Rockies Register

Veteran designated hitter Jason Giambi resigned with the Rockies. However, as we all know, the National League does not play with DH rules, and because of this Giambi will fill in as the regular pinch-hitter. At 40-years of age, this is the best possible solution for Giambi. He cannot play an everyday position as he typically just swung a bat for both Oakland and New York. Last year in 176 at-bats, he batted .244 with six home runs and 35 RBIs. Pretty solid numbers for the old man who made a mid-season change to the other league. Giambi also can fill in at first base if the situation ever arose.

I like this signing by the Rockies. It brings in another veteran to the clubhouse (the other being Todd Helton). Both players like to win and know how to win. Having these two around with a cast of star players that includes Carolos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki can make the Rockies a threat down the stretch in the West. Now that Giambi has gotten used to his new role as pinch-hitter from last season, he will enter 2011 more relaxed and more dangerous. Something tells me that Giambi will have a solid season being a left-handed threat off the bench. Beware of Giambi having a few hero moments this year in late game situations.

The Colorado Rockies look to avenge their 83-win season from 2010, but sadly they will finish third again with 83 wins.  While the Rockies have well known names, the starting pitchers of the Dodgers and Giants are going to prevent these Rockies from making a run.

Ubaldo Jimenez will be Colorado’s Opening Day starter and other than Jhoulys Chacin scratched in as the number four starter; the other three are up for grabs.  These other spots though will be filled by Jorge de la Rosa, Aaron Cook, and Jason Hammel unless one of them gets injured before April.  Colorado’s pitchers need to improve in both wins and ERA and not depend on Jimenez getting a victory every five games.  Until this is accomplished, the benefit of playing 81 games at a high elevation is what will allow Colorado to finish third.  As long as closer Huston Street remains healthy and can slightly improve his numbers, the Rockies will finish above .500 again.

The good news for the Rockies though is the contract extension of franchise infielder Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez this off-season.  With both Troy and Carlos putting up all-star numbers in 2010, they will continue to do so once the season starts.  Asking any more of them is ridiculous.  The pressure needs to go on other players and Ty Wigginton takes some of that pressure.  However, a few more home runs and RBIs out of Ty will not be enough for another late playoff berth for the Rockies.  Nevertheless, this high powered offense and Jimenez pitching is always enjoyable to watch.  Expect the Rockies to have very similar numbers at home and on the road as they did in 2010.