Yes, yes, I know. Between the release of Choo Freeman, the loss of Ray King, and the retirement of Vinny Castilla, it'll be just as hard for you to watch this team as me.
Seriously though, the Rox bring back one of the top corner-infield tandems in baseball in the form of veteran Todd Helton and emerging slugger Garrett Atkins. Add the beastly Matt Holiday and the solid Brad Hawpe to the mix, and on days when Jason Hirsch starts, the Denver chapter of the 4-H club will be in session.
The Rox have speed at the top with newly acquired Willy Taveras, and a humidor in the back allowing the team to play a modified version of small-ball. Coors Field is no longer the pitcher's nemesis it used to be, giving the Rockies one of their best rotations ever. They are led by lefty Jeff Francis, who's from British Columbia, meaning he has the support of an entire country behind him -- even if they're convinced that the Zamboni driver of the Canucks has a sweeter gig.
Lastly, manager Clint Hurdle has one of the illest soul-patches in the game. That worth watching? I think so.




