Colorado Rockies

Talk to anyone who has done an interview with Colorado Rockies prospect Dexter Fowler, and they will tell you the same two things—this kid has a smile made for television, and he can run like a gazelle.

At the beginning of the spring, it seemed a given that the top outfield prospect for the Rockies, Dexter Fowler, would start the year at Triple-A Colorado Springs. After all, he was called straight to the big leagues after tearing the cover off of the ball in Double-A Tulsa.

The Colorado Rockies are two years removed from their World Series run in 2007 and things couldn't be more different. Last year, they finished with a 74-88 record. They finished fourth in the NL West.

This offseason, the Rockies made some big trades. They traded power hitter Matt Holliday to Oakland and in return got prospect Carlos Gonzalez, pitcher Greg Smith, and closer Huston Street. With the Street deal, the Rockies released Brian Fuentes.

1. The return of Manny Corpas

It remains to be seen if Corpas will be used as the closer, but it's certain that the Rockies will need Corpas circa 2007 if they are going to compete in 2009.

Corpas was fantastic in 2007 (2.08 ERA) and it looked as though the Rockies had a rising star on their hand. But Corpas regressed in 2008 and suddenly became very hittable and average.

With Taylor Buchholz out until at least the end of May, the Rockies will need Corpas to perform at his peak for the team to stay afloat.

2. Ubaldo

Don't worry, everybody.

Let out that breath you've been holding in.

Stop refreshing denverpost.com to check for updates on the Jay Cutler trade saga.

Everything is copacetic in Colorado.

How is that possible, you ask?

Todd Helton is back.

Though two and a half weeks remain before rosters are set for Opening Day, Helton is already partying like it's 2001 and we've all got spots on the guest list.

It’s amazing what one week can do. Seven simple days and it seems like half of the Rockies' fan-base jumped off the bandwagon after a winless first week in Tucson.

The defeats can be looked at one of two ways:

*From Protect the Plate

After winning 90 games and riding a hot streak all the way to the World Series in 2007, the Rockies fell to 74-88 last season.

Now that the center piece of their lineup is gone, it's starting to look like the Rockies are destined to endure their eighth losing season in nine years.

With manager Clint Hurdle on the hot seat and an impressive group of young players, however, anything's possible. Just look at the 2007 Rockies.

NO HOLLIDAY