The Rockies are prepared to begin another youth movement in 2009, a plan that became reality when they traded left fielder Matt Holliday to Oakland.
Colorado received three highly touted young players: reliever Huston Street, who could wind up as the Rockies' setup man or closer; left-hander Greg Smith, who was up and down this year as a rookie; and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, a powerful but inconsistent hitter who is an exceptional fielder. Talk of dealing Holliday began shortly after Colorado's World Series run in 2007, even though the outfielder was the runner-up for National League MVP that year. He is due to become a free agent after the 2009 season, and with hard-ball agent Scott Boras representing him, it was assuming the Rockies would be unable to meet his asking price.
That prompted the rumors that culminated with Holliday heading to the A's.
Gonzalez, 23, might be the replacement for Holliday in left field, though he could have competition from Seth Smith. Gonzalez, a top prospect obtained when the A's traded Dan Haren to the Diamondbacks last offseason, hit .242 with four home runs and 26 RBIs in 302 at-bats in his rookie season.
Street's role could be impacted by the fate of free agent closer Brian Fuentes. If Fuentes leaves, Street and right-hander Manuel Corpas figure to handle the eighth and ninth innings, in some order. Street, 25, lost the closer role in Oakland this year, when he blew seven of 25 save chances.
Smith, who had minor elbow surgery in October, went 7-16 with a 4.16 ERA while pitching 190 2/3 innings in his rookie campaign. The Rockies expect Smith, who turns 25 in December, to eat up more innings in their rotation next season.
