Colorado Rockies 2012 Preview

After having such high expectations for the 2011 season the Rockies seem to be in what looks like a rebuilding mode.  Trading away then ace Ubaldo Jimenez was one of the key signs that the team wants to build up with young talent.  A year ago people were saying that this team was the favorite to win the NL West but a 73 win season under Jim Tracy proved otherwise, now the Rockies will be sending out young pitchers on a daily basis to gain experience.  The offense looks to be solid again with Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez leading the charge.  Both guys have the capability of putting up MVP numbers if they can both avoid the injury bug and play in a lot of games.  They did add some veteran presence to the team for this season with Michael Cuddyer and Marco Scutaro, both have plenty of experience in the playoffs and could help lead this team.  Let's take a look at what the team will look come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- The rotation will be loaded with young talent and until Jorge De La Rosa comes back from Tommy John surgery won't have much experience.  Jhoulys Chacin and recently acquired Jeremy Guthrie have the most experience and could make bids for the Opening Day nod on the mound.  Look for Drew Pomeranz, the big piece in the Jimenez trade, to get his first full big league season in the rotation.  Other young arms like Josh Outman, Esmil Rogers and Alex White will also compete for rotation spots in Spring Training.  This staff will take some lumps along the season but in a few years has the right pieces to be a top rotation.
Bullpen- With Huston Street now in San Diego the closer job will be Rafael Betancourt's, and with the way he filled in when Street was injured last year, the Rockies should be okay here.  The rest of the bullpen will be made up of a few journeyman arms and some youngsters as well.  Matt Belisle will be one of the veterans teaming up with youngsters Matt Reynolds, Rex Brothers and Edgmer Escalona to round out the bullpen.
Catcher- Ramon Hernandez will be a nice addition to this ball club, a proven backstop who can also provide some offense.  Jordan Pacheco looks to be the back up catcher after getting some looks last year.
Infield- The infield will be lead by Rockie lifer Todd Helton, who still plays a solid first base and still can swing it some.  Casey Blake will bring his experience to third base, and if he is the Blake we saw a few years ago, should fit nicely.  Marco Scutaro who played mostly shortstop throughout his career will move over to second base, with playoff and a lot of experience will help this team nicely.  Tulo will be at shortstop, not like anyone was going to put someone else there, and has the potential to put up an MVP caliber season.  Jason Giambi can provide some spark off the bench along with Eric Young Jr and Jonathan Herrera.
Outfield- Carlos Gonzalez will continue to impress with his play in the field and at the plate, look for him to be in left to start the year but if CF Dexter Fowler struggles again this year, Gonzalez could slide over to CF.  New addition Michael Cuddyer will be in right, but also has some versatility to play in the infield if needed.  Coming off the bench for these guys will be youngster Tyler Colvin and utility man Eric Young Jr.
Lineup-
1. Dexter Fowler- If he gets on, look out. 50 steals is not out of the question.
2. Marco Scutaro- Veteran hitter should set the table nicely.
3. Carlos Gonzalez- If he returns to the 2010 CarGo look out.
4. Troy Tulowitzki- 30 homers should be easy for him at Coors.
5. Todd Helton- The old guy can still hit around .300.
6. Michael Cuddyer- Veteran bat that will benefit from the thin air.
7. Ramon Hernandez- Solid hitter, known more for his defense.
8. Casey Blake- Which Blake will show up in 2012?
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

With the lineup this team will send out on a daily basis, contending in the NL West shouldn't be a problem but the pitching doesn't jump off the page at you and will hinder this ball club as they learn.  This team should finish the season around .500 and in the middle of the pack in the West.  But Rockie fans have a lot to look forward to in the future, the only issue is will be if Jim Tracy can hold onto his job after a couple rough years.  Good luck in 2012 Rockie Fans!!

-Buddy