Colorado Rockies: 3 Things You Should Know on February 23

Chad Bettis having a successful surgery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer was the best thing by far in the Colorado Rockies offseason. Three months since his diagnosis in November, Bettis was told by doctors that he remains cancer free.

Bettis will continue to be monitored every three to six months according to Nick Groke of the Denver Post. Groke and Thomas Harding of MLB.com detailed what the diagnosis meant to the right-hander and how he is approaching this Spring Training.

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Bettis was the wins leader for the Rockies last year with a 14-8 record. He is an integral part of this rotation and this clubhouse. This is much welcomed news.

German Marquez turned 22 Wednesday, February 22. He is showing much promise and his fastball looks like it’s coming from someone much more experienced. Marquez came in the trade that sent Corey Dickerson to Tampa Bay and Jake McGee to Denver.

McGee was the big name that was supposed to make waves. While McGee battled injuries last year and is still a valuable piece of the Rockies bullpen, it seems like Marquez is the one making a name for himself.

Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post writes about how Marquez is becoming a viable candidate to make the Rockies rotation. That trade addressed a huge need in pitching and with the depth the Rockies have in the outfield, it already seams like a positive trade. The more candidates for the rotation, the better.

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Finally, Steve Adams writing for MLB Trade Rumors reported that there are no serious talks about a contract extension between the Rockies and Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies can save money long-term if they are going to build for the future. But not extending CarGo’s contract seems counterintuitive to the club’s win-now modus operandi. Get this man a contract. Soon.