The offseason is going to be an important time for the Rockies in continuing on building our team to reach the overall goal of getting back to the playoffs. The problem is, our team is almost identical to the one that won the NL Championship a season ago. What hurt us this year was pitching and injury. Jeff Francis needs to be worked on during the offseason and will have to improve his overall performance before he gets the ball next year. The young top prospect Ubaldo Jimenez needs to focus on his control more than anything and he can blossom next season. Manny Corpas was dissapointing out of the bullpen but Brian Fuentes was our star at the closer position this season and we should try to hold on to him this offseason

Tulo's injury created a field day at the middle infield position and Helton's injury forced our infield and mainly our power to be a weak spot for us late into the season. However, Helton's injury moved Atkins to first which gave us the oppurtunity to see the brilliant young third baseman Ian Stewert. Omar Quintanilla was also great covering 2nd and Short. He showed fantastic defense and contact on offense. Jeff Baker emerged to contribute a huge bat to our lineup and Clint Barmes proved to be a balanced player at 2nd and sometimes short as well. So, we need to maintain our infield and get Tulo and Helton back healthy next year to be back to our old defensive selves turning double plas left and right.

Trades: We all know Holliday has owned the trade drama this season but two questions will be Atkins and Taveras. Taveras looks to be a good fit in Cinci. but its a long shot. Atlanta seems to fit both our needs the best as far as Atkins and Holliday go. bleacherreport.com's Eli Greenspan said it the best, here is a clip from his article.

While it is almost certain that the Rockies will trade Garrett Atkins to make room for Ian Stewart, the true question is whether or not they will trade Matt Holliday. If the Rockies are to trade both Atkins and Holliday, they could strategically trade for prospects to help them across the board. In one trade, they could focus on solid pitching while in the other they could focus on some infield and outfield prospects.While it is almost certain that the Rockies will trade Garrett Atkins to make room for Ian Stewart, the true question is whether or not they will trade Matt Holliday. If the Rockies are to trade both Atkins and Holliday, they could strategically trade for prospects to help them across the board. In one trade, they could focus on solid pitching while in the other they could focus on some infield and outfield prospects.

This seems nice but we cant settle for a trade that won't help us enough. If we could come away with a steal for these two power hitters and smart defensemen, that would be the best we could ask for.

Overall, the Rockies offseason looks to be eventful and we should be excited for next year. With our farm system growing and our new Lefty Christian Friedrich on the mound in the minors next year, we should get back to Rocktober by next year.