The Colorado Rockies have had a very impressive start to the season, but they still have a lot of work to do until they can be viewed as a serious threat this year. When they called up star prospect Nolan Arenado, they instantly upgraded their lineup while also pulling in cash and a future player in a trade that sent Chris Nelson to the Yankees. Arenado has huge potential, and has already showed his power and impressive fielding skills. That was the first move in a busy week of transactions.
The next move was signing former All-Star pitcher Roy Oswalt to a minor league contract. Oswalt has been an ace for many years, but has definitely slowed as of late. He was assigned to extended spring training, but he will have every shot to make the starting rotation if he pitched well in the minors. Oswalt would take the place of a current rotation member, and I would have to believe Jeff Francis has had the most underwhelming season so far.
Drew Pomeranz is very impressive so far in Colorado Springs and is expected back in the starting rotation soon, meaning another current starter will lose his spot, and Juan Nicasio has been struggling with command thus far, possibly pointing to him as a candidate to be sent down. Chacin is coming back from an injury but has not shown much this year that proves that he should be the team's number one. Meanwhile, Tyler Chatwood was sent back down after filling in for Chacin during his DL stint. Chatwood had two miraculous outings, while also having his way with opposing pitchers, going 3-4 at the plate in his second start.
If the Rockies hope to continue their early success, they are going to need to do a better job of managing their 25-Man Roster. Even if they have to give up on former stars such as Francis, Chacin, and Nicasio, they should in order to put the best players on their everyday roster.
