The Colorado Rockies spent four weeks coming to terms with their arbitration-eligible players, signing players to long-term deals, filling out their bench and pursuing relievers to fill out their bullpen.

Now it looks like they are done.

With a team that has only a few question marks, the Rockies look like they should be in a pretty good position to go out and win enough games to be in the playoff race.  That, of course, is pure speculation for any team in February.  Injuries always factor in and guessing how well a player will play is always tough.

Much of the Rockies success hinges on the surgically repaired left shoulder of Jeff Francis.  If he is the pitcher that won 17 games in 2007, the Rockies may very well claim their first ever National League West title.

If Francis falters, the Rockies will be scrambling to find someone who can fill a gaping hole in their rotation.

All reports suggest that Francis is back.  He is healthy and throwing pain free.  That is very good news for the Rockies, who despite finding themselves in the playoffs are still fairly young, with players who still have not realized their full potential.

Expectations are high, fans are expecting quite a bit out of this team.  What are your thoughts?  Have the Rockies done enough to win their first NL West title?  Are they going to miss Jason Marquis more than they know?

I believe that they will win 90 games and make the playoffs, whether it be the Wild Card or the NL West title.

Melvin Mora signed a one-year deal with the Rockies on Sunday.

The Colorado Rockies got lucky.

On Saturday the Reds won the Orlando Cabrera derby and the Rockies were left to look elsewhere.  They ended up with a far better player than the Reds did.

On Sunday the Rockies countered by signing former Orioles starting third baseman Melvin Mora to a one-year deal.  The signing will do two things.  First, it will ensure that Eric Young Jr. will start the season in Triple-A Colorado Springs.  Second, it puts Clint Barmes’ starting position in jeopardy.

Although the Rockies like Barmes’ defense and love the fact that they probably possess the best double play combo in the game, the upgrade in offense would be an extreme relief.  Barmes often found himself headed back to the dugout after reaching for a slider low and away.  The lack of offense reached its pinnacle in the NLDS, where Barmes went 0-for-11 when the Rockies needed him the most.

Whether it’s Mora or Barmes at second base to start the season, the Rockies have one of the best benches in baseball.

The infield will consist of either Mora or Barmes on the bench, both of whom have been everyday starters for the majority of their time in the big leagues.  Behind the second baseman will be backup first baseman Jason Giambi, who with over 600 career home runs, proved during the stretch that he never gives up an at-bat.

Behind the plate on the bench will be Miguel Olivo, a power hitting catcher who hit 23 home runs in 2009.

The outfield boasts Ryan Spilborghs and Seth Smith from the right and left side respectively.  Both of those players would be starters on at least 10 teams in the big leagues.

The front office of the Rockies has done a great job filling out a roster that is looking to return to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.  This time, however, the Rockies are looking to reel in their first ever National League West title.

Mike Bacsik gave up Barry Bonds record breaking home run and Tim Redding was dumb enough to accuse him of doing it on purpose.

On Thursday the Rockies finalized a Minor League contract with Tim Redding.  On Friday word was spreading that he is a clubhouse cancer.

The Rockies pride themselves on pursuing not just good baseball players, but baseball players who conduct themselves with integrity and have high moral standards.  This fact has led to the team having great clubhouse chemistry and a focused approach.

A day after signing with the Rockies, Redding is doing his best to destroy that reputation.

On Friday it became national news that Redding had gone on a radio show and discussed how former teammate Mike Bacsik had purposely given up Barry Bonds 756th home run.  A home run that put the controversy-laden slugger into first place all time in home runs.

Bacsik, out of baseball since that 2007 season, went on Baseball Tonight to defend himself.  Not only did he deny the accusation, he went much further than that.  He made it clear that Redding was a bad teammate and that he often rubbed people the wrong way.  He said that he would get under guys skin, even in the middle of a game.

While Bacsik is undoubtedly talking out of anger.  His words are strong.  They are very powerful words because they suggest that Redding has a bad reputation around the league.  That might not be a big deal for some teams in the league, but for the Rockies that is a big red flag.  In both playoff seasons in the past three years it was clear that the reason the Rockies were able to dig themselves out of a hole was because they were such a tight-knit group that they all were fighting for a common cause.  Clubhouse cancers were not around.

Even the act of saying that about Bacsik on a sports radio show goes against the code of baseball.  There is no reason to throw a past teammate under the bus, simply because the opportunity exists.  Why, 2-1/2 years later, would Redding feel the need to accuse Bacsik of such actions?  Even if Bacsik had grooved a fastball for Bonds to crush, that is a matter that should be handled internally, in the clubhouse of a team.  Actions like that should never reach the media.

The other dumb part about what Redding said is that even if Bacsik had grooved him a fastball, this is not like another sport, where a goalie can simply let the puck go by, or a basketball player can fail to play defense.  In baseball, even a grooved pitch is tough to guarantee a home run on.  Even the most batter friendly fastballs are missed more often than not.  The statement is ridiculous to make.

The good news for the Rockies is that Redding should not crack the Opening Day roster.  He is clearly just a backup plan in case someone gets injured, and even that does not guarantee him a spot on the 25-man roster.  However, simply signing him to a contract and bringing him to camp is worrisome.  The Rockies usually pass on guys like that before even considering them.  If the Rockies are smart, they will come to their senses and find a different backup plan heading into April.

Tim Redding was signed to a Minor League contract by the Colorado Rockies.

The Colorado Rockies signed journeyman starting pitcher Tim Redding on Wednesday.  It is clear that the Rockies fan base has grown because of the overall panic that has been associated with signings like this.

Redding was signed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league camp.  He is by no means going to be this seasons version on Jason Marquis.  He is not going to push Jason Hammel or Jorge De La Rosa out of the rotation.  He is simply being brought in for depth.

Many Rockies fans are scared that the righty, who was accused of being out of shape when he showed up to Mets camp last spring will be the Opening Day starter for the club.  There are references to Kip Wells being thrown around.  Make no mistake, this is no Kip Wells signing.

When Kip Wells was signed he was brought in to compete for a spot in the rotation.  The Rockies were hoping that he would be good enough to be a fifth starter, or at worst a long man out of the bullpen.  They firmly believed that Wells would be a member of the team on Opening Day.

The fact is, if Dan O’Dowd was completely honest, he would admit that the chances that Redding cracks the opening day lineup are slim to none.  The point of the signing is to have  a stash of big league-ready pitchers, who have had some success at the highest level, waiting in the wings an hour south of Denver just in case.

The alternative is to go with what the club already has.  That might not sound like a bad idea considering the depth that the farm system enjoys.  However, if the Rockies simply depended on their young pitchers they might find themselves in trouble if and when a starting pitcher gets injured.  In 2009 Josh Fogg had to make a start while Aaron Cook was on the mend.

Young pitchers are great to have around, and even to give a start to here and there, but the learning curve in the big leagues is tough enough, but imagine being thrown into a big league situation in the middle of a playoff race and be asked to throw better than ever before.  It just is not realistic.  So when guys like Tim Redding are signed, panic should not ensue.

It is simply a depth move.

Eric Young etched his name in Colorado sports history with his leadoff home run in the first ever Rockies at-bat in Denver.

As they do every season FSN Rocky Mountain, home of the Colorado Rockies, is playing replays of classic Rockies games.

On Monday night the station played two classic games back-to-back.  Leading off the two games was the first-ever Major League Baseball game in Colorado.  Any true Rockies fan knows the most important moment of that game, which was a leadoff home run off the bat of Eric Young.  The game very much set the tone for early Rockies.  They scored 11 runs in that game and blasted their way to a win.

The game immediately following the opener was the October 1st, 1995 game against the San Francisco Giants.  With history on the line, closer Curtis Leskanic retired the side in the top of the ninth inning in order to secure the Rockies first ever trip to the postseason.  At that time they were the quickest team in Major League history to reach the playoffs in just their third season.

The games are both well known by Rockies fans.  The results were far from unexpected.  However, there are a few things that make Rockies fans take a trip down memory lane.

It has been well documented how well Rockies fans showed up in the early days of the franchise.  However, seeing the video footage brings the history books to life.  On that famous day of April 9th, 19, 80,227 fans packed into Mile High Stadium.

Many of the fans that crammed into the seats knew very little about baseball.  They had watched Denver Zephyrs games, but really the baseball knowledge was small.  As the game progressed the fans cheers must have seemed awkward to the seasoned baseball fans.  Loud cheers were common throughout the game.  Any time a Rockie made contact with the ball the crowd went wild.  Whether it was Eric Young’s leadoff home run, or Charlie Hayes hitting into a double play.  The roars of the crowd were not the typical baseball cheers, they were cheers as if John Elway had just led the Broncos to a win after they had been behind with 2:00 to go.

Fans were so excited to have baseball in Denver, something that they had been teased with in the past, and finally had to wait two years to watch after being awarded a franchise in July of 1991.

After reminiscing on that historic day, FSN immediately brings the viewer to the playoff clinching game in the strike-shortened season of 1995.  The game was vintage Coors Field, with the Rockies coming back from six runs down to win the game 10-9.

After three seasons  it might be assumed that Rockies fever in Denver had died down.  Quite the contrary, Rockies fans were everywhere.  Charlie Jones and Dave Campbell who were calling the game announced that Coors Field was sold out.  What was striking about the announcement was not the fact that a huge game was sold out, but the fact that it was not a big deal at all.  The reason that it was no big deal was because there had not been a single game played at Coors Field that was not sold out.  Whether it was a Wednesday afternoon game or a Saturday evening game, Coors Field was the toughest ticket in town in 1995.

Rockies fans were still cheering at the crack of the bat, but the knowledge was growing.  However, the way Coors Field was playing in the early years, it was clear that a home run was the most important thing in the game.  Fans would lightly cheer a run scoring sacrifice fly, but would go crazy over a solo home run.

Other observation from the games…First, it was clear that the steroid era had not started in 1995.  The Giants Barry Bonds was significantly smaller.  He was lean and fast, and while he hit home runs, he was more of doubles hitter than anything.  Players overall were significantly smaller than what Major League Baseball would see in the upcoming years.

Second, anyone who thinks that mullets were a thing of the 80’s has a short-term memory.  It was not just Dante Bichette sporting the look.  Several Rockies players had mullets, to go along with what seemed like the majority of fans in the seats.  It was a look that society would be better for never having.

Saturday marks the second annual FanFest at Coors Field.  Before the 2009 season the inaugural FanFest was for season ticket holders only.  The second time around the Rockies have been kind enough to invite Mini-Plan holders as well.

The day is filled with self guided tours of the clubhouse and the Rockies own museum.  The day also has four autograph sessions that will take place in the Mountain Ranch Bar & Grille, the restaurant the sits in the corner or the right field stands.

There are at least 14 players who are scheduled to make an appearance, whether to sign autographs, or be available to chat with some of the fans.  The list includes newly signed Huston Street, Carlos Gonzalez, Ryan Spilborghs, Troy Tulowitzki, Todd Helton, Aaron Cook, Eric Young Jr. and many more.

FanFest is a great way for the Rockies organization to connect with their fans and show their appreciation for the fans that purchase ticket plans.  Gates open at 9:30 in the morning and the event runs through 3:30 in the afternoon.

Paul LoDuca last played in the big leagues in 2008.

In the past few days the Rockies have signed Paul LoDuca and Jay Payton to minor league deals.  They are reportedly going to watch Eric Gagne work out as well.

Rockies nation is up in arms.  Comments on newspaper websites and popular Rockies blogs are full of confused fans.  Why would the Rockies sign another catcher when they have two on the roster, one waiting in the wings in the form of Paul Phillips and two more top prospects on the farm named Mike McKenry and Wilin Rosario?

Why would the Rockies sign another outfielder when they already have a logjam in the big leagues?

Just relax everyone!  These moves are strictly for depth.

Paul LoDuca will not be competing for the Opening Day job behind the plate.  Eric Gagne will not be the closer on the Opening Day roster.  Jay Payton will not be manning left field for the Rockies in 2010.

Rockies fans are being baptized in the next generation of success.  That success brings them to a place where instead of signing the Jay Payton’s of the world and giving them a shot at cracking the 25 man roster, they can bring in a guy like that and plant him in Colorado Springs just in case the worst case scenario happens.

It is not smart to strictly rely on youthful talent.  It is great to have two top prospects waiting to fill in behind the plate, but the fact is, the jump to the big leagues is a much larger jump than what most people would expect.  One sure fire way to ruin a prospect is to throw them into the fire in the middle of a playoff race.  To put that kind of pressure onto a 22 or 23 year old kid is not the smartest move, not only for the development of the player, but also for the team in the race.

Even though Mike McKenry would be a better player today than Paul LoDuca, the fact is, LoDuca has been in a playoff race before.  He has had success at the big league level and would not be thrown into the deep end if, in fact, the Rockies need to call upon him.

There is no reason that the Rockies should not make these signings.  If the players are indeed washed up, no big deal, simply cut them and send them on their way.

If they have a little bit left in the tank, give them a chance at the Triple-A level and if something major happens at the big league level, they become a stop-gap who has some experience on the big stage.

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Huston Street was one of the main reasons that the Rockies made it back to the playoffs for the second time in three years.

The Monfort brothers, majority owners of the Colorado Rockies, have been called frugal, cheap, selfish and many other names.  On Tuesday they continued their march of proving people wrong.

The Rockies have reportedly locked up closer Huston Street to a three year deal worth around $21 million, and set-up man Rafael Betancourt for two years and $7.55 million.

The moves are proving that the Rockies are not simply a farm team for the rest of the league like so many have accused them of being.

The Rockies embarked on a painful rebuilding process starting in 2002 when it became clear that they were not in a position to be a big spending team.  They have the money to spend on a few free agents here and there, but if they make a mistake it sets them back too far.  Therefore, if they build from within they are taking a more calculated risk when they attempt to sign young players who have proven themselves to be effective in the big leagues.

The 2010 Colorado Rockies should look very similar to the Wild Card winning team in 2009.  It looks as if the only free agents that will be missing from the playoff roster are catcher Yorvit Torrealba and lefty specialist Joe Beimel.

With Street and Betancourt anchoring the back end of the  bullpen, the Rockies should be very happy with the look of their relief corps.  Betancourt had an ERA of just 1.78 after coming over from Cleveland.  Street blew just two saves on the season and was one of the main reasons the Rockies were in the playoffs.

The Rockies also avoided arbitration with Jason Hammel, signing the 10 game winner to a one-year $1.9 million deal.