Colorado Rockies: How the NL West Will Be Won

In the last three years, the Colorado Rockies have caught fire by making two magical playoff runs.

More so, the Rockies first playoff appearance of the two resulted in the club's first trip to the World Series.

The club has performed at an all-time best, with an overall record of 256-231 in the course of those three years. This marks the best record in a three-year span in club history.

This season shouldn't be any different.

The keys to the Rockies success in their two playoff appearances was not a secret. Consistent pitching and top notch defense, paired with the club's newfound ability to drive in runs from scoring position, were the biggest contributors.

In the 2009 season, the Colorado Rockies fired skipper Clint Hurdle after what appeared to be another bottom of the cellar year, with a record of 18-28. The Rockies promoted bench coach Jim Tracy to interim manager, and the magic began to show.

By seasons end, Tracy had led the club to a 74-42 record under his command. In the last series of the year, the Rockies found themselves heading to Los Angeles and had a chance to win the N.L. West title. They had already locked up the wild card and after losing the first game of the series, they knew their fate.

After losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, the Rockies began planning for another run in 2010. They have brought back big players like Brad Hawpe and have offered arbitration to both SP Jason Marquis and MRP Rafeal Betancourt, who both were amazing contributors in the Rockies 2009 success.

To date, neither one has signed with another team. Although Marquis was not expected to return to Colorado, with spring training approaching, the chances are starting to go up.

The Rockies have also cut ties with clutch hitting Yorvit Torrealba and brought in Miguel Olivo. Olivo hit .249 with 65 RBI to accompany his 23 home runs. He has also been known as a guy who can throw out base stealers, tossing out 34 percent throughout his career.

The Rockies will also be getting back former 17-game winner Jeff Francis, who missed all of 2009 with a shoulder injury. Francis looks to get back to his 2007 self, having commanding control over hitters' strike zones and the ability to make them miss.

The team this season will rely on great pitching from all areas of the staff. From starter to the bullpen, everyone will need to contribute.

The club will also rely on stellar defense, which hasn't been a problem as of late.

Another big factor will be to keep the hitting going. They need everyone to be hitting, from starters on the field to pinch hitter from the bench.

The Rockies are capable of doing all of these thing, and easily. Will they?

I am going to guess they will. With team captains like Troy Tulowitzki and veteran Todd Helton, it shouldn't be a problem. This is they year that the Rockies will win the West.