MLB Spring Training: Colorado Rockies Full Preview
It’s been years since the Colorado Rockies have been relevant in the competitive National League West – which is due in large part to their woeful starting rotation. This season, the team will once again boast a powerful offense carried by Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez, and will look for Jon Gray to make a major leap forward to become the team’s ace.
Key Additions: OF Gerardo Parra, RP Jake McGee, RP Chad Qualls, RP Jason Motte
Key Subtractions: OF Corey Dickerson, 1B Justin Morneau, SP Kyle Kendrick
The Rotation: The Rockies pitching staff stumbled through the 2015 season en route to a 5.04 team ERA while also allowing a league-worst 3.65 BB/9. It’s difficult to envision the rotation improving much this season apart from Gray, who is bound to improve throughout the duration of a full season after finishing nine starts with a 5.53 ERA. Luckily for the Rockies, Gray’s high ERA is deceiving as he managed a 3.63 FIP and 8.85 K/9 while only allowing 0.89 HR/9.
Gray won’t start the season as the team’s number one starter, but should take the role rather quickly. On Opening Day, veteran Jorge De La Rosa will likely take the mound as he’s proven to be a reliably average pitcher over the course of his 12-year career – and that’s much better than what the rest of the rotation can provide.
Any combination of Chad Bettis, Tyler Chatwood, Jordan Lyles and Chris Rusin will take the final three rotation spots – and all virtually posted the same stat lines in 2015 with ERAs in the high fours and around a 1.50 WHIP. Lyles was once a top prospect in the Houston Astros system with top-of-the-rotation potential, so it’s possible that at 25 he finally breaks through.
But in all reality, the team will have to make a deal for an established starter at some point if they have any hope of competing this season.
The Lineup: Whereas the pitching rotation is an utter mess, the Rockies lineup has several pieces to be excited about. Arenado established himself as a borderline superstar after hitting .287/.323/.575 while crushing 42 home runs in 2015 – and those numbers look very sustainable with his low strikeout percentage (16.5%) and .284 BABIP. Despite playing in the hitter-friendly Coors Field, Arenado still managed an .810 OPS on the road with 21 homers.
- CF Charlie Blackmon
- 2B DJ LeMahieu
- RF Carlos Gonzalez
- 3B Nolan Arenado
- 1B Ben Paulsen
- LF Gerardo Parra
- SS Jose Reyes
- C Nick Hundley
- Pitcher
With trade rumors constantly circulating around Gonzalez over the past year, the team seemed to put them to rest after sending Corey Dickerson to Tampa Bay in exchange for reliever Jake McGee. It’s still possible that Gonzalez will be traded for some starting pitching help, but after a bounceback season in which he hit 40 home runs, the team may be inclined to keep him around.
Ben Paulsen will take over everyday first base duties and looks poised for a breakout season, while catcher Tom Murphy could break camp with the team and eventually win over the starting role after a solid 35-game stint last season. Charlie Blackmon and Gerardo Parra will man center and left field, respectively, and should provide the team with plenty of contact hitting.
D.J. LaMahieu continued to surprise last season after hitting .301, and he could be a viable leadoff hitter if the team moves Blackmon down in the lineup. Jose Reyes is shrouded with controversy, and the Rockies will have to make a decision regarding his future soon.
The Bullpen: The addition of Jake McGee provides a boost to the bullpen, but it likely won’t be enough to transcend the entire staff. Veteran Jason Motte will take over the closer role, but he could be trade bait if he performs well for an extended period.
Competitions: The team signed Mark Reynolds in the offseason for depth in the infield and corner outfield spots, but it’s likely he won’t see regular time as a starter as Paulsen should have a firm lock on the first base job.
Next: Jose Fernandez's $30M asking price could lead to trade
The back-end of the rotation is a mess, so anyone who performs well could conceivably take a spot there.