We are down to the final two weeks of spring training. The biggest competitions are at third base, utility player, reserve outfielders(s), and to a smaller extent, backup catcher. JimTracy has so many possibilties with versatility and options remaining influencing Tracy in making up his final roster. Jordan Pacheco looks like he has virtually locked up one spot due to his ability to play the corners as well going behind the plate. He threw out Chone Figgins attempting to steal today. Might that allow JT to carry only Ramon Hernandez at the C position knowing Pacheco can get his PAs out of the C position?
Chris Nelson may have his no options remaining work to his advantage by nailing down the 3B starting position. He probably will be given a one or two month window as a last chance to stick around before getting DFA’ed if not performing up to his ceiling. JT will have to decide whether to carry five OFs and two utilities(if Pacheco is the backup C ).
If Tracy decides to carry five OFs, it may allow EYJ to be squeezed in as the fifth OF. The other OF position will go to either Charlie Blackmon or Tyler Colvin.
If Tracy goes with four OFs, then it may enable Jon Hererra to g the 25th roster spot. But if the Rox decide to carry Will Nieves or Wilin Rosario, then everybody playing 2B could all go down to AA/AAA.e
Just at a glance, Colvin is doing better than Blackmon for that 4th outfielder spot. I love EYJ’s speed but not sure he could beat out Johnny overall. Not sure if Blake even makes the team if his injuries still hinder him. Lots of good people, not enough room. Going to be interesting.
Despite Aprils usual off[weather] days in the schedule,I think all normal thinking has Nieves/or second catcher a neccessity.Thus Pacheco,Nelson,Blackmon,Colvin/Brown for the last 4 spots.If Blake goes on IR or is released then that would open a spot.I think Pacheco plays more third than catcher.
Someone tell me why Fowler is a lock at center field? Kind of reminds me of Stewart. If I were the Rockies I would trade Fowler while he has value for young talent and rely on the several other options to battle and fill the position.
and…….. Pacheco has to start at 3rd base. He has out performed everyone else X 10!
That was the rumor heard on twitter the other day. Goodman made a similar subtle and casual reference also the other day.
Dexter has looked really bad, and I agree he should not be a lock. Same thing will happen….will start, slump, sent down, come back, sent down. Pacheco looks like a man on a mission and deserves to make the roster. Probably a bigger discussion is the pitching rotation….bit thin.
I was in Phoenix this weekend for annual Spring Training trip. Here are some observations: 1. Both of the Ian Stewart trade guys (LeMahieu and Colvin) are physically HUGE. I like both of them. DoD did well with that deal. I like Colvin as the #4 outfielder. 2. Nelson sticks – count on it. 3. I’m not so sure Rosario does. Nieves looks serviceable as the #2 catcher short-term. 4. Not related to the Rox bench, but talking stick is… Read more »
Talking stick is more a cocktail party than a baseball venue.
That’s a perfect analogy.
DJ LeMahieu sent to the minors; so he’s out of the competition for roster spot.
JT says EYJ will be tried at 2B over next few days. That tells me that the writing is on the wall that EYJ has a chance to break camp with the Rox since he can play both OF and 2B while adding the speed aspect to our offensive attack.
Does EY play 2B in order to be a Rockie, or in order to increase his trade value?
It’s a little frustrating. He came up as a 2B, and because he was not a good 2B he started playing the outfield, where he is not that good. Now he is going to play some 2B again. Is there a reason to expect him to be better at the position then he was before? It seems so haphazard.
I am an EYJ fan as most know but I agree with you Julian. I think the Rockies either need to do one of the following to help EYJ:
Cut bait
Focus Strictly on Outfield
Focus Strictly on 2B
Why have a guy that struggles defensively have to focus on several defensive positions?
agree Julian and Pooter…..I have to believe that it may have more to do with increasing his value as trade bait. When Baltimore didn’t want him when Rox offered as part of the Guthrie trade, it makes you wonder if in fact they can’t send him to the minors and take a chance he makes it thru waivers. if not…. I just think it is time to give the guy a shot at a new start. Just don’t think it… Read more »
Funny, I seem to recall Mr. Troy Renck alleging EY would be traded before the start of ST.
On the Rockies site there’s an article about EY that suggests that his outfield play has improved. Do you guys at spring training agree with that?
seen EY2 every game this spring I have attended and while I agree that he looks more comfortable in the outfield…just have never seemed to have the tools to be a starter obviously. Speed is next to none but there has to be more if you are taking one of the remaining roster spots. He will get the occasional hit (think he looks uncomfortable from left side) and changes the pitcher’s approach when he is on base. However still a… Read more »
I was preparing for a fantasy draft today and realized that Cuddyer started 17 games at 2nd base last year with a .989 fielding percentage. Not stellar, but not where we were this time last year. Those offensive numbers would rock at second (ala Uggla)…Scutaro could move to SS, and Tulo shifts to third (Ripken, A-Rod). Third base issue resolved! Alright…Tulo’s not anywhere close to being ready for that move and Cuddy makes more sense in the OF and every… Read more »
If Cuddyer had played 20 games at 2nd, he would be MUCH higher on your draft board.
He went way earlier than I thought he would as it was.
Just returned from my annual Spring Training week and have some observations: 1. I agree that Dexter should not be a lock. Good defense but poor hitting. You just don’t feel good when he comes to the plate. And since Scutaro hasn’t yet found his swing, we don’t get going until Cargo comes up. 2. I like Charlie Blackmon for 4th outfielder, with Colvin next. If we didn’t carry Giambi we could have both (I’m not a fan of keeping… Read more »
Welcome Batgirl! Already impressed with your on site analysis and ability to report it Keep up the good work for old fogey’s like me who only see ST in our dreams,and Coors field a couple times a year.As you know from ITR and this great new incarnation,a very knowlegeable,passionate,concerned,dedicated,polite,bunch of posters who all bleed purple.Again thanks for the report and welcome.
Agree with 3 and 4. I flip Colvin and Blackmon, but agree it’s close. FWIW, I do think Fowler should be a lock. I think Tracy tinkers too much. Fowler needs to be run out to CF for at least 3 months straight, regardless of performance. Going one step further, I almost think the same should apply to Nelson at 3rd (until Arenado is ready).
Batgirl, excellent report from ST! I’ve been in touch with Ed down at Spring Training (he sends me his thoughts and pics during games for my posts) and love that you were able to meet up with him…This is exactly the type of insight that makes this site excellent and I’m thankful you took the time to post and hope you will continue to do so… I’m hoping that Dex gets his hitting straight for those of us that have… Read more »
I am hoping the ROX keep 5 outfielders. I like Brown, Colvin and Blackmon, in that order. I want to see more of Brown but he looks like a solid fielder and is a nice right-handed bat with some real pop that could be used extensively to pinch hit when not starting. IMO Blackmon’s a nice player but his offense doesn’t excite me at all (not much power, looks to be around a .260-.270 avg?). I think Colvin and Brown… Read more »
Interesting comments during the pregame tonight. So now Brandon Wood is also an outfielder? Ok, if JT says so.
I’ve been absent for awhile and am still stuck in a project that will keep me going but hopefully by the time the season begins I’ll be able to contribute more. I agree with Bat Girl (I think it was Bat Girl)) that we’re wasting a spot with Giambi who is so one dimensional. And I think they need 2 catchers plus Pacheco. Which at this point is not Rosario. I was able to get to Scottsdale for one game… Read more »
Jordan Pacheco was handed the utilityman job the moment we traded away Wiggy and he did not disappoint in ST. Chris Nelson continues to swing a good bat in ST and Casey Blake has not shown that he is healthy. The Rockies are not going to spend $2M for two months’ rental at 3B at the expense of losing Nelson to the waivers. Jon Hererra’s mother was in the final stages of her life last season (she died over the… Read more »