They are 38-52 so far this baseball season.
That record currently puts them six-and-half games out of first place in the National League West.
Those are facts. The prevailing opinion, however, was that this division was going to be the most competitive in baseball-----and in a way, the experts have been vindicated. The play of all five teams has been so incredibly underwhelming (Arizona's hot start not withstanding) that the inability of any of these teams to separats themselves into even mild respectability has kept everyone in the race but out of the sphere of real contenders.
Here are some more opinions, hopefully more accurate than the prognostication of National Leaue West greatness and balance.
The Rockies Have Almost No Choice But To Match Matt Holliday's Highest Bidder
The chances of the words "Rockies" and "Highest Bidder" being used in the same sentence are rare, though, in this particular case, it is not only appropriate but also imperative. Where would this baseball team be without him? He is batting .345 with 14 home runs and 51 RBI so far. He is one of the few guys in baseball who can change the game with one swing. The Rockies opened up the vault----proportionately---yes, for Troy Tulowitzki and Manny Corpas. Tulowitzki got $30 million or about one-sixth of what Holliday may get if the market is particularly ambitious in 2009. The reality is the numbers between Tulowitzki and Holliday are far and wide, but in terms of practicality------give the edge to Tulowitzki. Nobody that has ever played in the Major Leagues for less than two years, has gotten the contract he got. Said in another way, Holliday, who has proven himself over time, is getting less attention and gratitude from the team than Tulowitzki, who had just one nice season thus far.
The Fans Now Can Equate Holliday's Signing To Ownership Direction
The signing of Tulowitzki is a nice move but if you truly want to convince the fans you are serious about winning and winning today, there is no better proof than to sign Holliday. Yes, they have been burned by Denny Neagle, Todd Helton, and Denny Neagle. However, the loyal fans have showed, if you place a competitive product out on the field at Coors, they will turn out and in very large numbers to boot. More filled seats, means more revenue, means more money to invest back into the team, and there is no better way than to invest than in Holliday. He provides short term results and long term credibility to fans.
Buyer Beware (Do It Anyway)
From one viewpoint, I do understand why Brian Fuentes may be traded but if the Rockies are going to be sellers in regards to relief, they need to be buyers in regards to starters. How does this starting five sound to you? Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jiminez, Mark Redman, and Greg Reynolds. Sounds that bad to me too. I though Jiminez pitched very well Monday night, though for every gem, you can find a downer. The only guy I trust is Cook. You can't have one guy and expect to win in the postseason. Actually, watching their opponent last night, The Brewers, pick up C.C. Sabathia, was somewhat bittersweet because the Rockies could use some starting help themselves.
Long Odds On This, Though Take A Risk
The Sabathia move is very interesting because in order to get him the Brew Crew had to part with four prospects in return for what may be a slightly more than a half-a-season of work. He becomes a free agent at the conclusion of the 2008 season and who really can tell whether he will come back to pitch for them in 2009. However, that risk is one the Brew Crew is willing to take and the Rockies should pay attention. Yes, they have been very clear in their measured approach to contracts and players but if you came so close last year as the Rockies did, you feel like if you can sneak in once more, anything can happen. Go for broke, guys because if it works, being broke is the last thing your organization will end up being. See you tomorrow.
-"z"
