 BAA, 7.68 H/9, 4.06 BB/9, 7.46 SO/9.
Significant stats/injuries: Recorded 10 Ks Sept. 31, the most by a Rockie last season and most by a Colorado rookie since Shawn Chacon had 13 Ks June 7, 2001.
Scouting report: Funky delivery. Long body, long arm action. Builds around an overpowering fastball (94 to 99 mph) with a second stage. Complements his heater with a power slider that bites short and late and a decent curveball that serves as an offspeed pitch. Doesn't have much feel for a changeup. Projects as a No. 1 starter with better command and more experience. Doesn't pay attention to runners at times. Slow to the plate.
Grade: 3.3.

Jason Hirsh — RHP
2007 line: 5-7, 4.81 ERA, 19 GS, 112.1 IP, 103 H, 48 BB, 75 SO, .243 BAA, 8.25 H/9, 3.85 BB/9, 6.01 SO/9.
Significant stats/injuries: Went on the DL Aug. 9 with a fractured right fibula that ended his season. Held opponents to .216 BA during day games.
Scouting report: Big, strong body. Efficient delivery for a tall pitcher. Pitches downhill with balance and leverage. Builds around a two-seam fastball (90-93 mph) with good sinking movement; pushes hitters off the plate with it. Supplements his fastball with a hard, tilted slider and a decent changeup. Tends to nibble instead of challenging with his good fastball. Good stamina.
Grade: 2.5.

Relievers

Manny Corpas — RHP
2007 line: 4-2, 2.08 ERA, 78 G, 78.0 IP, 19 SV, 63 H, 20 BB, 58 SO, .224 BAA.
Significant stats/injuries: Converted 16 straight saves after winning the closer's job July 7. Was one shy of franchise record with 21 consecutive batters retired.
Scouting report: Two-pitch closer. Extremely loose arm. Can basically pitch with one pitch: an overpowering mid-90s fastball with exceptional sinking action. Keeps hitters off his sinker with a quick, sweeping slider that he throws for strikes. Looks to have ice water in his veins.
Grade: 3.9.

Brian Fuentes — LHP
2007 line: 3-5, 3.08 ERA, 64 G, 61.1 IP, 20 SV, 46 H, 23 BB, 56 SO, .206 BAA.
Significant stats/injuries: Allowed just 6.75 hits per nine innings and held batters to a 323 SLG%.
Scouting report: Sidearmer. Tough to follow, especially for lefthanded hitters. Features a low-90s fastball that runs and sinks. Likes to throw a big, sweeping slider away from lefthanders. Fades a plus changeup away from righthanders. Struggled with back problems and a loss of confidence at midseason last year. Could benefit from a change of scenery. Still a closer in many minds.
Grade: 3.7.

Luis Vizcaino — RHP
2007 line: 8-2, 4.30 ERA, 77 G, 75.1 IP, 0 SV, 66 H, 43 BB, 62 SO, .235 BAA.
Significant stats/injuries: Had a career-high 77 appearances and eight wins, which tied for the most in the MLB among relievers. Put up a 2.77 ERA on the road.
Scouting report: Mid- to late-inning reliever. Puts a lot of strain on his shoulder with a rough three-quarters to low-three-quarters delivery. Throws a sinking fastball (91, 92 mph) with heavy boring action. Complements his sinker with a hard slider that breaks late. Relies heavily on his slider with runners on base. Can work often.
Grade: 3.0.

Catching

Yorvit Torrealba threw out just two of the last 32 runners who attempted to steal on him, hit .201 with men in scoring position, and produced only 13 of his 47 RBIs away from Coors Field. Still, he'll do until something better comes along. The Rockies re-signed Torrealba to a two-year contract in late November shortly after an apparent deal with the New York Mets fell through. Young Chris Iannetta, a work in progress offensively, is the backup.

Yorvit Torrealba — C
2007 LINE: .255 BA, 396 AB, 47 R, 101 H, 22 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 34 BB, 73 SO, .323 OBP, .699 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: Posted career highs with 396 ABs, eight HRs and 47 RBIs. Snapped a streak of 17 consecutive stolen bases against him Aug. 4.
Scouting report: Long swing. Inner-half hitter. Uses the field with occasional pull power. Athletic receiver. Maneuvers well; blocks balls in the dirt. Takes charge behind the plate. Excels as a game-caller. Doesn't throw very well because of a shoulder issue; doesn't get a lot of help from his pitching staff, either.
Grade: 2.4.

Infield

Todd Helton, the Rockies' designated elder statesman, will try to extend his streak of 10 consecutive .300 seasons. But lots of people think shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is the guy who makes the Rockies go. Tulowitzki's 24 homers were the second highest output ever for a rookie shortstop behind Nomar Garciaparra's 30 with Boston in 1997, and his 834 chances in the field were easily the most in the majors at the position. Third baseman Garrett Atkins is coming off his second straight 100-RBI season. With the departure of Kaz Matsui and Jamey Carroll, second base is wide open, with Marcus Giles getting first shot followed by prospect Jayson Nix, Carlos Quintanilla and Clint Barmes.

Todd Helton — 1B
2007 line: .320 BA, 557 AB, 86 R, 178 H, 42 2B, 2 3B, 17 HR, 91 RBI, 116 BB, 74 SO, .434 OBP, .928 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: One of five players with five seasons having at least 40 doubles, joining Hall of Famers Joe Medwick, Wade Boggs, Harry Heilmann and Heinie Manush. Only player with 10 straight seasons with at least 35 doubles.
Scouting report: Outstanding swing. Selective approach. Recognizes pitches early; lets the ball travel and consistently gets the barrel to the ball. Sits on something to pull early in the count; looks to go the opposite way late. Continues to lose some bat speed and power as he ages. Solid defender. Still has sure hands and agility around the bag, but doesn't get to balls he did a few years ago.
Grade: 3.7.

Garrett Atkins has averaged 22 homers the past three seasons. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

Marcus Giles — 2B
2007 line: .229 BA, 420 AB, 52 R, 96 H, 19 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 44 BB, 82 SO, .304 OBP, .621 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: After hitting .328 through 30 games, hit just .191 the rest of 2007. Hit .274 during day games compared to .213 at night.
Scouting report: Big swing. Dead fastball hitter. Hits off his back foot and shows power to the big part of the park. Has issues with breaking balls and offspeed stuff. Gets good jumps as a basestealer. Average 2B. Lacks smooth actions. Goes much better to his left than backhand. Turns the double play very well.
Grade: 2.0.

Garrett Atkins — 3B
2007 line: .301 BA, 605 AB, 83 R, 182 H, 35 2B, 1 3B, 25 HR, 111 RBI, 67 BB, 96 SO, .367 OBP, .853 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: Had Rockies' ninth inside-the-park home run Sept. 23. Led the majors with 79 RBIs in 81 games from June 13-Sept. 14.
Scouting report: Fluid, leveraged swing. Dangerous middle-in fastball hitter. Gets himself good pitches to hit and causes damage from right center on around. Fringe-average 3B. Doesn't have the best reactions or hands, but has improved his range, especially to his left. Throws accurately when he has his feet under him.
Grade: 3.3.

Troy Tulowitzki — SS
2007 line: .291 BA, 609 AB, 104 R, 177 H, 33 2B, 5 3B, 24 HR, 99 RBI, 57 BB, 130 SO, .359 OBP, .838 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: Broke Ernie Banks' record for home runs by a rookie SS. Led all major league SSs with a .987 fielding percentage.
Scouting report: Spread stance. Impressive bat speed. Prefers the ball belt-high and down. Drives the ball with power to all fields. Inclined to chase fastballs up and out of the strike zone and breaking balls in the dirt. Big, instinctive SS. Moves easily; gets good jumps to either side and picks the ball smoothly. Possesses a cannon arm, though he's a little slow getting rid of the ball. Plays without fear.
Grade: 3.6.

Outfield

Brad Hawpe is yet another power bat in the Rockies' lineup. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

Colorado fans will remember Matt Holliday for his gash-inducing face plant as he scored the winning run against San Diego in the one-game playoff. Pitchers are more likely to take note of his .722 slugging percentage at Coors Field. Rightfielder Brad Hawpe hit 29 homers and drove in 116 runs, but he batted a feeble .214 with a .397 slugging percentage against lefties. Willy Taveras is the Rockies' resident speed merchant in center. He led the majors with 37 bunt hits and 54 infield hits despite appearing in just 97 games.

Matt Holliday — LF
2007 line: .340 BA, 636 AB, 120 R, 216 H, 50 2B, 6 3B, 36 HR, 137 RBI, 63 BB, 126 SO, .405 OBP, 1.012 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: Became the fifth player in 59 years to lead the NL in BA (.339) and RBIs (137). Hit .380 in 171 ABs in day games.
Scouting report: Deadly middle-of-the-order bat. Smooth power stroke. Combines good bat speed, strength and balance. Drives fastballs, breaking pitches. Handles the ball up or down equally well. Can shrink any part of the park. Fringe-average LF. Goes OK side to side, but gets his feet tangled up going back. Displays a strong, accurate arm.
Grade: 4.0.

Willy Taveras — CF
2007 line: .320 BA, 372 AB, 64 R, 119 H, 13 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 21 BB, 55 SO, .367 OBP, .748 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: Was bothered from June on with a strained quadriceps that landed him on the DL. Averaged a SB once every 4.5 times he reached base.
Scouting report: Speed merchant. Puts the ball in play; beats out routine ground balls; drag bunts for base hits; steals bases. Doesn't show much extra-base pop. Good defensive CF. Plays very deep; comes in better than he goes back. Excels side to side. Possesses a strong, accurate arm.
Grade: 2.7.

Brad Hawpe — RF
2007 line: .291 BA, 516 AB, 80 R, 150 H, 33 2B, 4 3B, 29 HR, 116 RBI, 81 BB, 137 SO, .387 OBP, .926 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: Posted career highs in HRs (29) and RBIs (116). Was named NL Player of the Week twice. Had a streak of 26 games with at least one strikeout.
Scouting report: Selective hitter. Uppercut swing path. Crushes thigh-high and down fastballs to all fields. Imparts excellent backspin to the ball, which leads to great carry. Continues to have issues against lefthanders. Average RF. Doesn't run well, but gets good jumps to the gap and line. Struggles going back on the ball. Possesses prototypical right field arm strength and good accuracy.
Grade: 3.3.

Ryan Spilborghs — OF
2007 line: .299 BA, 264 AB, 40 R, 79 H, 14 2B, 1 3B, 11 HR, 51 RBI, 28 BB, 45 SO, .363 OBP, .848 OPS.
Significant stats/injuries: Hit .356 against lefthanders and .330 with runners in scoring position. Hit .347 in 95 ABs in the leadoff spot.
Scouting report: Line-drive hitter. Aggressive approach. Feasts on fastballs middle-up and possesses power to right center, left center. Can be beaten hard in on his hands and with sliders down and away. Has too many empty swings. Solid OF. Plays all three positions. Takes good angles. Masks average arm strength with a quick release.
Grade: 2.0.

Oraganization/management

The Rockies have done a nice job of pushing kids through the farm system via the draft and their Latin-American scouting operation, but it'll be a challenge to maintain last year's level of success. On the short-term horizon, Colorado would love to sign Holliday to a multi-year extension on the heels of his second-place finish in the National League MVP race. But Holliday is a Scott Boras client, so don't hold your breath. Now that the Rockies have turned the region on to baseball again, O'Dowd, Hurdle and ownership will have to get used to the burden of heightened expectations. That's a bargain they'll gladly accept.