Rockies ink Mora, have deep bench

The Colorado Rockies got lucky.

On Saturday the Reds won the Orlando Cabrera derby and the Rockies were left to look elsewhere.  They ended up with a far better player than the Reds did.

On Sunday the Rockies countered by signing former Orioles starting third baseman Melvin Mora to a one-year deal.  The signing will do two things.  First, it will ensure that Eric Young Jr. will start the season in Triple-A Colorado Springs.  Second, it puts Clint Barmes’ starting position in jeopardy.

Although the Rockies like Barmes’ defense and love the fact that they probably possess the best double play combo in the game, the upgrade in offense would be an extreme relief.  Barmes often found himself headed back to the dugout after reaching for a slider low and away.  The lack of offense reached its pinnacle in the NLDS, where Barmes went 0-for-11 when the Rockies needed him the most.

Whether it’s Mora or Barmes at second base to start the season, the Rockies have one of the best benches in baseball.

The infield will consist of either Mora or Barmes on the bench, both of whom have been everyday starters for the majority of their time in the big leagues.  Behind the second baseman will be backup first baseman Jason Giambi, who with over 600 career home runs, proved during the stretch that he never gives up an at-bat.

Behind the plate on the bench will be Miguel Olivo, a power hitting catcher who hit 23 home runs in 2009.

The outfield boasts Ryan Spilborghs and Seth Smith from the right and left side respectively.  Both of those players would be starters on at least 10 teams in the big leagues.

The front office of the Rockies has done a great job filling out a roster that is looking to return to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.  This time, however, the Rockies are looking to reel in their first ever National League West title.