Colorado Rockies Lock Up All Stars
Todd Helton enters his fourteenth season in 2011 and is 37 years old. With his contract up at the end of the year, Helton could be in his final season. If so, the Colorado Rockies have ensured that they have their nucleus for winning signed for years to come. This past winter, the team signed short stop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to new contract extensions.
At 37, Helton may be on the down side of his career. He still plays solid defense at first base, but his power is dwindling and his batting average slipped to . 256 last year. Helton has battled back problems in the past and may need to be spelled at first from time to time by Jason Giambi.
While Tulowitzki and Gonzalez lead the offensive fire power, they do have capable assistance in the batting order. Helton could still be productive, though his power is long gone. Helton last hit more than 20 home runs in 2004. Dexter Fowler provides range in center field which is important in spacious Coors Field. Fowler is also capable of stealing bases and scoring runs from the top of the lineup. Ryan Spillborghs and Seth Smith will platoon in right field. Both could possibly play full time for other teams.
Carlos Gonzalez came to the Rockies from the Athletics in the Matt Holliday trade. Gonzalez was said to have limitless potential and he finally lived up to that promise in 2010. He hit . 336 with 34 home runs, 117 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. At 25 years of age Carlos may just be coming into his prime and the numbers he might put up are likely to be awesome.
While Tulowitzki and Gonzalez are the linchpins of the offense, they do have help. Center fielder Dexter Fowler provides speed and range in spacious Coors Field. Seth Smith and Ryan Spillborghs will split time in right field and both could be starters on other teams. They will provide plenty of run production and good defense in the outfield.
The next young player the Rockies might have to sign to a long term contract is pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez. Last year Jimenez helped the Rockies contend for the National Leagues Western Division by winning 19 games while losing just 8. At age 27, Jimenez threw 221.2 innings finishing with a superlative 2.88 earned run average and 214 strikeouts.
Also in the bullpen for the Rockies are Matt Belisle, Franklin Morales, Rafael Betancourt, Matt Daley, Matt Reynolds, and Esmil Rogers. Handling the pitchers is catcher Chris Ianetta who is expected to provide power as well. With the departure of Miguel Olivo who signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners in the off season, Ianetta is expected to take over primary catching duties with young Jose Morales serving as his back up.
The Rockies brought in the hard throwing Matt Lindstrom from Houston where he filled in for Brandon Lyon as closer for the most of 2010. Lindstrom may be called on to close games if usual closer Huston Street again battles injuries as he has for much of his career. When healthy, Street is a solid stopper. Along with Matt Belisle, Rafael Betancourt and Franklin Morales, Street and Lindstrom give Colorado a solid bullpen.Bobbie Barton is a fitness trainer She likes SportsFanTreasures.com and recommends you check out their info on Washington Nationals Watch, San Francisco Giants Watch and Minnesota Twins Bedding