2005 summary:
The Colorado Rookies endured a tough 95-loss season finishing the year 15 games behind the NL West Champion San Diego Padres. The 2005 offense was led by first baseman Todd Helton (.320 20 79), outfielder Dustan Mohr (.214 17 38) and young third baseman Garrett Atkins (.287 13 89). Shortstop Clint Barmes (.289 10 46) and Matt Holliday (.307 19 87) also contributed to the lineup.
The 2005 Rockies pitch was as thin as air at their home stadium, Coors Field. Beyond young Jeff Francis (14-12 5.68) and Aaron Cook (7-2 3.67) the rest of the starting pitching struggled to provide quality starts throughout the year. Starters Jamey Wright (8-16 5.46), Byung-Hyun Kim (5-12 4.86) and Jason Jennings (6-9 5.02) failed to impress. On the plus side, closer Brian Fuentes (2-5 2.91 31 saves) managed to convert 31 saves in 34 save opportunities, going an impressive 14-for-14 save chances at Coors Field. It’s not an easy task when a pitcher is required to close out games in a stadium that is known for late-inning comebacks and blown saves.
Move out of season:
The Colorado Rockies didn’t make many moves in the offseason. However, they added some veteran experience to the bullpen by signing free-agent closer Jose Mesa (2-8 4.76). The Rockies also re-signed starter Byung-Hyun Kim and reliever Mike DeJean (5-4 4.48) and traded for St. Louis left-hander Ray King (4-4 388). Receiver Yorvit Torrealba (.234 3 15) was also selected to improve the position.
2006 analysis:
Growing pains are to be expected with such a young team. Rockie fans need to be patient and allow youngsters like third baseman Atkins and shortstop Barmes the time they need to grow at their positions. Right fielder Brad Hawpe (.262 9 47) and outfielders Matt Holliday and Dustin Mohr are expected to contribute more in 2006. Both players showed they were capable of handling major league pitches during the 2005 season and both are expected to be important part of the future Rocky Mountains.
Colorado is loath to abandon its game plan and with so many young prospects no one can blame them. Management was too cautious in the offseason and passed up the opportunity to add a bunch of new faces.
A newcomer to the pitching staff will be pitcher Ray King. He’ll help, but don’t expect the starting rotation to put up much better numbers than they did in 2005. Francis and Cook should start more in 2006, and Rockies closer Brian Fuentes finished the season strong. In August and September, Fuentes was an impressive 15-for-15 in save opportunities. The Rockies are looking for some breaks to get there and if the starting pitcher can impress, the offense should be able to score runs. The Rockies are still a few years and starting pitchers away from being considered a legitimate contender for a division title or wild-card spot.