"Michael Cuddyer? is a heck of a stocking stuffer. No longer haunted by ghosts of free agents past, the Rockies finally splurged. Cuddyer's walk-up song should be the Lexus jingle, his batting helmet equipped with a giant red bow.

Cuddyer helps the Rockies on multiple levels. The 32-year-old brings the right-handed bat the Rockies have been seeking since last December's trade for Michael Young fizzled. He provides protection for all-star Troy Tulowitzki? and likely will hit fifth. He deepens the lineup and gives the clubhouse a veteran leader with playoff experience.

Cuddyer can play a corner outfield spot, likely right field, and fill in at first base, where he could eventually take over for Todd Helton?. The Rockies are better with Cuddyer.

How much?

Let's just say Santa needs to check off a few more items on the wish list to make Colorado a playoff contender. It begins with adding a starting pitcher. Seth Smith? alone, or Smith in a package involving Jason Hammel or a prospect could get it done, particularly for the Mets' Jonathan Niese?, as I wrote during the winter meetings. Oakland, Atlanta and Seattle also could be fits given their interest in Smith. In absence of a deal, the Rockies could do worse than bringing back free agent Kevin Millwood?.

Even then, other pieces must fall into place for Colorado to contend. A look at what must go right for the Rockies to make a U-turn."