Purple Row - All PostsOf, by, and for Rockies fans. Every day.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/32779/pr-logo-fv.jpg2024-03-18T10:30:00-06:00http://www.purplerow.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T10:30:00-06:002024-03-18T10:30:00-06:00Affected by Altitude: Ah, break out. Le Break c’est spring.
<figure>
<img alt="Arizona Diamondbacks v. Colorado Rockies" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qCYJt2PBU5ofBQsaoO9ozpOCvl0=/0x0:5193x3462/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215485/2082122972.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jill Weisleder/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Skyler and Evan discuss the Spring Breakout game, what to be excited or worried about in spring training so far, and Rockies ratings in video games!</p> <p id="A3bVyF"><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2023/3/20/23647309/fans-first-sports-affected-by-altitude-rocky-mountain-rooftopthe-future-of-podcasts-on-purple-row"><strong>For more information on the future of podcasts here at Purple Row, please click here!</strong></a></p>
<p id="bZVPYY">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="77v8um">The podcast <em>Affected by Altitude</em> is hosted by Purple Row staff writers <a href="https://twitter.com/evan_lang27"><strong>Evan Lang</strong></a><strong> </strong>and <a href="https://twitter.com/SideLine_Crowd"><strong>Skyler Timmins</strong></a><strong>, </strong>who are incredibly proud and excited to be lending their voices to more great Rockies content for you to enjoy. Joining Evan and Skyler is a rotating cast of guests hosts to talk shop about everyone’s favorite purple baseball team.</p>
<p id="7dHOER">Skyler and Evan discuss the first ever Spring Breakout game for the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a>. The top prospects showcased their stuff in a seven inning exhibition that gives Rockies fans a lot to be excited for when it comes to the future. Meanwhile, what are we delighted to see and what are we a bit worried about so far this spring as we enter the final stretch? Also discussed is the potential Bud Black extension brewing and the often unfair ratings of Rockies players in MLB The Show.</p>
<p id="tKjayj"><a href="https://rocky-mountain-rooftop.myspreadshop.com/"><strong>Rocky Mountain Rooftop has also opened a shop! You can support the show with your purchase!</strong></a></p>
<p id="wRkuyS">Our podcast is available in both audio <em><strong>and</strong></em> video format!</p>
<div id="c1NC9Q"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=RRTET7742755887" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<div id="C66xG8"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PoimfteJLhg?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="v7okmq">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="dR1WlN">Affected by Altitude is a weekly or bimonthly podcast featuring roundtable discussion, game segments, interviews, and the occasional hot take from a group of Rocky Mountain Rooftop contributors. We live in different places, have varying backgrounds, but we are all united in our love of the Rockies and a desire to provide fans with a fresh new voice.</p>
<p id="j2cKbv">Are you a Rockies fan? Then this show is for you. Please let us know how we’re doing, what you would like to see moving forward, or how we can do better. You can comment on the episodes or on Twitter at @RockyMtnRooftop.</p>
<p id="3uU2jf">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="mEB3XV"><a href="https://twitter.com/RockyMtnRooftop"><strong>Follow us on Twitter: @RockyMtnRooftop</strong></a></p>
<p id="pP5kdM"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@RockyMtnRooftop"><strong>Subscribe on YouTube!</strong></a></p>
<p id="i38zYE">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="bvB2fn"><em>This episode was recorded on Sunday, March 17th, 2024. Statistics and events may not be current at time of posting.</em></p>
<p id="8mTqKj"></p>
<p id="qIl7AZ"></p>
https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/18/24104620/colorado-rockies-podcast-affected-by-altitude-ah-break-out-le-break-cest-springEvan LangSkyler Timmins2024-03-18T08:00:00-06:002024-03-18T08:00:00-06:00State of the Position, 2024: Manager and Coaching Staff
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Colorado Rockies-Workouts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HRixGYvWxvxtn8YfwROAyg9y-9w=/0x0:6520x4347/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215051/usa_today_22561952.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Bud Black returns as manager, and the rest of the 2023 staff is also back</em></p> <p id="VSzdNy">The <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a>, presumably, are planning to employ their 2023 staff in 2024. </p>
<p id="kfiHhI">The “presumably” is necessary here given that the Rockies have not actually announced their coaching staff, which seems an unusual move, but perhaps the organization is assuming everyone else understands there have been no changes.</p>
<p id="eQ0B77">In 2023, Joelle Milholm wrote the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2023/3/17/23642272/colorado-rockies-bam-bam-hensley-meulens-and-warren-schaeffer-new-faces-on-blacks-staff">State of the Position: Coaching Staff</a>, which provides a good starting point for this year’s analysis given that little — save Bud Black’s record — has changed. </p>
<p id="liLhdZ">The coaching staff is listed below:</p>
<ul>
<li id="AP9RXm">Manager: Bud Black</li>
<li id="ELgIYE">Batting coach: Hensley Meulens</li>
<li id="l9lebJ">Pitching coach: Darrell Scott</li>
<li id="E2jCrh">Infield and 3B coach: Warren Schaeffer</li>
<li id="QuAOHM">Bench coach: Mike Redmond</li>
<li id="g3uNnI">1B coach: Ron Gideon</li>
<li id="GHDXT4">Bullpen coach: Reid Cornelius</li>
<li id="s092fn">Assistant hitting coach: Andy González</li>
<li id="M9pPJE">Assistant hitting coach: P.J. Pilittere</li>
<li id="bUu7bJ">Bullpen catcher: Aaron Muñoz</li>
<li id="FMEEbO">Assistant bullpen catcher: Kyle Cunningham</li>
</ul>
<p id="6fQiCz">Because there have been so few changes, the focus here will be on manager Bud Black, hitting coach Hensley Meulens, and a key leader who is not actually on the coaching staff, Charlie Blackmon. </p>
<p id="NtZPr7">(For an excellent analysis of the Rockies’ approach to pitching, I would urge you to read Mario Delgado Genzor’s essay in <a href="https://www.baseballprospectus.com/baseball-prospectus-annual-futures-guide-team-companion/">“Baseball Prospectus: The essential guide to the 2024 season.”</a>)</p>
<h4 id="iRKslO">Bud Black</h4>
<p id="9P4O50">Although Black led the Rockies to the playoffs in 2017 and 2018, the team has since struggled. They achieved their first 100-loss season in 2023.</p>
<p id="hjso9i">This will be Black’s eighth year with the Rockies. Since joining the organization, the team has gone 476-556 (.461). If the Rockies can pull off 58 wins in 2024, Black will surpass Clint Hurdle in having the most wins by a Rockies manager (534).</p>
<p id="wwV86I">At the end of the 2024 season, he will have finished his contract, and <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/bud-black-rockies-contract-discussions-2024?partnerID=web_article-share">Thomas Harding reported on Sunday</a> that Bud Black and Dick Monfort are working on an extension.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2024 Colorado Rockies Spring Training" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WiLL_i1wfWqByaFup4-OLgRDOtA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25326336/2066737419.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rachel ODriscoll/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="wYaztX">That they would comes as no surprise. In February of 2023, owner Dick Monfort <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/bud-black-agrees-to-one-year-extension-with-rockies#:~:text=SCOTTSDALE%2C%20Ariz.,year%20contract%20extension%20through%202024.">expressed his confidence to Harding</a>. </p>
<p id="efTB3y">“I like Buddy,” Monfort said. “I like him a lot. I think he’s done a lot of great things for us. It’s sort of up to Buddy how long he wants to do this. He’s another guy that really is fond of the team, the city, the organization. I think he’d like to reap the rewards.”</p>
<p id="rHiTZf">That was prior to the Rockies’ first 100-loss season, and there were questions as to whether such a record would change Monfort’s thinking. In fact, Black was one of <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5292090%2F2024%2F02%2F22%2Fmlb-managers-hot-seat-2024%2F%3Fsource%3Duser_shared_article&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purplerow.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24090924%2Fstate-of-the-position-the-colorado-rockies-coaching-staff-bud-black-hensley-meulens-charlie-blackmon" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jim Bowden’s “Five managers on the hot seat.”</a> </p>
<p id="xgjVn6">Clearly, the Rockies’ performance since 2018 has not shaken Monfort’s faith. </p>
<p id="k6gJRL">The extension — and it’s safe to assume this will happen — raises a few questions. </p>
<p id="pZ8jYE">Most notably, despite a preference for relying on veterans, Black will need to continue working with less-experienced players as the Rockies’ rebuild continues. </p>
<p id="RSCCTN">This difference is something Black acknowledged at the end of last season. </p>
<p id="dLQziD">“The transition to this younger group has been taking us all back to our roots,” Black said to reporters during one of his final media availabilities of 2023. </p>
<p id="mkOKq6">“There are a lot of moments behind the scenes — in the dugout, postgame clubhouse, the airplane, my office. There are probably more conversations in those areas than at any time in my tenure.”</p>
<p id="0EzbCu">The Rockies will probably became substantially younger and less experienced in 2024, so this is will need to continue as part of Black’s managerial toolkit.</p>
<p id="LNthgJ">His approach to the game is conservative and familiar. Its effectiveness in 2024 will be a focus of attention and, with the extension, into the foreseeable future. </p>
<h4 id="AaBSFI">Hensley Meulens </h4>
<p id="JMBCGg">Although the Rockies’ pitching is generally a focal point — especially in a season like 2023 when the Rockies saw repeated pitching catastrophes — the team’s stunted offense merits consideration. After all, the Rockies play in the most offense-friendly ballpark in baseball, yet the offense remains moribund. </p>
<p id="SVh50m">In 2023, the Rockies hit only 163 home runs (26th), had a .310 OBP (25th), a .405 SLG (20th), and were last as measured by wRC+.</p>
<p id="Uqrvcg"></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Houston Astros v Colorado Rockies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P3nOOkTs5-AEICoGIBxiwWB-sv0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25326337/1542540194.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="E5ZQPJ">The organization’s decision to bring on Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens was greeted with enthusiasm by fans. Whether he’s been successful remains an unanswered question — and, frankly, it’s too soon to evaluate his effectiveness. </p>
<p id="GrbeUx">We know from reporting that he helped Elehuris Montero work with his swing during the season, and he was responsible for helping Brenton Doyle make some late-season adjustments as well as <a href="https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/brenton-doyle-focusing-on-hitting-improvement">some additional offseason instruction</a>. Just as players need to learn to play at elevation, so, too, must the hitting coach. </p>
<p id="RQTMNQ">In 2024, fans will have a better sense of whether his approach is working.</p>
<h4 id="C3iTDg">Charlie Blackmon</h4>
<p id="QIDIC5">With a $15 million dollar contract and a spot as the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/12/24097369/colorado-rockies-charlie-blackmons-last-ride-kicks-off-rebuild-with-a-fluctuating-dh-bench-situation">designated hitter and occasional right fielder</a>, it seems odd to include Blackmon among the coaching staff, but that has become a significant part of his job for a young Rockies team.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2024 Colorado Rockies Spring Training" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XznYUMNhxi44vSfvjFnXUJMevvA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25326338/2066738989.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rachel ODriscoll/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="ttorq2">Ask players about Charlie Blackmon, and every one of them will stress how key his leadership is in the clubhouse, especially during a challenging year. Because of his experience, they ask him about how to approach pitchers and how to play defense in different ballparks. There’s also <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/1/30/24049954/nolan-jones-looks-back-at-2023-and-explains-his-2024-plans">this from Nolan Jones</a> at RockiesFest:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="jHy3qx">“Every day, I ask Chuck what his plan is. I watch Chuck take outfield reps for two hours before every game. It’s unbelievable. But just to see the work ethic and the approach that he takes every day.”</p>
<p id="MJnMRr">Jones would elaborate in his comments to the media.</p>
<p id="2JJwjX">“I was talking to my dad the day after Charlie signed his contract,” Jones said. “I said I would have signed him for 10 more years because having Charlie around changes our clubhouse.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="ISmWZl">Ryan McMahon, Brenton Doyle, and other players have echoed Jones’ comments. Chuck Nazty’s presence in the clubhouse is significant. </p>
<p id="edtqE6">Did the Rockies overpay? Yes. </p>
<p id="0rzdYi">Does Blackmon have a key role in the clubhouse? Absolutely. </p>
<h4 id="mt8x5G">Closing thoughts</h4>
<p id="X3Z7Bu">Here’s the key question: Coming off the organization’s first 100-loss season, why did the Rockies retain their entire coaching staff? </p>
<p id="lmauOP">Perhaps it is an attempt to inject stability in an unstable situation that involves younger players making a jump to The Show. Moreover, Bill Schmidt has made clear that the Rockies intend to make trades this season to improve their team going forward, another source of uncertainty. Perhaps it is true belief on the part of Dick Monfort. Perhaps it is inertia in a team known for defying conventional wisdom. </p>
<p id="2Lc8x1">But this is a key year for the Colorado Rockies coaching staff. The team’s window is opening, and Bud Black and his staff will need to show they are up to the task. </p>
<p id="ERlKxR">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="jTbooS"><em>Please keep in mind our</em><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/pages/purple-row-rules-and-regulations"><em><strong> Purple Row Community Guidelines</strong></em></a><em> when you’re commenting. Thanks!</em></p>
<p id="vqckBm"></p>
https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/18/24090924/state-of-the-position-the-colorado-rockies-coaching-staff-bud-black-hensley-meulens-charlie-blackmonRenee Dechert2024-03-18T06:00:00-06:002024-03-18T06:00:00-06:00Monday Rockpile and Pebble Report: It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when” these Rockies prospects will debut in 2024
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Spring Training-Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wkuBwfGj9QkYom4HBJilD5rDZVI=/0x403:3421x2684/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214747/usa_today_22685727.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Colorado Rockies news and links for Monday, March 18th, 2024</em></p> <p id="h4bWkA">There are less than two weeks left until the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a> begin their 2024 regular season and just seven days remain on which they’ll play spring training games. The cuts and moves are coming that will finally whittle the team down to it’s Opening Day 26-man roster that will suit up for the Rockies’ March 28th season opener against the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>. </p>
<p id="97FN4V">There are only 26 spots on the roster to be had, many of which aren’t actually up for grabs when there are contracts to be honored and incumbent starters already named. Even the top-most of top prospects aren’t guaranteed spots. They will be assigned to minor league camp and then a minor league affiliate to start the season in the name of gaining additional polish and readiness for that hopefully inevitable big league debut.</p>
<p id="0OPUSb">When it comes to the Rockies, there are several prospects who won’t begin the season with the big league club. Likely to be assigned to the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats or the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes to start the season, these top prospects will set their sights on a big league call-up that is all but guaranteed in 2024.</p>
<h4 id="IwmixB">RHP Jaden Hill (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/2/24046017/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-19-jaden-hill-lsu">no. 19 PuRP</a>)</h4>
<p id="5XnRto">Right-handed pitcher Jaden Hill has seen his development rapidly accelerate since his strong appearance in the 2023 Arizona Fall League. Hill struck out 13 batters over 11 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings with the prospects of the Salt River Rafters while walking just four batters. Before the Arizona Fall League the Rockies had <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/jaden-hill-finds-success-in-afl">spent extended time with Hill working on his pitching motion</a>. After the Arizona Fall League he worked with the Rockies’ new pitching lab at their complex in Scottsdale.</p>
<p id="K9TmGN">Prior to spring training, the Rockies finalized Hill’s conversion to the bullpen and since then he’s been turning heads with his fastball hitting 99 MPH in his Cactus League debut.</p>
<p id="8LnSh2">“This plays well to my velocity,” <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/jaden-hill-trying-to-land-spot-in-rockies-bullpen">Hill said after pushing 100 mph in a live batting practice earlier in camp</a>. “As a reliever, I don’t have to hold back as much. That’s going to make me effective. I can pitch up in the zone more. I’ve added the slider, and I’m going to use that a lot more. The changeup, I’ll use it as I need it.”</p>
<p id="BL5dMS">Hill has made five appearances out of the bullpen this spring, striking out eight batters over five innings. The organizations’ no. 28 prospect per MLB Pipeline has given up five earned runs but has still earned an extended look while auditioning for the big league roster. Hill has survived the first few rounds of roster cuts and if he doesn’t make the Opening Day 26-man roster, he’ll definitely get a call-up at some point this season. The Rockies’ bullpen will inevitably need reinforcements.</p>
<h4 id="uVoBTp">OF Jordan Beck (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/21/24075388/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-6-jordan-beck">no. 6 PuRP</a>)</h4>
<p id="PaybTk">While he may have already been re-assigned to minor league camp, the <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/other-sports/2022/04/07/tennessee-baseball-jordan-beck-mike-honcho-shirts-vanderbilt/7255323001/">legend of “Mike Honcho”</a> has done nothing but grow this spring. The 2022 first round pick from the University of Tennessee has moved quickly through the minors and ended his 2023 campaign with Double-A Hartford, earning a non-roster invite to big league camp.</p>
<p id="0iMcE0">Beck has impressed the fans this spring, and more importantly the coaching staff. His hard work, athletic ability, and poise has the attention of the front office.</p>
<p id="bh4dFr">“You see him in the batting cage. You see him in his defensive sessions,” <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-beck-impressing-at-rockies-camp">Rockies director of player development Chris Forbes said of Beck</a>. “He stays very present, which shows you he knows this is a process. He’s maybe not totally finished off yet to get the debut, but he’s planning on it.”</p>
<p id="cOJeDn">Beck leads all Rockies camp bodies with a 1.172 OPS in 15 games and 20 at-bats. He’s yet to hit a home run but is making plenty of loud contact. Beck has also shown solid plate discipline as well, drawing three walks and striking out only eight times so far.</p>
<p id="yKfpMR">Skipper Bud Black noted during the Spring Breakout game on Saturday that Beck will start the season in Triple-A Albuquerque, but fans can rest assured knowing he won’t be there for long.</p>
<h4 id="g4Z6EA">C Drew Romo (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/20/24075335/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-7-drew-romo">no. 7 PuRP</a>)</h4>
<p id="6EQz4C">Drew Romo isn’t quite ready for the show yet, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. He had just 18 at-bats with Triple-A Albuquerque last season as he works on his steadily improving bat. Surprisingly however, the heir apparent to the backstop has survived all rounds of camp cuts and re-assignments so far. It’s clear the organization is prioritizing getting an extended look at their catcher of the future.</p>
<p id="nrth5k">The Rockies are looking to avoid putting pressure on Romo to contribute right away. It’s one of the reasons they brought in veteran Jacob Stallings to back up starter Elias Díaz to start the season. This way he can focus on his development and feel more relaxed at camp.</p>
<p id="tvVamI">“We don’t want him to be too high-strung — you’ve got to play relaxed,” <a href="https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/drew-romo-more-relaxed-in-rockies-camp">Rockies manager Bud Black said</a>. “We’ve seen this spring — another year of maturity, a year older, a guy who is starting to come into his own, comfortable in his own shoes, comfortable who he is.</p>
<p id="amOy2y">Romo is enjoying his time with the Rockies this spring and having fun... but also isn’t relaxing too much.</p>
<p id="xDxfU1">“I’m always going to be authentic,” Romo said. “I love to have fun, be silly and goofy. But when it comes time to get to work and come game time, I get very serious. But I’m having more fun, for sure.”</p>
<p id="2P7gVa">Though he won’t be pressed into service immediately this season, Romo will be starting the year in Triple-A with his eyes on a big league debut. If the Rockies decide to trade Elias Díaz—who is on the last year of his contract—at the deadline, Romo could see himself as the starting catcher depending on how he performs with the Isotopes.</p>
<p id="cRW9RW">The Rockies youth movement began last season and is now in full swing. As the rebuild marches on and we gear up for the regular season, it’s exciting to know the next wave of young Rockies will be on their way sooner rather than later.</p>
<p id="fGrIwa">★ ★ ★</p>
<h4 id="KtuB7d">Pebble Report: Spring Breakout Edition</h4>
<p id="zGNEq5">On Saturday evening the Colorado Rockies participated in their first ever “Spring Breakout” game: a seven inning exhibition showcasing their some of their top prospects against a squad from their NL West rival Arizona Diamondbacks.</p>
<div id="zfK8Jr">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> <br><br>Our inaugural <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpringBreakout?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpringBreakout</a> starting lineup! <a href="https://t.co/UyYHyfXfxS">pic.twitter.com/UyYHyfXfxS</a></p>— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rockies/status/1769053079075238268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="VhVdye">Introduced this spring training, the Spring Breakout game is a fantastic idea. A televised exhibition between the game’s top prospects certainly didn’t disappoint, though I can think of ways to improve the concept for the future. I’d love to see the games either be a full nine innings long so that more pitchers get an opportunity to play, or have the prospect teams play a full series of games so you get to see more of the individual prospects.</p>
<p id="1nW8YV">Either way, despite a 3-1 loss to the Diamondbacks prospect squad, the Rockies’ Spring Breakout game was a rousing success and Rockies fans got a chance to see the tantalizing potential the farm system is growing.</p>
<p id="TNYvDG"><strong>Position Players:</strong></p>
<p id="Jd8esp">The two major standouts for the Rockies on offense were catcher <strong>Drew Romo</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/20/24075335/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-7-drew-romo">no. 7 PuRP</a>) and <strong>Zac Veen</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/26/24075830/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-3-zac-veen">no. 3 PuRP</a>), both of whom went 2-for-2 at the plate. Veen showcased his excellent and agressive speed by legging out an infield single, while Romo drove in the Rockies only run and also had the Rockies’ only extra base hit with a double.</p>
<p id="peFP0p"><strong>Yanquiel Fernandez</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/23/24075794/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-4-yanquiel-fernandez">no. 4 PuRP</a>) showcased his great bat speed with a solid single, and <strong>Jordan Beck</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/21/24075388/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-6-jordan-beck">no. 6 PuRP</a>)—although hitless—made loud contact and drove the ball with authority. <strong>Benny Montgomery</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/19/24068935/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-8-benny-montgomery">no. 8 PuRP</a>) also had a base hit in his only at-bat.</p>
<p id="AN6LLl"><strong>Pitching Prospects:</strong></p>
<p id="hE4nDt">Where the Spring Breakout game truly provided the most value was in allowing the Rockies to showcase the pitching talent they are developing. The Rockies sent seven pitchers to the mound—one per inning—during the game.</p>
<p id="tCYuSv">2023 first round pick <strong>Chase Dollander</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/27/24079165/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-2-chase-dollander">no. 2 PuRP</a>) started the game, making his first professional appearance with the Rockies since being drafted. He definitely showed some jitters, walking a batter and spraying his fastball somewhat. However, his fastball showed excellent life and velocity consistently hitting 96-97 MPH. His slider also looked excellent. He was also able to induce a double play on a grounder from Diamondbacks top prospect Jordan Lawlar.</p>
<div id="wWpyvo">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Battle of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rockies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rockies</a> Chase Dollander and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dbacks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dbacks</a> Jordan Lawlar ends with a groundout <a href="https://twitter.com/JustBB_Media?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustBB_Media</a> <a href="https://t.co/SadtlPZbRE">pic.twitter.com/SadtlPZbRE</a></p>— Kevin Henry (@kgh23) <a href="https://twitter.com/kgh23/status/1769149099893469346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="NOslBv"><strong>Sean Sullivan</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/13/24068872/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-12-sean-sullivan">no. 12 PuRP</a>) out of <a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest</a> also impressed, working quickly and effectively in the second inning with a deceptive fastball. It was also encouraging to see the lefty work up in the strike zone compared to the bad Rockies habit of peppering the bottom of the zone.</p>
<p id="ESKJeJ"><strong>Carson Palmquist</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/5/24054998/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-18-carson-palmquist">no. 18 PuRP</a>) struck out two batters in his inning of work, including one with a successful challenge utilizing the automated balls and strikes system in effect for the game. His breaking pitches—a slider and a changeup—were both effective as well.</p>
<div id="1zI61B">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check please ☝️<a href="https://twitter.com/Rockies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rockies</a> No. 16 prospect Carson Palmquist strikes out Jansel Luis after a successful Automated Ball-Strike challenge. <a href="https://t.co/wRqFyndo3f">pic.twitter.com/wRqFyndo3f</a></p>— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline/status/1769169158774624668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="iLVh6B"><strong>Zach Agnos</strong> and <strong>Jaden Hill</strong> (<a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/2/2/24046017/colorado-rockies-prospects-no-19-jaden-hill-lsu">no. 19 PuRP</a>) both had some traffic to work with after giving up hits, but were able to successfully navigate their way to scoreless innings. Agnos—an excellent closer for Low-A Fresno last season—struck out two batters while Hill struck out one.</p>
<p id="KNewZi">I sincerely hope that Major League Baseball decides to make the Spring Breakout games an annual affair. Acquainting fans with the top prospects of their organizations on a televised broadcast is nothing but a good thing and it was a great deal of fun to watch.</p>
<p id="pWR34d">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="TGKorr"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/players-making-big-spring-training-impression">1 player from each team making a big impression this spring | </a><a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a></p>
<p id="YfhQRO">As <a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a> takes a look at players from each organization turning heads this spring, Rockies beat writer Thomas Harding showcases Drew Romo for the Rockies.</p>
<p id="zLuhRD"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/bud-black-rockies-contract-discussions-2024">Black, Rockies talking contract extension | </a><a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a></p>
<p id="cE9eSb">Thomas Harding of <a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a> revealed on Sunday afternoon that Rockies skipper Bud Black and owner Dick Monfort have been discussing a contract extension heading into the 2024 season. The Rockies have extended Black for one year in both 2022 and 2023, and are considering doing the same this year. The move would avoid Black going through the season on the last year of his contract. No deal is finalized at this time though discussions are taking place.</p>
<p id="PbwZXj">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="S6pBvJ"><em>Please keep in mind our</em><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/pages/purple-row-rules-and-regulations"><em><strong> Purple Row Community Guidelines</strong></em></a><em> when you’re commenting. Thanks!</em></p>
<p id="MPIDyM"></p>
https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/18/24104092/colorado-rockies-news-its-not-a-matter-of-if-but-when-these-rockies-prospects-will-debut-in-2024Evan Lang2024-03-17T13:05:00-06:002024-03-17T13:05:00-06:00Colorado Rockies spring training game no. 22 thread: Cal Quantrill vs Keaton Winn
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Spring Training-Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/89MfOpSGKUC7EaTp2Zkaf45m8ms=/0x0:4810x3207/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213512/usa_today_22759500.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cal Quantrill look to catch up with the rest of the rotation in his third start of spring training.</p> <p id="G0SMmr">The <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a> are heading across Scottsdale to take on their NL West rivals in the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a>. Right-handed pitcher Cal Quantrill will make his third start in a Rockies uniform this spring since being acquired from the <a href="https://www.coveringthecorner.com/">Cleveland Guardians</a>. The Giants will have rookie righty Keaton Winn on the bump for his first start of the spring, though it will be his third appearance.</p>
<p id="20iD5q"><strong>First Pitch: </strong>2:05 PM MST</p>
<p id="evULvy"><strong>TV:</strong> N/A</p>
<p id="zdzyFm"><strong>Radio:</strong> Giants - KNBR 680/ MLB.tv</p>
<p id="Wz9MUA"><strong>Lineups:</strong></p>
<div id="t7SKl5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">St. Patrick's in Scottsdale <a href="https://t.co/dhQxahgbDu">pic.twitter.com/dhQxahgbDu</a></p>— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rockies/status/1769430075785822216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="LVpp22">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sunday baseball in Scottsdale ☀️⚾️<br><br>⌚️: 1:05 pm PT<br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/KNBR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KNBR</a> <a href="https://t.co/UXPzWFi6qy">pic.twitter.com/UXPzWFi6qy</a></p>— SFGiants (@SFGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFGiants/status/1769430351838151159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="zG0oQI"></p>
https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/17/24103968/colorado-rockies-san-franisco-giants-spring-training-game-no-22-thread-cal-quantrill-vs-keaton-winnEvan Lang2024-03-16T16:43:14-06:002024-03-16T16:43:14-06:00Colorado Rockies Spring Breakout thread: Yu-Min Lin vs. Chase Dollander
<figure>
<img alt="Texas A&amp;M v Tennessee" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MvqG4E_sdOjWB3ReeNb84pdRwOI=/0x0:7746x5164/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212340/1477588373.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>The Rockies’ first-round draft pick will make his debut in purple.</em></p> <p id="l23dHd">Finally, Spring Breakout is happening!</p>
<p id="XOzX0L">Today, the top <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a> prospects welcome the top <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> prospects to Salt River Fields. </p>
<p id="AquTwz">Yu-Min Lin will take the mound for the D-backs while Chase Dollander will start for the Colorado Rockies. </p>
<p id="WI1FcG">Teams will also use the ABS challenge system, so fans will get a chance to see the technology in action.</p>
<p id="tCnzEa">Now to the details. </p>
<p id="qR3dbd"><strong>First Pitch: </strong>5:10 MDT</p>
<p id="Gs8Ng0"><strong>TV: </strong>MLB Network</p>
<p id="DlsAcJ"><strong>Radio: </strong>KOA</p>
<p id="1e25on"><strong>Lineups</strong></p>
<p id="m6yaT8">For the visiting D-backs:</p>
<div id="VJZ4k3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is the Diamondbacks' starting lineup for the Spring Breakout game:<br><br>1. Jorge Barrosa, CF<br>2. Jordan Lawlar, SS<br>3. Caleb Roberts, C<br>4. Ivan Melendez, 3B<br>5. AJ Vukovich, LF<br>6. Kristian Robinson, RF<br>7. Gino Groover, 1B<br>8. Alberto Barriga, DH<br>9. Jansel Luis, 2B</p>— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JesseNFriedman/status/1769112530528673855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="8tq3yJ">And the home Rockies:</p>
<div id="TMvKJs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rockies prospects are taking center stage <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/Zuk9iHFWsn">https://t.co/Zuk9iHFWsn</a><br>⏰ 5:10 PM MT <a href="https://t.co/xpjgXlYwnq">pic.twitter.com/xpjgXlYwnq</a></p>— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rockies/status/1769062407870025754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="rDEFnr">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="Xz5CVD"></p>
https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/16/24103391/colorado-rockies-spring-breakout-thread-yu-min-lin-vs-chase-dollanderRenee Dechert2024-03-16T06:00:00-06:002024-03-16T06:00:00-06:00Weekend Rockpile: Colorado Rockies Weekend Discussion Thread: March 16-17, 2024
<figure>
<img alt="COLORADO ROCKIES SPRING TRAINING" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SdmBvxk8J4eCr2hD0YHPVEEnZ20=/0x0:6855x4570/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73211377/2028792658.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This weekend, we’ll see more spring training baseball and the first Spring Breakout. </p> <p id="tIosFs">Let the games continue!</p>
<p id="e7iwq9">So far, the Rockies are 12-7 in their spring training games – not that it means anything, but let us enjoy these good times while we can. Plus, let’s hear it for that Nolan Jones walk-off in the rain yesterday against the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> champion <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>. </p>
<div id="FIUmtw"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/nolan-jones-solo-home-run-x5650" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="kGcDKD">Okay, so it was during the first inning, right before the game was cancelled due to weather, but still . . . .</p>
<p id="zUbMPB">Kyle Freeland is projected to start today’s game against for the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a> with Kyle Muller taking the mound for the visiting <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a>. </p>
<p id="w8f2aU">And then, we’ve got the Rockies-<a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/7/24092935/colorado-rockies-announce-spring-breakout-roster-zac-veen-adael-amador-chase-dollander">Spring Breakout</a> game starting at 5:10.</p>
<p id="Ai1Xp6">It’s going to be another great weekend to watch baseball.</p>
<p id="A4P55w">★★★</p>
<p id="rUO0z3"><em>Please keep in mind our</em><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/pages/purple-row-rules-and-regulations"><em><strong> Purple Row Community Guidelines</strong></em></a><em> when you’re commenting. Thanks!</em></p>
<p id="dww8OD"></p>
<p id="8VtdHP"></p>
https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/16/24102619/colorado-rockies-weekend-discussion-thread-march-26-17-2024Renee Dechert2024-03-15T13:53:04-06:002024-03-15T13:53:04-06:00Colorado Rockies Spring Training game no. 20 thread: Chasen Shreve vs. Ryan Feltner
<figure>
<img alt="2024 Colorado Rockies Spring Training" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HMvrNEpkSRGNv32patauRxOYdZk=/0x0:6653x4435/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73210428/2066737938.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rachel ODriscoll/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Feltner will continue making his case to be part of the Rockies’ starting rotation.</em></p> <p id="l23dHd">Today, the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a> (12-7) welcome the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> champion <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> (10-8) to Salt River Fields. </p>
<p id="AquTwz">Chasen Shreve will take the mound for the Rangers while Ryan Feltner will start for the Colorado Rockies. </p>
<p id="qR3dbd"><strong>First Pitch: </strong>2:10 MDT</p>
<p id="Gs8Ng0"><strong>TV: </strong>Rockies TV</p>
<p id="DlsAcJ"><strong>Radio: </strong>KOA</p>
<p id="1e25on"><strong>Lineups</strong></p>
<p id="m6yaT8">For the visiting Rangers:</p>
<div id="VJZ4k3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Revised Rangers lineup for March 15, 2024 at Colorado. <a href="https://t.co/DMEMFiRXEs">https://t.co/DMEMFiRXEs</a> <a href="https://t.co/5hcvdeUrix">pic.twitter.com/5hcvdeUrix</a></p>— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TXRangersPR/status/1768711753259532645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="8tq3yJ">And the home Rockies:</p>
<div id="TMvKJs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rockies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rockies</a> vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rangers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rangers</a> <a href="https://t.co/SfFMw6MUfC">pic.twitter.com/SfFMw6MUfC</a></p>— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) <a href="https://twitter.com/harding_at_mlb/status/1768661061119725830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="rDEFnr">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="Xz5CVD"></p>
https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/15/24102179/colorado-rockies-spring-training-game-no-20-thread-chasen-shreve-vs-ryan-feltnerRenee Dechert2024-03-15T06:00:00-06:002024-03-15T06:00:00-06:00Friday Rockpile: A familiar face appears to be headed back to the Rockies leadoff spot
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: FEB 23 Spring Training - Diamondbacks at Rockies" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1PL-iUdLZKhX1Nd5OOV1yfwRSVQ=/0x0:5692x3795/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73209016/2026353232.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Colorado Rockies news and links for Friday, March 15, 2024</p> <p id="5c0l7J">Opening Day is coming. In less than two weeks, the Rockies will open the 2024 season when they take on the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> in Arizona on March 28.</p>
<p id="AzGTBi">In what’s becoming a perennial quandary, the question once more arises: Who is the best option for leadoff hitter for the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com">Colorado Rockies</a>?</p>
<p id="DMbhyc">I looked at the options for leadoff hitters heading into the 2023 season, analyzing both veterans and prospects, going into Spring Training. Like much of 2023, things did not go to plan.</p>
<p id="2h9yhs">Polling the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2023/1/13/23552978/who-should-be-the-next-rockies-leadoff-hitter-part-2-rookies">Purple Row community</a> in January of 2023, Sean Bouchard earned the highest prospect vote at 37% with Zac Veen just behind at 36%. When it came to veterans, Yonathan Daza was the clear favorite to lead off, <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/2023/1/6/23541544/colorado-rockieswho-should-be-the-next-rockies-leadoff-hitter-part-1-vets">earning 61% of the vote</a> with the next highest at a tie with 10% each for Brendan Rodgers and none, urging Colorado to sign a traditional leadoff hitter.</p>
<p id="lGeujF">None of that happened and I hope the polls and articles weren’t any kind of jinx. Bouchard ended up rupturing his biceps and missing most of the season. Veen, who has yet to make his MLB debut, had wrist surgery and also missed a big chunk of the season. The Rockies designated Daza for assignment on May 5. Rodgers dislocated his shoulder and only made it back for the last two months of the season. The Rockies did sign Jurickson Profar, who they hoped would be an impactful leadoff hitter, but he struggled and was released by late August.</p>
<p id="3K5yfH">Profar hit leadoff in 67 games, which was second most on the team. Coming in with the most leadoff starts was Charlie Blackmon at 72. Profar hit .222/.307/.326 with five homers, 28 runs scored, 20 RBI, 28 walks and 57 strikeouts in 307 at-bats.</p>
<p id="TgYRk1">Blackmon, the main Rockies leadoff hitter from 2016-19, took over the role for the last third of the season and turned out to be the better option. He hit .272/.351/.445 with seven homers, 47 runs scored, 36 RBI, 30 walks and 44 strikeouts in 331 at-bats.</p>
<p id="McUWeh">With Blackmon mostly leading things off from 2016-2019, the Rockies scored more runs on average (130.5), had a higher on-base percentage (.363) and batting average (.306), and drove in more runs (91) per season than the Rockies have even come close to ever since. Instead, the numbers have been trending in the wrong direction — as have the wins.</p>
<div id="DPHKCq"><div data-anthem-component="table:12279640"></div></div>
<p id="5RB3EM">The leadoff hitters combined to score only 92 runs in 2023 and had a .320 on-base percentage, which is exactly the same as 2022. Last season was slightly better in batting average (.242 vs. .237) with 16 more RBI, one more homer, five fewer walks, and 19 fewer strikeouts.</p>
<p id="ZS7Obr">Recognizing that the Rockies are likely to use many different lineups and could have a variety of players in the No. 1 spot, it’s still vital for the numbers to get better in every category if the leadoff spot really is a catalyst for an offense trying to be more productive.</p>
<p id="qisWXU">Perhaps the best option to do that is indeed Blackmon. A smart hitter with a good eye, Blackmon does battle at the plate. He could get a few more pitches out of opposing starters while still putting up good numbers, even if they aren’t the power ones he once featured.</p>
<p id="oYgDBp">If Spring Training starting lineups are any indication, Blackmon is the favorite for the job. Through Thursday’s game, he’s made nine starts in the spot, way ahead of Bouchard’s four and Tovar’s three. <a href="https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/rockies-2024-opening-day-roster">MLB.com’s Thomas Harding</a> is projecting Blackmon to be back in the top spot in his latest roster forecast on March 12.</p>
<p id="CkZD5h">As Blackmon, enters his 14<sup>th</sup> season in the big leagues, he figures to play a prominent role in the right field-designated hitter-first base platoon in the first two spots. Even considering the rotation and the fact that Blackmon will turn 38 on July 1, he figures to be in the lineup more often than not. As the Rockies work more to let the kids play, some may try on the leadoff spot, like Bouchard or Tovar to see who might be the No. 1 guy in the future.</p>
<p id="Qn6vtI">I still feel like Brenton Doyle’s speed makes him an intriguing option, but he’ll have to drastically decrease his strikeouts and significantly bump up his batting average and on-base percentage to be a viable possibility.</p>
<p id="hcLoHj">For now, Blackmon looks like No. 1. To badly paraphrase and parody <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo9t5XK0FhA">Billy Joel</a>, that may be right. He is Chuck Nazty. He just may be the leadoff man the Rockies are looking for.</p>
<p id="UMMrMQ">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="Wlxcqx"><a href="https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2024/03/14/rocky-mountain-colorado-rockies-mlb-spring-training-2024/">Rocky Mountain high: Colorado’s hitting soars during spring training | Cronkite News</a></p>
<p id="QRi1QE">Thanks to prospects like Jordan Beck and Aaron Schunk and former rookies Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle, the Rockies bats are drawing some attention in the Cactus League this Spring Training, as evidenced by this article by <a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com">Arizona State</a> University journalism student Brett Lapinski. This has some great quotes about the Rockies youth movement and hopes for progress in the future.</p>
<p id="KchEwK"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/elehuris-montero-finds-a-way-out-of-spring-slump">Montero growing with the bat and the glove this spring | </a><a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a></p>
<p id="OamXhp">Spring Training has been a bit of a roller coaster for Elehuris Montero. He started off with a bang and is still tied for the team lead with three homers. He entered Thursday’s game riding a 0-for-15 slump, but then got two hits against Cleveland. What might be more impressive is his defensive work, especially on Thursday.</p>
<p id="EVMtB8">★ ★ ★</p>
<p id="bSSiTq"><em>Please keep in mind our</em><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/pages/purple-row-rules-and-regulations"><em><strong> Purple Row Community Guidelines</strong></em></a><em> when you’re commenting. Thanks!</em></p>
https://www.purplerow.com/2024/3/15/24101362/a-familiar-face-appears-to-be-headed-back-to-the-rockies-leadoff-spot-charlie-blackmonJoelle Milholm