Jason Marquis News

The Mets have talked a good game about spending money and retooling this offseason.

Last week, Dan Oa TMDowd was named the Major League executive of the year by Sporting News.A His off-season moves and in-season decisions helped the Rockies reach the postseason for the second time in three years.A It seemed Oa TMDowd made all of the right moves at a time when the Rockies needed some leadership at the top.

Didn't agree. Not one bit. When the Rockies declined reliever Rafael Betancourt's $5 million option last week, making him a free agent, I cringed.

In the final year of his contract, Dan O'Dowd enjoyed his finest year as the Rockies' GM.

With an abundance of left-handed hitters, there has been speculation that Hawpe would likely be dealt.

Tracy Ringolsby is a Hall of Fame baseball writer, recipient of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award during 2006 Hall of Fame ceremonies in Cooperstown.

Purse strings tighten with free agency The stars are limited in this year's class, but look for the Rockies to pursue bench help and a reliever.

Chris Iannetta If you had to pick just one player who must improve in order for the Rockies to win the National League West in 2010, whom would you choose? Perhaps a healthy Jeff Francis, winning at least 15 games and filling the void of the departing Jason Marquis? Maybe Dexter Fowler, striking out less, showing a little more power and building on ...

The Rockies moved quickly to fortify their bullpen Thursday, signing Matt Belisle and Randy Flores to one-year deals.

Various on-and-off field personnel for the Rockies had a common theme in recent conversations about the World Series: It was difficult to watch.

Jim Tracy To understand why Rockies manager Jim Tracy will sign a multiyear deal this week, don't focus on Tracy.

Baseball Prospectus' Pre-season Projection : 71-91, fifth place Actual record: 92-70, second place Coors Field is an advantage, sure, but this team can play some ball.

If the Rockies weren't so fixated on next year, they might still be playing Baseball this year.

Denver Post analysis: With some exceptions, the Colorado Rockies appear to be in great shape for the future Troy E. Renck and Patrick Saunders The Denver Post ENLARGE From left, Dexter Fowler, Yorvit Torrealba and Carlos Gonzalez were among the Rockies getting the last laugh when the team made the NL playoffs after an 18-28 start.

The Rockies figured they would be in Philadelphia tonight, finishing a dramatic division series.

Outfielder Brad Hawpe and righthander Jason Marquis, Colorado's representatives at the All-Star Game this season, are expected to spend the remainder of the National League division series in minor roles.

The decision to move Saturday night's Game 3 of the National League Division Series to Sunday night could make it decision time for Rockies manager Jim Tracy.

The Rockies have made their riveting run due to a series of unexpected contributions from unusual sources.

The playoffs are about as sympathetic as a traffic ticket. Managers who make decisions with their hearts tend to get their guts ripped out.

South Kitsap YAHOO! Pitcher Jason Hammel was 10-8 with a 4.33 earned run average in his first season with the Rockies.