No Holliday, no problem for Rockies
Last offseason, the Colorado Rockies traded away their best player and fan favorite in Matt Holliday. The trade was not popular among Rockies fans. Many fans looked at the trade as a way to cut salary and continue to build the minor league talent. Things have gone much better than Rockies fans could have ever imagined this season.
When the Rockies traded Holliday, they sent a power hitter with decent speed and decent defensive ability. In return, the Rockies received closer Huston Street and prospects Carlos Gonzalez and Greg Smith. Out of these three, Street was the only proven major leaguer, but was coming off a season in which he lost his closer job. The return for the Rockies looked pretty minimal, at least for the first the near future. If you've been watching the Rockies lately, you know the Matt Holliday trade has turned out very well for the Rockies.
Huston Street - He just earned his 30th save against the Washington Nationals. This brings Streets outstanding streak to 22 saves in a row. Not only has Street saved games, he's helped keep the Rockies bullpen effective even with the loss of some key arms. Maybe the most impressive thing about Huston Street is that he's only 26 years old and should be around for years to come...if the Rockies sign him.
Carlos Gonzalez - He started the year in AAA with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, but quickly was called up after putting up huge numbers at the plate. After coming to the major leagues he showed early promise in the outfield and on the bases, but struggled hitting. Gonzalez has made some great plays in left and center field. He covers a lot of ground and has a strong, accurate arm. Lately though, it's been Gonzalez success at the plate that has Rockies fans excited. He's homered in 3 games in a row and 5 of the last 7. Gonzalez leads the Rockies in batting average since the all-star break and seems to be comfortable playing at the highest level.
Greg Smith - Many thought he would be perhaps the biggest contributor for the Rockies in 2009. He's a young left handed starting pitcher and was highly regarded by the Oakland A's organization. The year was nothing but a disappointment for Reynolds. He never made it to the major league level and is currently on the disabled list.
Do you think the Rockies are better off without Holliday? Who's the most important player the Rockies received in the trade?
When the Rockies traded Holliday, they sent a power hitter with decent speed and decent defensive ability. In return, the Rockies received closer Huston Street and prospects Carlos Gonzalez and Greg Smith. Out of these three, Street was the only proven major leaguer, but was coming off a season in which he lost his closer job. The return for the Rockies looked pretty minimal, at least for the first the near future. If you've been watching the Rockies lately, you know the Matt Holliday trade has turned out very well for the Rockies.
Huston Street - He just earned his 30th save against the Washington Nationals. This brings Streets outstanding streak to 22 saves in a row. Not only has Street saved games, he's helped keep the Rockies bullpen effective even with the loss of some key arms. Maybe the most impressive thing about Huston Street is that he's only 26 years old and should be around for years to come...if the Rockies sign him.
Carlos Gonzalez - He started the year in AAA with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, but quickly was called up after putting up huge numbers at the plate. After coming to the major leagues he showed early promise in the outfield and on the bases, but struggled hitting. Gonzalez has made some great plays in left and center field. He covers a lot of ground and has a strong, accurate arm. Lately though, it's been Gonzalez success at the plate that has Rockies fans excited. He's homered in 3 games in a row and 5 of the last 7. Gonzalez leads the Rockies in batting average since the all-star break and seems to be comfortable playing at the highest level.
Greg Smith - Many thought he would be perhaps the biggest contributor for the Rockies in 2009. He's a young left handed starting pitcher and was highly regarded by the Oakland A's organization. The year was nothing but a disappointment for Reynolds. He never made it to the major league level and is currently on the disabled list.
Do you think the Rockies are better off without Holliday? Who's the most important player the Rockies received in the trade?
Posted by Jeremy Fleming at Tuesday, August 18, 2009 6:42 PM 
Categories: Colorado Rockies
Tags: Matt Holliday Carlos Gonzalez Huston Street
Categories: Colorado Rockies
Tags: Matt Holliday Carlos Gonzalez Huston Street
Jeremy, this is a well written quip. I like what you've got here. As for the Rockies, I think that Street is their most valuable acquistion from the Holliday trade. As long as I can remember, the Rockies have only ever been as good as their pitching staff. If Street and others continue to perform at the levels they have, then the Rock dogs will have a real chance at playoff success. My only concern is facing Matt Holliday's Cardinals at some point. I hope the Rockies make it that far.
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Well the Rockies will get their second look at Holliday this season (1st when he was on the A's). The series this weekend could be a preview of what's to come in the playoffs. Actually, the series this weekend with the Cardinals could decide if the Rockies even make it to the playoffs...
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