Colorado Rockies: 3 Things You Should Know on March 26

Two spots remain in the Rockies rotation as we get oh so close to seeing Opening Day. These are the news and notes you need to know about the Colorado Rockies on March 26. 

Four pitchers, Two spots

German Marquez, Kyle Freeland, Harrison Musgrave and Antonio Senzatela are all battling it out for the remaining rotation spots for the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Hoffman was the favorite going into Spring Training after being the biggest take away from the Troy Tulowitzki trade, but he struggled to get anything going this March and is back in Triple-A Albuquerque.

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Marquez has the most major league experience, but Freeland is a Denver native so he has to have the most convincing argument to be in the starting rotation, right? Even if one of these players does not make the starting rotation, they have a good shot making the team via the bullpen. They have all done very well despite their lack of major league experience.

German Marquez pitches well against defending champs

Marquez went six innings in a 7-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Manager Bud Black wanted Marquez to work on his breaking ball in Spring Training and said that they had been improving. It was a critical game for Marquez who is fighting of a spot in the rotation. He seems to be a leading candidate for the role. More repetition will only help but it will be interesting to see how much that curveball breaks at Coors Field.

Marquez came over in the trade of Corey Dickerson along with Jake McGee. McGee struggled with his command in his first game back from the WBC. Hopefully McGee can have a turn around season after his injury riddled debut in Colorado. If both of these pitchers perform in 2017, the Dickerson trade may be worth it. Where we sit today, that does not look like the case.

Speaking of marquee trades

Patrick Saunders makes an interesting case that even though Jeff Hoffman was demoted to Triple-A does not mean that the Rockies failed with the Tulo trade. He only pitched eight games last season but he did struggle going 0-4 with a relatively decent 4.88 ERA. The trouble really started this spring when he posted a 15.75 ERA in five games.

Next: Colorado Rockies: Time with Angels Molded Bud Black Into Manager

The good news is this will not be the last time in the majors. He will contribute again to this club. What do you think of the trade for Jeff Hoffman? Was it a bust or do you think he just needs more time to develop? Let us know on Twitter @RoxPileFS.