Sunday Rockpile: Chris Nelson may be opening day 3B? Todd Helton sees future

Troy Renck offers his thoughts on the final make-up of the Rockies 25 man roster, seeing Guillermo "learned a new cutter" Moscoso holding a slight edge over Tyler "learned a new slider" Chatwood with Jamie "in the best shape of his afterlife" Moyer as a darkhorse for the ever important fifth starter slot. The good news is that if the Rockies get that call wrong, it will only render minor damage on the season before they can correct it.

Third base has become a fairly large story in the past few days, with Casey Blake's poor health making it much more likely that the Rockies decline the non-guaranteed contract they extended him. According to Renck, Chris Nelson suddenly would become the interim candidate to hold the fort down until the arrival of Nolan Arenado. Brandon Wood, apparently still has work to do. If you include the small sample defensive metrics, Nelson was as devastating as any of the Rockies disastrous portions of the infield in 2011, and would need to step up his production considerably from that to be even a replacement level stop-gap. The good news would be that his minor league career seems to indicate that Nelson has that ability at least. Jordan Pacheco would also likely see considerable time at the hot corner until Arenado's ascension.

After that, Renck breaks down the projected bench in a couple of different directions but ultimately there will be two final decisions between one of Tyler Colvin or Charlie Blackmon and one of either Eric Young Jr. or Jonathan Herrera.

Todd Helton currently rules out coaching after his playing career winds up, but wishes to remain a part of the Rockies organization in some capacity. As long as it doesn't involve meetings. Helton doesn't do meetings. In the meantime, he still feels he has something to contribute on the field.

Today's game against the Padres that was to be played in Tucson has been postponed until Thursday due to inclement weather.