NL West: 4th
The Rockies are getting younger, but are still a long way from success.
What went well?:
Todd Helton (.347, 32 HR, 96 RBIs) is still one of the premier hitters in baseball, although the fact he plays half of his games at Coorsfield may prevent people from believing he is an elite player.
Jeromy Burnitz (.283, 37 HR, 110 RBIs) rebounded from a down year to put up big power numbers whilst playing at every outfield position, and proved to be a bargain signing.
Vinny Castilla (.271, 35 HR, 131 RBIs) returned to the Rockies almost as though he had never been away.
Aaron Miles (.293, 6 HR, 47 RBIs) had a very fine rookie season at second base.
Even Royce Clayton (.279, 8 HR, 54 RBIs) managed to put up good offensive numbers by his standards. He hit .299 at home, but just .259 on the road.
Matt Holliday (.290, 14 HR, 57 RBIs) made the most of his playing time in the outfield and looks set for more playing time.
Shawn Estes (15-8, 5.84 ERA) had high numbers in wins and ERA, and teamed with Jason Jennings (11-12, 5.51 ERA) to give the Rockies a solid, if unspectacular duo at the top of the rotation.
Joe Kennnedy (9-7, 3.66 ERA) had the best ERA of the starters by a mile, but suffered from lower run support than Estes or Jennings.
Young pitcher Jeff Francis (3-2, 5.15 ERA) impressed in his late-season audition.
What didn't go well?:
The pitching remains a problem. Shawn Chacon's first season as closer did not go well at all (1-9, 7.11 ERA, 35 saves, 9 blown saves), and he will likely return to the rotation.
The Rockies are still stuck with Charles Johnson (.236, 13 HR, 47 RBIs) and his big contract, and are having difficulty trading him to open up a spot for J.D. Closser (.319, 1 HR, 10 RBIs).
Preston Wilson (.248, 6 HR, 29 RBIs) was out of action for practically the whole season.
Young pitcher Aaron Cook (6-4, 4.28 ERA) had his promising season halted by blood clots in his lungs.
What about next year?:
With Burnitz, Castilla and Clayton gone, the youth movement steps up a gear.
Closser will be given a chance to catch in the Major Leagues and the left side of the infield will likely consist of Clint Barmes and Garrett Atkins.
Chacon should be more comfortable back in the rotation, and there should be a full season of Francis to look forward too.
But will the Rockies ever really manage to win at Coorsfield? They just cannot attract the big-name pitching they need.
The team has committed a lot of money to Helton, and may have to wait and see if they are entitled to void Denny Neagle's contract after his brush with the law. Would they consider dealing Helton to a contender if a good offer came along?
The best they can realistically hope for is 4th place once again.