Rockies claim INF Rio Ruiz off waivers from Orioles phoenixherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from phoenixherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Earlier this week, Justin Wick took a look at what the Colorado Rockies have in reserve for bullpen arms if a call-up is to be made. The bullpen has been an atrocity, especially lately, so seeking an answer to the question of “What else we got? ‘Cause this ain’t working” is pertinent.
That got me thinking about the other side of the ball. We’ve already seen Alan Trejo, Connor Joe and Matt Adams receive the call to the big leagues this season, so what other reinforcements do we have laying around in the minors? In any season, injuries and underperformance are bound to occur throughout the campaign and this season the Rockies are more of a clear “seller” than ever, so spots could open in the not too distant future because of departure as well.
With names like Charlie Blackmon, Raimel Tapia, Garrett Hampson, and Sam Hilliard, the Rockies 2021 outfield feels the same as it has been for the last few years. But at the same time, it’s also different. David Dahl, a 2019 All-Star outfielder who could play all three spots, started in 57 percent of Rockies games in 2019 and 35 percent in 2020. His injuries and salary were too much for the Rockies, so he’s a Texas Ranger now. Kevin Pillar, who got the majority of the starts in center field in 2020, is gone too. Ian Desmond is opting out for the second straight year, and with the Rockies having a team option for a $2 million buyout for the final year of his contract in 2022, Desmond’s time with the Rockies is likely done.
Barring injury (or trade) Trevor Story will make his sixth consecutive opening day start at shortstop for the Colorado Rockies. Could this be his last?
Maybe. But let’s take a moment here to appreciate the last 15 years of excellent shortstop play the Rockies have had with both Troy Tulowitzki and Trevor Story. It’s been a tumultuous 15 years, but shortstop has been a steady staple in the lineup and one of the reasons fans have stuck around. It’s arguably the most difficult defensive position to play and the Rockies have enjoyed a combined seven All-Star appearances, four Silver Sluggers and two Gold Gloves at shortstop during that time. In that same span the team has only made four postseason appearances, but the point is shortstop hasn’t been a concern for a long time. And at least to begin the year, it’ll still be their strongest position.