MLB Teams: Colorado Rockies Baseball Season 2012

Finishing a distant fourth in the National League West Division was probably not what management, or fans, wanted to see at the end of the 2011 season but that is what they got. The 2012 season brings some changes to the Rockies’ roster but it other teams in their division have made moves as well.

The Rockies moves in the off season are not very impressive, especially for a team that finished so far behind the first place Arizona Diamondbacks. They brought in some veteran talent, probably to help nurture the younger players on the roster. Only time will tell if those veteran additions leave positive impressions on the younger players.

Typically I would appreciate a team making substantial moves to improve their ball club. For Colorado this year it sure seems like these moves have been made to favor the overall health of their club, not to be successful in 2012.

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The 2012 regular season for the Rockies can be viewed here: schedule

With the revolving door into and out of the Rockies club house the 2012 will certainly have a different look than the 2011 team did.

I really like what the Rockies are trying to do to shape their club. The pitching staff is young but has tremendous upside. More than likely Guthrie will be the number one pitcher with the younger guys filling in behind him.

With Street gone Betencourt will be the primary option at the back end of the bullpen to close out games. The rest of the bullpen looks average at best but should probably get the job done most of the time.

Offense is what is going to sink or swim this team in 2012 because the pitching staff is probably going to be average best.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is one of the best young players in the game and should be a huge factor for this team. Ditto goes to outfielder Carlos Gonzalez who continues to develop every year.

Long time first baseman Todd Helton is not the same power threat that he used to be but he should be a very positive influence for the younger guys. Throw in Jason Giambi and Colorado may have the oldest first baseman duo in baseball.

I really like the addition of Ramon Hernandez. Having an experienced catcher that can work with a young pitching staff is a huge bonus. A veteran behind the dish can help teach the young arms how to pitch in the bigs and can talk to them during a stressful inning; I believe the Cincinnati Reds will miss Hernandez’ presence this year with their staff.

I like what Colorado is doing with their team but I doubt they will see the benefits of their moves payoff in 2012. The NL West will probably be a two team race between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants.

I do think the Rockies will improve on the eight games below .500 finish from 2011. Their 2012 win loss record will probably finish right around .500 with them staying relatively close to that record for most of the season.

A fourth place finish is probably where they will end up at the end of 2012 because I don’t think the improvements will catapult them past Los Angeles. If Colorado struggles I would not be surprised to see them finish last in the division behind San Diego.