The Colorado Rockies had an eventful Winter Meetings. They surprised the entire baseball world by signing Ian Desmond with not a single rumor leaking that they were even talking. Then, they spent the rest of the meetings fielding calls about the availability of either Charlie Blackmon or Carlos Gonzalez. However, nothing has developed out of those talks, though there is still a lot of offseason left.
While it appears the Rockies’ offseason isn’t over — and that it should include trading one of those outfielders to facilitate moving Ian Desmond back to the outfield and the Rockies signing one of the free agent first baseman still available — there is a chance that the club is done with major moves. If that is the case, what would the club’s Opening Day roster look like?
The easiest place to start is with the expected 2017 lineup:
CF - Charlie Blackmon
2B - DJ LeMahieu
3B - Nolan Arenado
RF - Carlos Gonzalez
SS - Trevor Story
LF - David Dahl
1B - Ian Desmond
C - Tom Murphy
At this point, these eight position players are all locks for the Rockies’ Opening Day roster. While the order of the lineup may be different than what I’m predicting, the only real debate is at catcher, where Tony Wolters may end up being the starter. There’s definitely a case to be made for both starting, but since both will be locks for the roster regardless of who takes the first reps, it doesn’t really affect today’s discussion.
Most of the Rockies’ bench is also fairly easy to predict. Gerardo Parra will be the fourth outfielder and potentially also backup first base. Wolters will be part of the catching tandem and Cristhian Adames is a backup infielder. That leaves two potential bench positions open. Most likely one would be another backup infielder and the other an outfielder. However, the flexibility of players like Desmond may make that a more fluid dynamic.
Based upon who is currently on the 40-man roster, Pat Valaika and Jordan Patterson would be good bets to fill those last two position player spots. While Raimel Tapia is also a consideration, he may be best served getting consistent starts in Triple-A to further his development
Much like the starting lineup, the Rockies’ starting rotation is relatively easy to predict at this point. While things could obviously change based upon spring training performance and injuries, the Rockies starting rotation looks to be Jon Gray, Tyler Anderson, Tyler Chatwood, Chad Bettis, and Jeff Hoffman.
There are a few questions here, the first being Bettis’ recovery from surgery to address testicular cancer. Initial word is that it shouldn’t cause any setbacks for him. Some might argue that Hoffman is not a lock for that last spot either, and that German Marquez might replace him. While that is possible, at this point it’s more likely — based on overall experience at the highest levels — that Hoffman is ready and Marquez will benefit from an extended stint in Triple-A under Darryl Scott’s tutelage.
That leaves seven bullpen slots to fill. Four of those are fairly easy to guess with Adam Ottavino, Carlos Estevez, Chris Rusin, and Jake McGee. At this point, it’s safe to pencil in Jason Motte and Chad Qualls for two of those spots, though spring performance will be a large factor in establishing whether they are healthy enough to pitch at the level expected of them. The final spot, judging by his contract for 2017, likely belongs to Jordan Lyles.
The Rockies have some intriguing young arms who could displace those last three pitchers. Miguel Castro, Jairo Diaz, Scott Oberg, and Rayan Gonzalez could all be in play for the Opening Day roster depending on who is healthy and has the best spring. The Rockies also stated at the beginning of the season that upgrading the bullpen was a priority, so we may see at least one relief pitcher acquisition that will shake up this prediction.
However, those things haven’t happened yet, which means the current projected 25-man roster is as follows:
Starting Pitchers
Jon Gray
Tyler Anderson
Tyler Chatwood
Chad Bettis
Jeff Hoffman
Relief Pitchers
Adam Ottavino
Jake McGee
Carlos Estevez
Chris Rusin
Chad Qualls
Jason Motte
Jordan Lyles
Outfielders
Carlos Gonzalez
Charlie Blackmon
David Dahl
Gerardo Parra
Jordan Patterson
Infielders
Nolan Arenado
Trevor Story
DJ LeMahieu
Ian Desmond
Cristhian Adames
Pat Valaika
Catchers
Tom Murphy
Tony Wolters
See it differently? You’re encouraged to write a FanPost if your response is lengthy. Otherwise, let’s hear from you in the comments.