Colvin Update: Rockies Option Outfielder To AAA

Perhaps a trade might still be in the works eventually, but for now the Colorado Rockies will have Tyler Colvin start the season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox rather than risk having him continue his struggles on the Major League level.

This makes sense to me. While you do not want to hold one season against Colvin forever, you cannot help but remember how bad things got for him in 2011 when he batted .150 on the Chicago Cubs. You can believe that Colvin’s swing is more polished and that he is a different man now, but you are still wise to proceed with caution when it comes to prolonging bad slumps and letting them become self-perpetuating monsters like apparently happened that season. I like the idea of having Colvin work some things out and then return to the Rockies feeling like he’s ready to go.

This isn’t good bye…Image: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Besides, this is where the depth of the Rockies’ position players pays off. Out goes Colvin, a capable 4th/5th outfielder, and in steps another. None other than Charlie Blackmon, aka @ChuckNazty, who did nothing but hit this spring when he was healthy. No problem…

…what’s that? They added another infielder to the roster?

Well OK. Enter DJ LeMahieu. His rock-solid consistent play from last year pays off and he’s able to spell multiple positions in the infield. He can serve as a late-inning defensive player from time to time and I feel OK with him as a pinch hitter at this point…

…what? Not LeMahieu either? Who else would take Colvin’s spot?…

…good God, that’s Jonathan Herrera‘s music!

So it appears that the Rockies will proceed with four outfielders. That means Eric Young Jr. really is going to see a lot of playing time. In the meantime, it seems that Jordan Pacheco will have the spot starts at first base all to himself. As far as writing a lineup everyday, this roster still leaves manager Walt Weiss a lot of options. As far as substitutions during the game…not so much.

Don’t ask me to explain it. I love Jonny Herrera, but seriously, don’t ask me to explain it. I have no idea either.