Monfort eager to see new-look Rockies in action

DENVER -- The Rockies head into 2015 hoping the changes they made this offseason will renew belief that the team will be successful. With the arrival of Presidents' Day signaling Spring Training is right around the corner, Rockies owner, chairman and CEO Dick Monfort shared some of his excitement about what the new season will bring:

• "As the baseball department gets ready to shove off to Scottsdale, Ariz., ... to prepare for the start of Spring Training, we have a lot to be excited about. With general manager Jeff Bridich and his group leading the charge behind the scenes and working closely all offseason with manager Walt Weiss, this united front is giving the entire organization a renewed sense of belief in our direction going forward.

• "... Pitchers and catchers will report on [Thursday], and leading them will be new pitching coaches in Steve Foster and Darren Holmes, as well as veteran catcher Nick Hundley, who is not only an accomplished defenseman but also a mentor to what will be a young, powerful and impactful group of pitchers -- all competing to break with the big league club.

• "... On Feb. 26, this group will be joined by the position players -- and really the offensive platoon of the 2015 Rockies. With Justin Morneau, DJ LeMahieu, Nolan Arenado, Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, Corey Dickerson, Drew Stubbs, Wilin Rosario, Michael McKenry, Daniel Descalso, Brandon Barnes and more, the core of the team is intact, healthy, fit and extremely anxious to show the league that they should not count us out.

• "... I'm excited for Jeff, Walt and the rest of the staff to get after it. They have endured months of planning and preparation and it is now time to show off the fruits of their labor. It's time to play ball!"