When a Few More Rockies Peak, Colorado's Playoff Hopes Will Be a Mile High

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Entering the 2009 season, the average Rockies fan felt that the team had no chance to compete and was destined for yet another mediocre finish in the National League West.

The offseason was busy with the club unloading two of the most decorated players in club history.

First, slugger Matt Holliday was shipped off to Oakland for what critics complained was far too little. They received a former Rookie of the Year in Huston Street, who struggled in '08, being demoted from his closer's role.

In addition to Street, the Rockies acquired Carlos Gonzalez, who had the famous "five-tool player" tag, but had yet to show he could hit in the big leagues. The third player the Rockies received was Greg Smith, a starting pitcher who lost in double digits in '08.

In addition to trading Holliday, the Rockies also lost Brian Fuentes, a three-time All-Star who holds the club record for saves. Fuentes agreed to a deal with the Angels which was a mere $1.5 million more than what the Rockies were willing to pay.

It seemed as if the team was intent on struggling and not spending a dime on anyone with relevant Major League success.

While many Rockies fans were incredibly disappointed and felt betrayed, the truth was, Dan O'Dowd and the front office knew exactly what they were doing.

The Rockies knew that they had no chance of signing Holliday. He was intent on getting top-dollar in free agency after the '09 campaign, so they had to get something for him.

In that trade they received Street, who had been an incredible closer for the A's. Street struggled with a hamstring injury, which may have been the reason for his struggles.

Also, the team knew that it had a plethora of outfielders ready to get their chance. Ryan Spilborghs had been an incredible platoon outfielder for the squad in the last two seasons, and Seth Smith had shown late inning potential and the ability to play everyday.

Another move in the offseason was the acquisition of starting pitcher Jason Marquis. Marquis was viewed around the league as an "innings-eater," a title that ignores the fact that over the past five seasons he had won no less than 11 games.

As the Rockies opened the '09 campaign they struggled greatly. The majority of their April schedule was on the road and the starting pitchers still seemed to be in spring training mode. Both Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez struggled out of the gate and could not find their sinkers.

It was clear that the talent was there but the confidence was missing. When the team got down by a couple of runs the look on the faces in the Rockies dugout was that of a younger brother who knew he stood no chance against his older sibling. There was no fight to be found.

Then the big pink elephant in the room was removed. Clint Hurdle was fired on May 29 after starting the season 20-32.

The rest of the story is history as the switch was flipped and the Rockies crawled within one-half a game of the Wild Card lead in the National League.

At the break the Rockies sit at 47-41, nine games behind the Dodgers in the National League West, but more importantly two games behind the Giants and in second place in the Wild Card race.

While June was fun for any Rockies fan, the question is whether or not the team has what it takes to stay in the race.

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