2008 Colorado Rockies Picks & Predictions
May 22, 2008
The Rockies got hot at just the right time last season. Their run took them clear to the World Series as a wild card team. Find out if Colorado has what it takes to get back to the World Series in this 2008 Colorado Rockies predictions article.
Pitching
This is the area that leads me to believe that Arizona and maybe even Los Angeles will be better this season. Colorado does not have a true ace, but southpaw Jeff Francis may have staked claim to that title by winning a franchise record 17 games last season. He is a guy that scouts would say has great stuff, but he is a very intelligent pitcher. Aaron Cook fills the number two slot. His control and sinkerball make him a tough cookie. Ubaldo Jiiminez has a big upside, but he is still another year away from reaching his potential in my opinion. Jason Hirsh was supposed to be a solid contributor to the starting rotation last season, but could not shake the injury bug. Kip Wells will take the ball on day five, but this is a guy which led the NL in losses last season with 17.
The Rocks may have found themselves a gem of a closer. Manny Corpas beat out Brian Fuentes half way through the season and converted on 19 of 20 save opportunities. Fuentes will likely be much better as a setup artist.
Offense
Willy Taveras gives the Rockies a speedster that can manufacture a run with his base running. He had 33 thefts last season as well as 37 bunt hits and 54 infield hits. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki showed some exceptional pop in his bat last season with 24 homeruns and 99 RBIs. Matt Holiday is Colorado’s MVP candidate. He batted .340 last season with 36 homeruns and 137 RBIs. Todd Helton gives the Rockies some veteran experience on a young team. With 17 bombs and nearly 100 RBIs, the lefty proved he could still stroke it in 2007. And there’s still more power in this lineup. Garrett Atkins had 25 big knocks and 111 RBIs. Brad Hawpe belted 29 homers and 116 RBIs.
Defense
Troy Tulowitzki is a gem at short. Not only can he hit, but he led all MLB shortstops with a .987 fielding percentage. Second base could be a little bit of a problem as rookie Jayson Nix must get up to speed in a hurry. Garret Atkins has been a liability at third at times with wild throws and below-average range, but he continues to work hard defensively while starring on offense. Todd Helton is an elite first baseman. He made only two errors in 2007. Holiday and Hawpe are power hitters first and defenders second and Colorado is okay with that. Taveras’ speed makes him a decent centerfielder.
There’s no question that the Rockies have the best offense in the NL West, but they have the fourth-best starting rotation. A run like they had in 2007 is highly unlikely. It’s going to be a tight race out west and the Rockies could slip as far as third unless its starting rotation really improves.
Dave Price will have you beating the MLB odds all season long with his winning MLB picks. Make sure you’re on board from Opening Day through the World Series for the most winners in the industry.
Odds to win NL West: 11/4
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 9/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 25/1
NL West
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