This is a make-or-break year for the Colorado Rockies. They’ve tried the young team, hoping that new players would help them win. They’ve tried home-grown talent, wondering if they could develop a championship team. This year, the Rockies have built a character team by bringing in a lot of old guys. This year’s projected opening day roster has only four players who started on opening day in 2011. If the Rockies can pull off a successful season with the average age of the roster being 32 compared to last year’s 28, the Rockies may just start a new trend.

Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said that he was “looking for men, not boys.”

Last season was filled with controversy when the Rockies traded their ace, Ubaldo Jimenez, to Cleveland. It was the lowest point of a season filled with lows, and left many players and fans ticked off. Jimenez wanted out after not being given a huge contract. Players were accused of whining about the lack of winning the Rockies were doing, and others were accused of giving up. O’Dowd decided enough was enough, and started finding free agents who had character.

The story starts with Jamie Moyer, a 49 year-old who has pitched well enough in Spring Training to earn a second spot in the rotation. To put 49 into perspective, he’s been pitching since before I, and many college students, were born. He’ll be older than three of the five managers the Rockies have had in their history. He’s also pitched against several managers from across the league. He’s pitched for eight different clubs over 26 years.

He’s enjoyed quite a bit of success, but can he pull off a successful campaign as a 49 year-old? He doesn’t throw very fast, and the body isn’t designed to be a professional athlete as a 50 year-old. Hopefully, the hype surrounding him won’t affect him, and he can actually help the Rockies win some games.

Over at first base, Todd Helton, Mr. Rockies himself, is entering another season ready to go. He’s spent his entire 15-year career with the Rockies, and he’ll be the Opening Day starter for the 14th consecutive season. The backup first baseman, Jason Giambi, is another veteran who will be in his 17th season this year. Both players have been able to perform, and although the end is near for them, they haven’t let that slow them down.

If the Rockies disappoint this season, they’ll have nowhere to turn but to their front office. They’ve tried everything, and haven’t been able to win with youth or with homegrown talent. If they disappoint this year, it may be time to send O’Dowd packing. If they are successful this year, they may prove that age really is just a number, and may just start a new trend for success.