Colorado Rockies: 3 Things You Should Know on February 22

Apr 15, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Alexi Amarista throws out Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (not pictured) at first during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Alexi Amarista throws out Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (not pictured) at first during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just three days remain until the Colorado Rockies play their first spring training game of the season. That comes on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the stadium that both teams share in Scottsdale.

Until then, we’re keeping up with what’s happening with the Rockies from here in windy and warm Denver. Well, until we head to spring training in just over two weeks to get our own exclusive photos, videos and interviews to share with our faithful Rox Pile readers. It’s going to be great to be back at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

For now, however, let’s check out three articles that we found to be interesting reads over the last 24 hours.

Prepare for Battle

More from Rox Pile

Our friend Drew Creasman over at BSNDenver.com has pinpointed five positional battles that the Rockies will settle at spring training. He’s also tipped his hand to just who might win some of those. You can check out his thoughts and predictions by clicking here.

As a note, we detailed three battles that we’re watching in spring training a few weeks ago and you can check out that article by clicking here.

Speaking of Those Battles…

Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post talks about exactly what the Rockies were thinking when they signed Alexi Amarista in the offseason. He also discusses exactly what Colorado is expecting from him this season. As Saunders points out, with Colorado expected to carry just four bench players in 2017, Amarista’s versatility will be important to Colorado’s success in 2017.

Check out the article on Amarista by clicking here.

“The Pieces Are in Place to Surprise Us All”

Yes, that’s part of the title of an article on CBSSports.com that previews Colorado’s 2017 season … and potential run at the postseason. You can check it out by clicking here.

Our favorite paragraph is…

But a sneakily interesting rotation (no, really), a surprisingly pricey bullpen, young talent on the way to the majors and an NL Manager of the Year candidate makes the Rockies a team to watch heading into 2017.

Next: Why Bud Black Expects Gerardo Parra to Bounce Back in 2017

Sounds pretty good to us. Bring on the season opener against Milwaukee!