Even after all the injury problems and pitching woes, the Rockies are only 5.5 out with 3 weeks to play.  With the way that division is, they could easily make a run and win that division.  Crazy for a team that lost Troy Tulowitzki for most of the season and had Jeff Francis go from ace to average pitcher.  The bats have been just as good as last year, maybe even better, and the pitching is coming around.  Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez have anchored the rotation, and they got a blessing in disguise when noone ponied up enough to trade for Brian Fuentes.  I honestly wouldn’t be shocked if the Rox ended up in 1st place at season’s end.

Losing Troy Tulowitzki sucks for the Rockies, obviously.  The 2007 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up was struggling big time at the plate, but he was still probably the best defensive shortstop in the league, and they’re going to miss that big time, especially with how most of their pitchers have been performing.  It appears as though Omar Quintanilla or Clint Barmes will be filling in for Tulo until he comes back, which isn’t until the All Star Break at least.  What a devastating blow.  The offense has been pretty good despite Tulo’s struggles, though.  Matt Holliday is being Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins is playing up to his ability, as is Brad Hawpe.  Willy Taveras is a lethal base stealer, already has 14.  Clint Barmes is having a great comeback season after most thought that he was washed up already.  He is showing the flashes that he showed in his rookie year.  While their starting catcher, Yorvit Torrealba is struggling, their backup Chris Ianetta is playing great.  Tulowitzki was the only other guy that was really having problems.

As for the pitching, ouch again.  Their two young future aces, Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales, have regressed a ton.  Both are finding it nearly impossible to throw the ball over the plate.  I’d consider sending them to AAA Colorado Springs to see if they can fix something, because whatever they’re doing now isn’t working.  Even Jeff Francis isn’t pitching good.  The only real solid starter so far has been Aaron Cook (5-1, 2.40 ERA).

The bullpen has been somewhat of a mess as well.  Manny Corpas has gone from lights out closer to trash, and Brian Fuentes has reclaimed his closer role.  Well, let me correct myself.  Manny Corpas has been somewhat of a mess.  The rest of them have been alright, and the addition of Jason Grilli from Detroit helps their cause, IMO.

Hopefully the Rox can withstand playing without Tulo for so long, and when he comes back, hopefully he can regain his offensive production from 2007.  It looks like the team is going to need it.

David Eckstein appears to be a candidate for the Colorado Rockies’ second-base opening.

The interest on the part of Eckstein, confirmed by sources with knowledge of the discussions, came to light Thursday at the end of the winter meetings in Nashville.

This seems like it would be a pretty good move for the rockies if the price was right.  What do you guys think?

Vizcaino, 33, rejected the Yankees’ offer for salary arbitration and is looking for a multiyear contract. That could make signing him problematic for the Rockies. Vizcaino went 8-2 with a 4.30 ERA with the Yankees last season.

The Rockies have made minor-league offers to several free-agent pitchers, including left-hander Mark Redman and right-hander Victor Zambrano.

The Rockies remain interested in Shawn Chacon, but only as a relief pitcher and they are not prepared to offer him more than a one-year deal.

Hopefully we get this all settle pretty soon.  None of the options seem to be that satisfying though.  Is anybody else a little worrie about the bullpen?