Some Thoughts

Well,  what a ride it has been...

getting swept hurts, however, looking back in April, no one expected us to be here, or even in the playoffs.   Most of the National News had us pegged for a 4th place finish, so keeping that in perspective, this season has been magical.  One of the things I have missed as a fan was being able to go to a game, and have the stadium packed to the brim, like it was in the early days.  I wasn't able to go to any playoff games (had tickets but the sweeps happened..) but it was amazing to hear the old Go Rockies chant over the TV.  Coors is a magical place when is packed, and this year we got the magic back.

I'm wondering what this team would've done if we hadn't had the 8 day layoff.  In a game thats about timing,  8 days I think killed us.  I don't want it to be an excuse, but I do want to say that the Rockies didn't show up until it was too late, and I think the 8 games had something do with that, especially with the swings of Hawpe, Tulo and Atkins.  Thats not to take anything away from the Red Sox, they are the better team, and they played the better baseball.  

As for this offseason, this is the most important offseason in the history of the franchise.  Monforts say they are going to get the payroll over 70 million, so what should they be looking at?

First I want Holliday signed long term.  I don't care what it takes, he is the face of the franchise, and you cannot let him walk.  Depending on how Stewart's transition to 2b goes,  I think you resign Atkins as well.  If Stewart proves he can't handle 2b, then you need to sign Matsui also.  There is no one ready on the farm to take over, and their is no better Free Agent option either.  At catcher, you have to give Ianetta a shot, and I don't think Yorvit will be worth the money he commands.  Bring in a backup and let it be know to Hurlde that Ianetta is the starter from  day one.  CF came up lame this post season.  Taveras isn't the answer, and I would like to see Spilly and Smith get some playing time next year.  

Fuentes... I think he has to go.  At this point he's nothing but a LOOGY, and he will be over priced at that.  He blew too many games in the offseason, and he couldn't hold it close when we needed him to.  He's not the same pitcher he was, and honestly he was nothing more then above average to begin with.  

So with that 70 million, I think we need to spend on getting Holliday, Atkins and Cook signed long term, then we need to get some good RP.  I don't care if your paying 3-5 million for a middle reliever. Get Herges and Hawkins back, call up Morrilo, and get one or two more people for the back of pen.  I havn't looked at options yet, but this is a must.   I don't think you need to keep Fogg.  He's pitched above his head in the stretch, but he's basically close to replacement level.  Next years rotation needs to look like this:

1. Francis
   
2. Cook
   
3. Jimenez
   
4. FA
   
5. Hirsh

Lineup:

1. Kaz
   
2. Tulo
   
3. Holliday
   
4. Helton
   
5. Atkins
   
6. Hawpe
   
7. Spilly/Smith
   
8. Ianetta

1. Spilly/Smith
   
2. Tulo
   
3. Holliday
   
4. Helton
   
5. Atkins
   
6. Hawpe
   
7. Stewart
   
8. Ianetta.

Today might sting a bit, but we will be back. We have a championship to defend, and I think our guys in purple should do well.

One a parting note.  The season before the Broncos won the Super Bowl, they lost in their first round of the playoffs.  That offseason they changed their uniforms, and Logo, and low and behold, they won back to back.  The key to winning next year is in the Uniforms they wear.  Its time to change, when we are on a national stage, we shouldn't be caught dead in the black embarrassment that they wear now.

I'm thinking something like a Forest green and Purple to match the seats at Coors would look really well.  Get it done Dan