Colorado Rockies: 3 Pressing Questions Facing the Rockies in 2012

Last year, Colorado failed to reach the postseason for the second consecutive year.

The Rocktober days of 2007 and 2009 seemed just a distant Mile High memory.

Though blessed with two of the game's brightest young bats, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, the Rockies are getting back to their pre-humidor days, placing a renewed emphasis on offense.

Perennial teases Seth Smith and Ian Stewart were shipped out and replaced with the beefier bat of Michael Cuddyer and the more consistent Casey Blake. 

Despite all the changes, some things remain the same. Todd Helton will man first base for the 15th consecutive season, and Jim Tracy once again will fill out the lineup card.

The answers to these three pressing questions will play a huge role in whether or not Colorado can get back to the postseason in 2012.

Will Dexter Fowler Finally Put It All Together?

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There is no doubt that last season was a tumultuous one for Fowler.

He spent some time in Triple-A Colorado Springs in hopes of regaining his swing.

Upon return from his stint in the minors, Fowler was a completely different player. He was driving the ball with more authority than ever before from both sides of the plate and with far more frequency. 

He had eight multiple-hit games in the month of July and ended the month with a .361 average. His September was even better with his nine doubles, three home runs and a .287 average.

Fowler is looking to build on this success as he heads into 2012. He has bulked up quite a bit, which will likely improve his home run and doubles totals and is hungry to prove he can stick in the big leagues.

His on-base percentage jumped 23 points over his 2010 season, which is exactly what the Rockies wish to see out of their leadoff hitter.

A major step forward across the board is not out of the realm of possibility for the Rockies' young center fielder.

Can Rafael Betancourt Handle the 9th?

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Entering his 11th season, Betancourt has always been a very reliable back-end-of-the-bullpen reliever. 

At 36 years old, Betancourt is no spring chicken, though, this past August, he took over the closer's role and converted on 8-of-9 opportunities. His August and September consisted of 20.1 innings and surrendering a mere five hits and not a single walk.

The departure of Huston Street has clearly paved the way for Betancourt in the ninth. There is little reason to believe that he will slow down in 2012. 

He possess a mid-90s fastball, slider and changeup in his arsenal. 

If the Rockies are able to exceed expectations this season, Betancourt could be this season's version of J.J. Putz. 

What Are the Realistic Expectations for Drew Pomeranz?

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The former Ole Miss standout, Drew Pomeranz profiles as a front-line starter.

He is equipped with two plus pitches: a mid-90s fastball and a knee-buckling curve.

With over 100 innings split between Single and Double-A, he racked up 119 strikeouts and a 2.76 ERA. A September callup, Pomeranz put up largely mediocre numbers with the Rockies with a 5.40 ERA in four starts.

Not to worry though, because these numbers were due mostly because of an emergency appendectomy he had in August, which sapped him of his strength and velocity.

Colorado's glitziest gem is now back at full strength.