introducing the newest Rockaholic...

Hi, my name is Sharon, and I am a Rockaholic.

I didn't realize what I was so, I'm going to start by thanking prettyinpurple for helping me identify my symptoms. Some psychologist, I am.

I must start by saying I am a new Rockies fan. I didn't start following the Rockies until the 2009 season. I had heard about Rocktober (Matt Holliday WAS safe... MLB Network loved playing that game this offseason), and had kept an eye on the Rockies throughout the 2008 season. It wasn't until 2009 that I made a conscious effort to follow the Rockies. I was with the Rockies from Opening Day and several times between then and mid-May I had considered changing my mind. I was a new fan... I'm allowed to change my mind. But for some reason, I just couldn't give up on the Rockies. I kept saying I would, but I couldn't. Now I'm glad I never actually got around to it. I wasn't happy about Clint Hurdle getting fired, but I'm glad Jim Tracy took over and worked his magic!

I love the Rockies! Tulow is definitely one of the best shortstops in baseball. I love his hustle. I have a soft spot in my heart for third basemen, so Ian Stewart is on my short list of favorite Rockies. How can I not absolutely adore Todd Helton? Besides being from Tennessee, I appreciate Todd Helton for what he does. I always heard the term "professional hitter" associated with Toddy and Michael Young of the Texas Rangers, but it took a while actually watching them both play for me to understand what that term meant. It means, you gotta work hard to get them out of the batter's box. If you're lucky, you'll get them out, but more likely you'll give up a hit after throwing a bunch of pitches.

I heart Spilly! Not because of the grand slam (although that was awesome... I was with them until the top of the 12th inning...), but there's something about him, or at least how I perceive him, that appeals to the baseball fan in me. I also liked watching him in the outfield. I would have cried if he had been traded to the Phillies as had been rumored (I'm a Mets fan... they're the Evil Empire of the NL!). Whether you call him The Eyes or CDI, I really like Chris Iannetta. I know last year was rough, but I rooted for CDI every time. I'm looking forward to a full season of CarGo aka Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler at the top of our lineup. I've seen the kind of damage they can do, causing the opposing pitcher fits with their speed. I want a full season of that. I also want a full season of Ubaldo Jimenez finally realizing his potential as a power pitcher with ace stuff. I want Ubaldo Jimenez as NL Cy Young and Justin Verlander as AL Cy Young... the fireballers have it (Not a Tigers fan, but I respect Verlander). Also, I love Huston Street. I love how deliberate he is about each and every pitch he throws. I love how shut-down he was for us for most of the season. I don't blame you for what happened during the NLDS... we lasted longer than any of the other teams... and we lasted longer against the Phils!

Oh, and honorary mention to Mr. Late Night, Seth Smith. Oh, what would we have done without you? I'm conflicted as to whether to keep you in the everyday lineup or leave you as a pinch-hitter. I'll discuss it more when I make my comments about what the 25-man roster should look like, but I know you are better than just a pinch-hitter, but you're so good at it!

This season is going to be fun, regardless of what happens. I just can't wait to see what happens!

April 17th... I'll be there with my Rockaholic t-shirt. What about you?