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.