World Series Champs...Next Year
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by user BWW
Call me a "homer" if you like, but next year's MLB champs will be the Colorado Rockies. No, seriously, hear me out.
The Rox front office has been brilliant lately (since 2002) in letting older, overpaid baseballers go at the end of their contracts (Vinny Castilla, Ellis Burks) or by flat out trading them (Larry Walker, Mike Hampton). In the meantime, they have devoted their efforts to drafting or acquiring capable, 4-tool and 5-tool players (Clint Barmes, Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins) to supplement Todd Helton, both on the field and in the lineup. I don't think any of my fellow AGM's would argue that the Rox have one of the best young lineups in baseball.
But their main focus has been on acquiring pitchers that could pitch effectively at Coors. Jason Jennings and Jeff Francis being the two crown jewels of the bunch. Jennings (6-8, 3.88) is 28 (the age when many pitchers "figure it out") and has seemed to hit his stride this year, having already thrown 2 complete game shutouts, while surrendering only a hit per inning. Francis, on the other hand (#1 pick in 2002) is only 25 and has shown great maturity so far this year (7-8, 3.98). He is going to be a stud. Throw in Aaron Cook (6-7, 3.59) and you have the basis for a young but solid staff. When was the last time the Rox had 3 starting pitchers with ERA's lower than 4.00 this late in a season? Additionally, Josh Fogg has looked downright dominant at times this year (7-5, 4.23) and only helps round out this staff. Sorry, no comment on Byung-Hyun Kim. Sure the bullpen needs a little work, but Brian Fuentes is the real deal at closer.
"Okay, okay," you say, "but a World Series?" While I agree it may be a little far-fetched, a fan can dream, can't he? And this is the first time I've been able to since 1997. So c'mon, let me have this.
Date
Thu 07/20/06, 9:38 am EST
