COLORADO ROCKIES 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured: +
*Players who are Out of Options: ##
*Baseball America '12 pre-season prospect rankings: BLUE #
*Baseball Prospectus '12 pre-season prospect rankings: GREEN #
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (39)
*Projected 2012 Payroll: est. $75,756,000, according to MLBDC Magazine
Disabled List Position Player SS Hector GomezBA#19+UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 30th (strained groin) OF Charlie Blackmon* BA#11 BP#12+UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (turf toe) Pitchers LHP Jorge De La Rosa+UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (Tommy John surgery) LHP Josh Outman+UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 30th (strained oblique)
Anytime a team has two superstar players in their everyday lineup to build around, there is always hope going into the season. That's the case with the Rockies. Despite a disappointing 2011, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are in their prime and will be hitting in the middle of the Rockies' lineup again in 2012. There are already a few good complimentary players around them, including outfielder Seth Smith(.839 OPS), veteran Todd Helton (.850 OPS), and leadoff man Dexter Fowler, who has responded to an early season demotion by posting a .905 OPS in the second half. Catcher Chris Iannetta (.780 OPS) has also had a solid season although he could be shopped this offseason with Wilin Rosario, one of the top catching prospects in the game, just about ready to take over the everyday role. If the Rockies think Charlie Blackmon can be a productive regular in the outfield next season, they could try and shop Smith. Center fielder Tim Wheeler, who hit .287 with 33 HR in 138 Double-A games, could also reach the big leagues next season.
The big question marks are at second and third base. Plenty of candidates figure to be in the mix, including Jonathan Herrera, Chris Nelson, Jordan Pacheco, and Ty Wigginton. It's Ian Stewart, however, who the Rockies had expected to man the hot corner for the next several years. The 26 year-old has gone backwards in 2011 after consecutive solid seasons. The Rockies are unlikely to trade him at his lowest value so he could once again compete for the job in Spring Training. Second baseman Mark Ellis, who has a .723 OPS in 61 games since being acquired from Oakland, is a good fit and the Rockies could re-sign him.
Chacin could be the Rockies' Opening Day starter
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
Despite the trade of ace Ubaldo Jimenez, the rotation could be in pretty good shape long-term. But until Jorge De La Rosa and Juan Nicasio return from their injuries at some point in 2012, finding five pitchers who can consistently give the Rockies solid outings every fifth day might be a challenge. Jhoulys Chacin has struggled a bit of late but he's been very good for the majority of the season and could be the team's Opening Day starter in 2012. Who pitches after him is anybody's guess at this point. Jason Hammelwas removed from the rotation after he posted a 7.00+ ERA in July and August. Esmil Rogers hasn't pitched well and will have to earn a spot in Spring Training. Long-time Rockie Aaron Cook will most likely have his $11 million mutual option declined by the club. Veteran Kevin Millwood, who has pitched very well since joining the rotation, could be brought back on an inexpensive one-year deal to help stabilize the back of the rotation. Alex Whiteand Drew Pomeranz, both acquired from Cleveland in the Jimenez deal, could be in the rotation whether they are ready or not. Since there's a good chance one or both won't be ready, that's all the more reason for the Rockies to make starting pitching a priority this winter.
Acquiring starting pitching or an infielder via trade this offseason is a strong possibility because of their depth at catcher, outfield, and especially the bullpen. Rafael Betancourt took over as the closer when Huston Street went on the DL and it doesn't look like he's giving him the job back. He's been dominant in the second half, posting an 0.38 ERA with 1 walk and 33 strikeouts in 26 innings. No reason to think he won't be the favorite for the job next season, which would make Street expendable. The presence of hard-throwing lefty Rex Brothers, who could be closing games for the Rockies in the future, Matt Lindstrom, and Matt Belisle, who has had back-to-back solid seasons, makes the Rockies very tough in the late innings.
•UPDATE 10/29 - A mutual option for first baseman Jason Giambi was exercised by both sides so he will return in 2012.
•UPDATE 11/14 - Ellis has signed a two-year deal with the Dodgers so the search is likely still on for a second baseman. The free agent market doesn't offer much so a trade might be the best bet.
•UPDATE 11/30 - Catcher Ramon Hernandez has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal, allowing the team to trade Iannetta to the Angels for starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood. The 21 year-old will be in the mix for a rotation spot. •UPDATE 12/6 - Starting pitcher Kevin Slowey was acquired from the Twins for a PTBNL or cash. The 27 year-old gives the team another starter to help hold down the fort until De La Rosa and Nicasio return. •UPDATE 12/7 - Street has reportedly been traded to the Padres for a PTBNL. They don't get major league help in return from the Padres but they do free up $8M in salary to use in other areas. •UPDATE 12/8 - Stewart was traded to the Cubs, along with minor league reliever Casey Weathers, for Tyler Colvin and DJ LeMahieu. It's uncertain who starts at third base now but it's clear that prospect Nolan Arenado is on the fast track to the big leagues. It's hard to see him making the jump from Hi-A but he could get the call at some point in 2012. •UPDATE 12/16 - Former Twins jack-of-all-trades, Michael Cuddyer, has agreed to a deal with the Rockies. He is likely to play multiple positions, although the biggest need appears to be at third base. That could change, of course. •UPDATE 12/20 - The plan is for Cuddyer to play RF, with Gonzalez moving to LF. The major question marks remain at second and third base.
Offseason Needs: Starting Pitcher, Second Baseman, Third Baseman
Any GM will tell you, "You can never have enough pitching". If everyone is healthy, they have good depth but De La Rosa and Nicasio aren't likely to be ready for the start of the season. Rogers is no sure thing as a starter. Pomeranz and White have just a few big league starts between them. Hammel looked bad at times last season. Lots of question marks. Chatwood could be a good fit in Coors if he can gain consistency. Keeps the ball on the ground when he's on. I think he needs at least a few more months in AAA.
Their rotation looks rather dismal. Outside of Chacin, I don't think any other would have much of a shot in any rotation. Pomeranz and White need more time in the minors, Slowey is a fly-ball pitcher who has never posted an FIP lower than 3.90, and Jason Hammel is tremendously inconsistent.
They desperately need a solid pitcher, but don't seem willing to spend the money to sign Oswalt, Saunders, or Kuroda to a short-term deal. SMH
I think they like him but I he doesn't have a starting job and, in my opinion, wouldn't benefit from irregular playing time in the majors. Everyday role in AAA is likely. If Fowler struggles, which he did early in 2011 before coming on strong in the 2nd half, Blackmon could get a shot. Trade is also a possibility since he's blocked for the next few years.
Now that they have a second basemen they need a top notch right-hander, like Jair Jurrgens, Tim Hudson, or Roy Oswalt. Then a left-hand hitting third basemen, Wilson Betemit would work.
No need to add any unnecessary pressure on the youngster. It could really go either way. A lot of managers like to go with the veteran, which is why I have Guthrie as the #1. He's started at least a couple Opening Day games. Game 2 is just as important as game 1 without all the media. I think that would be a better fit for Chacin. He's still probably their 'ace' even if he's not the OD starter.
Pomeranz had a DUI last year, too. Don't think it will have any effect on their decision. Some people think Pomeranz has the edge but he has very limited minor league time and could use more. So could White, but I thought he was a bit ahead before his finger injury. I could go either way. We should have a better idea after a few starts.
Posts
19 comments:
Isn't Matt Belisle a free agent?
No, he signed a 2-year deal before this season.
They have so many starters... how does Chatwood help them?
Any GM will tell you, "You can never have enough pitching". If everyone is healthy, they have good depth but De La Rosa and Nicasio aren't likely to be ready for the start of the season. Rogers is no sure thing as a starter. Pomeranz and White have just a few big league starts between them. Hammel looked bad at times last season. Lots of question marks. Chatwood could be a good fit in Coors if he can gain consistency. Keeps the ball on the ground when he's on. I think he needs at least a few more months in AAA.
And any starter would be an upgrade over the starter from of Rogers. But Rogers does fit the come into pitch when the starter gets traded role.
Their rotation looks rather dismal. Outside of Chacin, I don't think any other would have much of a shot in any rotation. Pomeranz and White need more time in the minors, Slowey is a fly-ball pitcher who has never posted an FIP lower than 3.90, and Jason Hammel is tremendously inconsistent.
They desperately need a solid pitcher, but don't seem willing to spend the money to sign Oswalt, Saunders, or Kuroda to a short-term deal. SMH
Where does Blackmon fit in? They seemed high on him last year.
I think they like him but I he doesn't have a starting job and, in my opinion, wouldn't benefit from irregular playing time in the majors. Everyday role in AAA is likely. If Fowler struggles, which he did early in 2011 before coming on strong in the 2nd half, Blackmon could get a shot. Trade is also a possibility since he's blocked for the next few years.
Putnam is not a starter.
Placed him in the wrong section. Thanks for catching that!
Call me crazy, but by the time this is all said and done I think Keppinger or Theiot will be the opening day 2bman.
Now that they have a second basemen they need a top notch right-hander, like Jair Jurrgens, Tim Hudson, or Roy Oswalt. Then a left-hand hitting third basemen, Wilson Betemit would work.
This club looks more and more solid by the day. But if they are going to succeed a few starters are going to have to step up BIG TIME
Really? Guthrie not Chacin?
No need to add any unnecessary pressure on the youngster. It could really go either way. A lot of managers like to go with the veteran, which is why I have Guthrie as the #1. He's started at least a couple Opening Day games. Game 2 is just as important as game 1 without all the media. I think that would be a better fit for Chacin. He's still probably their 'ace' even if he's not the OD starter.
Wikipedia says Chad Moeller is with the club but I assume this is a mistake. Can you confirm?
Released last March by the Rockies, who were his last organization.
Does White's DUI earn himself a demotion, I say definitely.
Pomeranz will start in the rotation.
Pomeranz had a DUI last year, too. Don't think it will have any effect on their decision. Some people think Pomeranz has the edge but he has very limited minor league time and could use more. So could White, but I thought he was a bit ahead before his finger injury. I could go either way. We should have a better idea after a few starts.
Post a Comment