Colorado has fallen on hard times just a year after winning the National League and reaching their first World Series in franchise history. It has called into question whether the 2007 season was just a fluke, but to be fair the team has suffered through an inordinate amount of injuries to many of their key players. They are just now finally becoming whole, and while they currently sit in last place (10 games out of first) nobody has run away from the pack out West. Arizona’s pace has slowed considerably, andthe Dodgers have yet to perform up to expectation. While it would be foolish to expect the Rockies to duplicate their incredible streak from last season, it is possibly they could get back into the playoff picture with a few months of solid improved play. 

Outfielder Brad Hawpe was the first regular to return recovering from a hamstring strain that kept him out of action for three weeks. Slugger Matt Holliday is set to return to the lineup on Tuesday which will make the outfield whole once again. Willy Taveras will continue to man centerfield, and should score more runs hitting in front of Hawpe and Holliday. Ryan Spillborghs and Seth Smith will return to the bench, and rotate through the outfield spots. Reliever Luis Vizcaino has also returned from the disabled list.

Colorado may be getting some unexpected help in the infield soon as well. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was expected to be out until at least the All-Star break, but he is recovering more quickly than expected. He could begin a minor league rehab assignment as soon as next week, and should be back playing everyday in late June. He has not played since April 29. Tulowitzki hit 24 home runs last year, and was perhaps the best defensive shortstop in the league. His return would be huge for the Rockies. His replacement, Clint Barmes, has been out since May 23 himself but is also on the verge of returning. Barmes is making solid progress from a sprained knee, and could begin his own rehab assignment in about a week. He had been hitting .343 with 20 RBI at the time of his injury.

The return of Tulowitzki and Barmes will obviously impact the players currently manning the middle infield for Colorado. The big losers here are Jonathan Herrera and Omar Quintanilla. Both players are batting under .235 and are liabilities offensively. Either one or both will be replaced on the roster in the coming days. The real question mark is what the team decides to do with top prospect Ian Stewart. A third baseman by trade, Stewart has currently been filling in at second and is hitting .243/.333/.459. He hit .281/.369/.614 at Triple-A this season however, and appears ready to stay in the big leagues. He has serious power potential, and could hit 30 home runs playing everyday at Coors Field. Stewart is blocked at third though by Garret Atkins, and Barmes would likely reclaim most of the playing time at second. Stewart holds the most fantasy value of all the potentially displaced players.

 
Rockies fans finally have something to smile about as Matt Holliday will return to the lineup on Tuesday rejoining right fielder Brad Hawpe.