Bay Area Baseball

The return of SS Troy Tulowitzki has Colorado thinking playoffs.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been at the head of the National League West for nearly all of this 2008 season. They have certainly established themselves as the frontrunners for the division title behind starters Brandon Webb, Dan Haren and Randy Johnson. Much has been made about the LA Dodgers and their acquisition of outfielder Manny Ramirez, who has been outstanding. It was certainly one of the biggest moves of the trade deadline. What could be seen as a bigger move when it is all said and done is the non sale of Colorado Rockies stars. The team decided to hang onto closer Brian Fuentes who has 26 saves and a 2.73 era. They also held on to their top player, outfielder Matt Holliday.

Behind the two the team has reestablished itself as a bona fide contender in a division where the head of the pack has not pulled away. Despite a 64-72 record Colorado is only six games out of first place with just about a month left to play. While they still have a great deal of work ahead of them, the reemergence of starter Franklin Morales or an increased consistency from Jorge De La Rosa could be all the team needs to start up the necessary hot streak. They also have the benefit of the schedule where they completely avoid the NL East and Central contenders Philadelphia, New York, Florida, Chicago and Milwaukee.

Colorado’s destiny is in their hands as they have six games against Arizona and three vs Los Angeles. They certainly have their work cut out for them, but with the return of SS Troy Tulowitzki and consistent contributions from young players Ian Stewart and Chris Iannetta, don’t count them out yet.