It’s not just the leaves that are changing color—Coloradans are changing their purple and black for Broncos blue and orange as yet another disappointing Rockies season nears its slow and painful end. Once again, it’s time for that old adage “wait ‘til next year.” Before we start talking about Peyton Manning’s viability as a 39-year-old quarterback under a new Gary Kubiak offense, let’s take a look at what the Rockies could look like next year.
The Infield:
Catcher: Veteran Nick Hundley (31) has played in 100 games so far this season and is signed through 2016, so barring trades or injury, he should be starting for the Rockies behind the plate again next year. He’s had a good year, batting .302 with 10 home runs (HR) and 43 RBI. More importantly, he can call a game well, a necessity with so many young pitchers on the mound. He could split time next year with another younger catcher. Most likely, that catcher will be 24-year-old Tom Murphy. He’s the ranked as the twelfth best prospect in the Rockies organization and has performed well both at Double A New Britain and Triple A Albuquerque this year.
First Base: Justin Morneau (34) has spent most of the year on the Disabled List (DL) dealing with a concussion and cervical neck sprain, but is looking to play for the Rockies in the last month of the season. However, Ben Paulsen (27) has done well since replacing Morneau, batting .283 with 45 RBI and 10 HRs. Morneau’s contract runs out at the end of this year with an option for next year, but it seems unlikely that the Rockies would re-sign him unless he proves that he’s fully recovered from his injuries. However, if they did exercise this option, Paulsen’s playing time would decrease and there really wouldn’t be a place for Willin Rosario—who has already struggled defensively as a catcher and now as a first baseman—with the Rockies.
Second Base: After the trade of former favorite Troy Tulowitzki, 27-year-old DJ LeMahieu is now one of the institutions of the Rockies’ infield. His starting role at second is one of the most secure of the whole team. His defense is Gold Glove-worthy and his hitting as just as stellar. While not a home run hitter, his on base percentage (OPS) is the highest it’s ever been in his career and he leads the Rockies in batting average (.318).
Third Base: At the tender age of 24, Nolan Arenado is leading the National League in RBI and has been battling teammate Carlos Gonzalez for the home run title the last few weeks, including a home run in consecutive games from Sept. 1 to Sept. 5, a six-game streak. In doing so, he broke the previous franchise record of five and joined a fraternity of famous players who have also done it, including Barry Bonds, Lou Gehrig and Roger Maris. The two-time Gold Glover has only missed four games so far this season and looks to be the new face of the Rockies infield, if not the whole franchise. Daniel Descalso (28) is signed through the end of the 2016 season, so he’ll be LeMahieu and Arenado’s back up.
Shortstop: Before July 28, trying to figure who would be the Rockies’ starting shortstop was never an issue. It was always going to be Troy Tulowitzki. Recently, thanks to the trade, it’s been Jose Reyes (32), who has two years left on a three-year contract after this season. However, he has expressed interest in being traded as he does not want to spend the rest of his career on a losing team. Therefore, he could be gone by the time Spring Training kicks off in February, leaving the shortstop position up in the air. Descalso fills in for Reyes on his days off, but Delcalso isn’t a long–term option for the Rockies at short. He’s a great back-up, but he’s not an everyday player. Trevor Story (22) is the most likely long term prospect. He’s ranked as the eleventh best Rockies prospect. He’s batting .281 in the minors this year, but the Rockies’ front office is convinced that he could be major league material, though they’re unsure about when he’ll be ready.
The Outfield:
Left Field: Corey Dickerson (26) has only played in 43 games this season due to plantar fasciitis and rib injuries, but he’ll be back next year and he’s bringing his bat with him. His defense has some room for improvement, but if his .312/24 HR/76 RBI season last year is anything to go off of, his return will make for a strong power-hitting outfield.
Center Field: Again, barring any trades or injuries, Charlie Blackmon (29) should stay the centerfielder. He’s a solid hitter and fielder, and his personality is good for the team. “Chuck Nazty,” as he’s known on Instagram and Twitter has a quirky, fun-loving personality that’s part of the heart and soul of the team. If the Rockies got rid of him, not only would they lose a strong bat, but I think it would hurt the clubhouse atmosphere.
Right Field: Around the July 31 trade deadline, Carlos Gonzalez’s (29) name was tossed around in conjuction with Tulo’s about being possible trade bait, but at this point in the year, it seems like the Rockies are going to keep him. And why shouldn’t they? As of Sept. 3, he was averaging one HR every two games for the last two months, and has 30+ home runs since July. Not only has he been hitting a lot of home runs, he’s been hitting them when they count—when Rockies are down in games, or need some safety runs towards the end of a game. With his stellar defense and his record at-bat, he’s entrenched himself as the Rockies’ right fielder, and this summer is just a reminder of how good he really is.
Brandon Barnes (29) should return next year as well and he’s a solid backup for the Rockies. Kyle Parker (25) has spent time in the majors this season due to Dickerson’s injury and is capable of playing left or right. He was the Rockies’ first round draft pick in 2010, but he’s struggled so far in the majors this year, only batting .178, but he’s still in the mix for next year.
Tim Wheeler (27) could be a possible call-up next year from Triple A, and if David Dahl (21) explodes sometime during the next season, the Rockies’ number three prospect could see time in the big leagues at the end of next year.
Predicting a major league baseball team’s starting lineup is not an exact science. Too much can happen during the off season: someone can get traded, injure himself, or someone else can pop at the right time; however, as of right now, this is what it’s looking like. Possibly even more important, however, will be next year’s starting pitching rotation, which will be the subject of next week’s post.
