Colorado Rockies: Pat Valaika playing Mark Reynolds out of a job? | Rox Pile
There have been strong performances out of the young Rockies players with spring underway. In particular, Ryan McMahon, Garrett Hampson, and Pat Valaika have proven they have what it takes. This is fantastic, as it means Brendan Rodgers can take his time developing in the minor leagues. However, with Pat Valaika playing as well as he is, it might also mean more competition with a roster spot for Mark Reynolds. Reynolds signed the minor league contract with the Rockies, anticipating helping out at first base. However, Valaika has started off spring training on fire, and his versatility means that he can play at first. The Rockies are in a tough position, as Valaika had a hard time finding success in 2018, while Reynolds played well with them in 2017 and is closing in on 300 home runs. It’s another question of young talent versus veteran presence. Who knows what might happen come Opening Day.
Hoffman making play for spot in Rockies rotation | Rockies.com
The Rockies acquired Jeff Hoffman in the Troy Tulowitzki trade in 2015. He’s been playing well in this spring, making it interesting for the Rockies rotation decision. He suffered a shoulder injury last year and had a mediocre season, but he’s come out strong this year. The rotation was thought to be somewhat set as spring training started, but Tyler Anderson hasn’t done well, and his spot might be up for grabs. Bud Black is pleased that Hoffman is doing so well, so we’ll see if he can fight his way up to the major league.
Bettis returns to form, keeps Dodgers quiet | Rockies.com
It was a pitching battle in Sunday’s spring training game against the Dodgers. Chad Bettis put up an impressive performance through four innings, facing just twelve batters throughout. Initially, Bettis’s rotation was thought to be in contention, with Antonio Senzatela and Jeff Hoffman both aiming to make the roster. However, with Bettis cruising along, and Tyler Anderson flailing, it looks like Anderson’s spot is at risk. Bettis is okay with it going either way; he just wants to win and help his team do so, wherever that might require him to be. As long as he can stay healthy and avoid more blisters, this kind of work might get him that starting spot.
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The Rockies fell to the Dodgers in Sunday’s game, despite strong pitching from Chad Bettis. They were being shut out until a home run from Mark Reynolds in the eighth. Ryan McMahon’s nine-game hitting streak snapped due to the impressive pitching of the Dodgers.