Colorado Rockies Have Three Superstars

Todd Helton enters his fourteenth season in 2011 and is 37 years old. With his contract up at the end of the year, Helton could be in his final season. If so, the Colorado Rockies have ensured that they have their nucleus for winning signed for years to come. This past winter, the team signed short stop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to new contract extensions.

Helton has been the face of the Colorado team for 13 seasons. At age 37, Helton is in the final year of his contract and it is unknown if he will be back in 2012 for season fifteen. He hit . 325 in 2009 but in 2010 the average was down to . 256 and he hit just eight home runs with 37 runs batted in, all below average for big league first basemen. The last time Helton hit over 20 home runs was in 2004, but he does play solid defense and provides veteran leadership in the clubhouse.

While Tulowitzki and Gonzalez lead the offensive fire power, they do have capable assistance in the batting order. Helton could still be productive, though his power is long gone. Helton last hit more than 20 home runs in 2004. Dexter Fowler provides range in center field which is important in spacious Coors Field. Fowler is also capable of stealing bases and scoring runs from the top of the lineup. Ryan Spillborghs and Seth Smith will platoon in right field. Both could possibly play full time for other teams.

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.

While Tulowitzki and Gonzalez are the linchpins of the offense, they do have help. Center fielder Dexter Fowler provides speed and range in spacious Coors Field. Seth Smith and Ryan Spillborghs will split time in right field and both could be starters on other teams. They will provide plenty of run production and good defense in the outfield.

Colorado closer Huston Street saved 35 games in 2009, but he has battled injuries throughout his career, first with the Athletics and now with the Rockies. Street has averaged just 59 innings over the past three seasons, with an average of 24 saves. It is because of Streets uncertain health that the team brought in Matt Lindstrom from Houston. Last year with the Astros, Lindstrom was asked to close for much of the season as Brandon Lyon also battled injuries. Lindstrom responded with 23 saves in 53 innings, though his ERA was a bit high at 4.39.

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.

Closer Huston Street anchors the bullpen, along with set up man Matt Lindstrom who was brought over from the Astros. Matt Belisle, Rafael Betancourt, and Felipe Paulino round out the bullpen hurlers, giving the Rockies a chance to hold on to leads late in games.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