The Dream Team Project: Colorado Rockies

In order to deepen my appreciation for baseball and its history, I have embarked on an effort to create a “dream team” for each franchise in the American and National Leagues, from the time it began play in its current location, or from 1947 (whichever is earlier). I present each team in batting order (the starting pitcher bats 9th), and include three more starting pitchers, five relief pitchers, as well as the best player, hitter, and fielder not in the starting lineup.

* = Left-handed batter or pitcher. # = Switch-hitter.

Colorado Rockies (from 1993)

1. Eric Young, 2B (1993-1997)
2. Carlos Gonzalez, CF (2009– ) *
3. Larry Walker, RF (1995-2004) *
4. Todd Helton, 1B (1997– )
5. Matt Holliday, LF (2004-2008)
6. Vinny Castilla, 3B (1993-1999, 2004 & 2006)
7. Troy Tulowitzki, SS (2006– )
8. Chris Iannetta, C (2006-2011)
9. Ubaldo Jimenez, P (2006-2011)

Player: Andres Galarraga, 1B (1993-1997) *; Hitter: Ellis Burks, OF (1994-1998); Fielder: Clint Barmes, 2B/SS (2003-2010)

Other starting pitchers:

• Aaron Cook (2002-2011)
• Jhoulys Chacin (2009– )
• Jeff Francis (2004-2008, 2010 & 2012– ) *

Relief pitchers:

• Brian Fuentes (2002-2008) *
• Steve Reed (1993-1997 & 2003-2004)
• Rafael Betancourt (2009– )
• Bruce Ruffin (1993-1997) *
• Jerry Dipoto (1997-2000)

The “Rockies top” player is Todd Helton. Larry Walker isn’t far behind. The rest of this dream team appears solid, but not spectacular, and that may not change much in the near future, though Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez should be able to solidify their places in the lineup. The bullpen in Denver is easily the equal of the starting rotation; what does that mean? The Mile High city will have to make do with memories of 2007 for the time being, it seems.

Fun fact: the Colorado Rockies are one of only two teams in Major League Baseball which have never won a divisional title. Do you know the other one?

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