FanHouse Denny Neagle

Seriously, who amongst you said at the beginning of the season that the Rockies would be in the NLCS? Raise your hands.

Now put them down, you liars. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Nobody thought the Rockies would be in the NLCS this season. Of course, that's been the script in Major League baseball the last few seasons. No one thought the Tigers would get to the World Series last year, either.

If you thought the Rockies were done surprising everybody this October, just wait until you hear they might try and pull off once their season ends.

Because it has more young players coming, Colorado is positioned to make a major trade. GM Dan O'Dowd reportedly is considering dangling third baseman Garrett Atkins (25 homers, 111 RBIs) and left-hander Brian Fuentes, which would be a strong down payment for a one-year rental on Johan Santana.

Seems crazy doesn't it? As crazy as an NLCS featuring the Rockies and Diamondbacks? As currently constructed, the Rockies are currently ranked 25th in baseball with their payroll. Still, that doesn't mean the Rockies aren't willing to spend money to get players. Remember Denny Neagle and Mike Hampton?

Sure, those moves turned out horribly for the Rockies, but neither Neagle or Hampton come anywhere close to Johan as a pitcher. A package featuring Atkins and Fuentes would be a good start in trying to pry Santana away from the Twins, but I don't think it would be enough. Colorado would probably have to include another youngster or two if they want to be taken seriously.

You could say that the Rockies would be giving up an awful lot for just a one year rental on Santana, but if the Rockies can get to the World Series, who knows what kind of financial windfall that would bring to the organization. They might be able to give Santana the kind of long term extension he's looking for.

It's a long shot sure, but it's no longer than the odds that the Rockies would be where they are today.

From the Rockies. I almost flipped out of my chair when I saw the news in Tracy Ringolsby's Rockies' payroll breakdown this morning. The Rockies, who have become more frugal recently, will have around an Opening Day payroll of $55 million -- most likely placing them in the bottom six of the league. That's why I was utterly astonished upon reading this:

They also have payments for players no longer with them of $2 million to Florida for Mike Hampton, $1.8 million to Denny Neagle as a 20 percent installment on his buyout and $1.7 million as the second of 20 years of deferred payments to Larry Walker.

What?!?!?! Are you serious? $3.5 million owed to a pair of players who could be running a pizza parlor or coaching Little League for all we know?

To refresh your memory, Larry Walker retired in '05, and last played for the Rockies in '04 (he was traded to the Cardinals midway through the year). Denny Neagle on the other hand, retired after the '03 season, and has been sitting on his rump, apparently collecting paychecks from the Rox ever since.

Ringolsby's article is well worth a read, especially if you want to find out how much Todd Helton would make if he were named World Series MVP (like that will ever happen), and the amount Aaron Cook would pocket should he bring home the Silver Slugger award to Denver (he's a pitcher mind you).