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	Todd Helton, who battled illness and injury last season, has seen his ranking among first baseman drop in a major way. Chuck Solomon/SI
	Projected Lineup (2006 stats) Pos. Player Avg. HR RBI SB CF Willy Taveras .278 1 30 33 1B Todd Helton .302 15 81 3 3B Garrett Atkins .329 29 120 4 LF Matt Holliday .326 34 114 10 RF Brad Hawpe .293 22 84 5 SS Troy Tulowitzki .240 1 6 3 2B Kaz Matsui .267 3 26 10 C Chris Ianetta .260 2 10 0
	Projected Rotation (2006 stats) Starters W-L WHIP ERA K Jeff Francis 13-11 1.29 4.16 117 Aaron Cook 9-15 1.40 4.23 92 Rodrigo Lopez 9-18 1.55 5.90 136 Byung-Hyun Kim 8-12 1.55 5.57 129 Jason Hirsh 3-4 1.57 6.04 29
	Projected Closer Player W-L WHIP ERA Saves K Brian Fuentes 3-4 1.16 3.44 30 73
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Colorado has been overmatched in the NL West for nearly a decade, not having finished above fourth place since 1998. But even while losing, the Rockies have always been a solid source of offensive fantasy talent. This year should be no different.

Irreplaceable

When you think of the Rockies, power production automatically comes to mind, but having the permanent green light on the basepaths this year makes Willy Taveras, late of the Astros, the most valuable fantasy force from the 2007 edition. Acquired in a trade for Jason Jennings, Taveras stole 67 bases in his two seasons as Houston's starting centerfielder. With his new charge to make things happen on the bases, Taveras has a chance to match that total this season alone. And expect Taveras' batting average to go north as his slap hitting meshes perfectly with the expansive outfield of Coors Field.

The Next Big Thing

While Clint Barmes scuffled to a .220 average last season, the Rockies had their eyes on the shortstop of the future, Troy Tulowitzki who was handed the starting job in September while Barmes was relegated to the bench. Entering just his third season of pro ball, Tulowitzki had a fine year at Double-A Tulsa, batting .291 with 34 doubles, 13 home runs and 75 runs scored. Tall for a middle infielder at 6-foot-3, Tulowitzki often draws comparisons to a young Cal Ripken and has the defensive skills to play shortstop in the majors. Barmes (who will likely be a utility player should he not crack the first string) could have a great spring to reclaim the position, but even if that's the case, it's just a matter of time before Tulowitzki sets up shop for good. The future is now in Colorado.

Danger!

Todd Helton has been the face of this franchise since rising to the majors in 1997, but his days in the Rocky Mountains are limited. With his power numbers ebbing to dangerously low levels, he remains the only link to the pre-humidor heyday of the Blake Street Bombers. He's been linked to trades for the last couple of seasons, the most prominent rumor having him sent to the Red Sox. This would be terrible news for NL-only owners but a welcome change for mixed leaguers. Draft accordingly.

Do You Feel Lucky?

He was once a star as teams clamored for his attention, hoping he would sign with their program. However, Kaz Matsui's experience in the United States has been a far cry from his halcyon days in Japan. He went from the penthouse to the outhouse faster than any player in recent memory. However, after being traded to the Rockies last season for Eli Marrero, Matsui started to show some signs of his old self, hitting .345 with eight steals in 113 Colorado at bats. Should Matsui (who is battling for the starting second base job with Jamey Carroll and Jayson Nix) approach even half the numbers he had in his best days overseas (Japanese highs of .332, 36 HR, 90 RBI, 62 steals) he'd instantly be one of the better NL second basemen.

Steals Come From...

Taveras will lead the way but infielders Carroll, Tulowitzki, Matsui, and outfielders Matt Holliday and Alexis Gomez all could put up double-digit stolen base totals.

If Something Should Happen To Brian Fuentes

The Rockies bullpen is unstable, with most of the jobs open behind Fuentes, who has turned into one of the NL's most reliable relievers. Once upon a time, Jeremy Affeldt was a closer for the Royals, registering 13 saves in 17 chances in 2004. Same goes for LaTroy Hawkins, who has experience but with little recent success in the role. However, after posting an ERA of 6.91 after arriving in Denver, he's no lock to make the squad. Manuel Corpas, a razor-thin righty with a 95-mph fastball, is a darkhorse following a season in which he had an ERA of 0.98 (with 19 saves) in Double-A, 1.04 in Triple-A and 3.62 in 35 big league appearances.

You Need Them Too

Garrett Atkins, Jeff Baker, Jeff Francis, Brad Hawpe, Matt Holliday

Better left as someone else's problem

Josh Fogg, Byung-Hyun Kim, Javy Lopez, Rodrigo Lopez