I think if the Rockies signed the trio of players I suggest they sign, that they would be a lot better team in 2012. Here they are:

1. Kelly Johnson - Lefty hitting 2B Kelly Johnson would love playing half of his games at Coors Field. After losing out on Mark Ellis (he signed with the Dodgers), the Rockies need a new starting 2B and Johnson would be a nice upgrade for them.

2. Chris Snyder - Righty swinging catcher Chris Snyder could back up Chris Iannetta and possibly push him for P.T.

3. Bartolo Colon - Righty starting pitcher Bartolo Colon proved last year that he’s all the way back from rotator cuff problems. He would fit in very nicely at the back end of the Rockies’ starting rotation.

I know about the Ubaldo Jimenez rumors going around but I don’t see the Rockies pulling the trigger and moving him, as I don’t think any team is going to give them what they want for him. There is no need for the Rockies to blow up the roster but they could make some deals to bring in some prospects. Ty Wigginton is the best hitting 3B likely on the trade block, so he could fetch the Rockies a nice prospect or two. The Rockies could also get something nice for outfielder Ryan Spilborghs if they decided to move him. Jason Giambi, Mark Ellis and Jonathan Herrera are also likely on the trade block. Righty relievers Rafael Betancourt, Matt Belisle and Matt Lindstrom are all likely to be offered up in trades and a lot of teams are going to want those guys. The Rockies would love to move righty starting pitcher Aaron Cook but I just don’t see that happening. I look at the Rockies to take advantage of a couple teams for their relievers and Ty Wigginton this week.

The Colorado Rockies should be really aggressive at the trade deadline in a couple of weeks. First off, I would call up the Tampa Bay Rays and offer them CF Dexter Fowler straight up for righty starting pitcher Jeff Niemann. The Rays are looking to deal B.J. Upton, so they will need a replacement for him and Fowler would be a good one. They should then turn their attention to the Chicago Cubs and offer them rookie 1B Ben Paulson and 2B Jonathan Herrera for infielders Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt. Baker and DeWitt would really strengthen the bench for the Rockies. Finally, the Rockies should offer Eric Young to the Oakland A’s for outfielder Ryan Sweeney. Adding Niemann to the starting rotation and Baker, DeWitt and Sweeney to the bench would make the Rockies a very, very hard team to beat in the N.L. West.

Jonathan Herrera just isn’t cutting it this year for the Rockies as 2B has been a black hole for them this year. The Rockies have some decent trade chips to make a deal to improve at 2B. I have a feeling that the Padres are going to be sellers soon and Orlando Hudson would be a perfect fit for the Rockies. He would help tighten up the defense while also adding a decent bat to the fray for the Rockies. I’m pretty sure that the Padres would jump at an offer of Ian Stewart straight up for Hudson. You might think that price is a little too high but I don’t. I think the Rockies should try to get something for Stewart before he loses all of his trade value.

The Rockies have 8 free agents heading into this winter so they will have some hard decisions to make. Here is how I see those decisions going down:

Miguel Olivo: 32-year old righty swinging catcher Miguel Olivo played in 112 games for the Rockies last season and he was 106 of 394 (.269 avg, .765 OPS) with 55 runs scored, 14 homers, 58 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. The Rockies hold a $2.7 million dollar option on Olivo with a $500K buyout. VERDICT: The Rockies have actually been getting trade offers for Olivo. I have a feeling that they might pick up his option and then deal him. They have been reported to have a big time interest in switch hitting Victor Martinez.

Jason Giambi: 39-year old lefty swinging 1B Jason Giambi played in 87 games for the Rockies last season and he was 43 of 176 (.244 avg, .776 OPS) with 17 runs scored, 6 homers, 35 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. VERDICT: I see the Rockies letting Giambi go as they are on the hunt for a righty swinging 1B to share time with Todd Helton next year.

Melvin Mora: 38-year old righty swinging 3B Melvin Mora played in 113 games for the Rockies last season and he was 90 for 316 (.285 avg, .779 OPS) with 39 runs scored, 7 homers, 45 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. VERDICT: If the Rockies can get Mora back on a decent deal I think they will make it happen.

Jay Payton: 37-year old righty swinging outfielder Jay Payton played in 20 games for the Rockies last season and he was 12 of 35 (.343 avg, .875 OPS) with 3 runs scored, 1 RBI and 1 stolen base. VERDICT: The Rockies might invite Payton to spring training but I think that’s the best they can do for him.

Jorge de la Rosa: 29-year old lefty starting pitcher Jorge de la Rosa pitched in 20 games (all starts) for the Rockies last year and he was 8-7 with a 4.22 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. VERDICT: The Rockies want de la Rosa back but they have to be careful not overpay for him.

Jeff Francis: 29-year old lefty starting pitcher Jeff Francis pitched in 20 games (19 starts) for the Rockies last season and he was 4-6 with a 5.00 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. VERDICT: The Rockies turned down Francis’ club option worth $7 million big ones. They would likely want to bring him back on a deal with a small base salary with a lot of incentives.

Joe Beimel: 33-year old lefty reliever Joe Beimel pitched in 71 games (0 starts) for the Rockies last season and he was 1-2 with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. VERDICT: The Rockies probably want to bring back Beimel back but he won’t come cheap as he is one of the better free agent lefty relievers on the market.

Octavio Dotel: 36-year old righty reliever Octavio Dotel pitched in 8 games (0 starts) for the Rockies last year and he was 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP. Dotel pitched in 68 games (0 starts) with the Dodgers, Pirates & Rockies last season and he was 3-4 with 22 saves, a 4.08 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. The Rockies have a $4.5 million dollar option on Dotel for 2011 with a $500K buyout. VERDICT: Dotel will get paid the $500K by the Rockies and they won’t pursue him.