AUTOGRAPHS

Colorado Rockies Have Three Superstars

For the past 13 years, Todd Helton has been the face of the Colorado Rockies franchise. When his free agent years came, the Rockies signed Helton to a long term contract, making sure that he would be able to spend his entire career with the team. This past winter, Colorado signed all star short stop Troy Tulowizki and young superstar in the making Carlos Gonzalez to new contract extensions.

At 37, Helton may be on the down side of his career. He still plays solid defense at first base, but his power is dwindling and his batting average slipped to . 256 last year. Helton has battled back problems in the past and may need to be spelled at first from time to time by Jason Giambi.

The Rockies have plenty of terrific hitters around the diamond though. Just 26, Tulowitzki is an established star. In September of last season, Tulowitzki hit . 322 with 15 home runs and 40 runs batted in, one of the all time greatest months put up by any player. Tulowitzki finished with a . 315 average overall, with 27 home runs and 95 RBIs, making him an elite player at his position.

Carlos Gonzalez was drafted by the Arizona DiamondBacks and was labeled early on as a player with limitless potential. Arizona traded Gonzalez to the Athletics before he had a chance to establish himself in the big leagues. The Athletics did not give Gonzalez much of a look either and traded him to the Rockies for Matt Holliday.

Joining Jimenez in the starting rotation is lefty Jorge DeLaRosa who won 16 games in 2009 but struggled with injuries last season. Jason Hammell will likely be the third pitcher, with Jhoulys Chacin serving as the fourth starter. Veteran Aaron Cook is being challenged this year for the fifth spot by fire baller Felipe Paulino formerly of the Astros.

The next young player the Rockies might have to sign to a long term contract is pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez. Last year Jimenez helped the Rockies contend for the National Leagues Western Division by winning 19 games while losing just 8. At age 27, Jimenez threw 221.2 innings finishing with a superlative 2.88 earned run average and 214 strikeouts.

Also in the bullpen for the Rockies are Matt Belisle, Franklin Morales, Rafael Betancourt, Matt Daley, Matt Reynolds, and Esmil Rogers. Handling the pitchers is catcher Chris Ianetta who is expected to provide power as well. With the departure of Miguel Olivo who signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners in the off season, Ianetta is expected to take over primary catching duties with young Jose Morales serving as his back up.

The Rockies brought in the hard throwing Matt Lindstrom from Houston where he filled in for Brandon Lyon as closer for the most of 2010. Lindstrom may be called on to close games if usual closer Huston Street again battles injuries as he has for much of his career. When healthy, Street is a solid stopper. Along with Matt Belisle, Rafael Betancourt and Franklin Morales, Street and Lindstrom give Colorado a solid bullpen.

Bobbie Barton is a fitness trainer She likes SportsFanTreasures.com and recommends you check out their info on Washington Nationals Watch, San Francisco Giants Watch and Atlanta Braves Bedding

Ubaldo Jimenez’s Epic Arm