Evaluating the Talent: Cristhian Adames

As we examine the Rockies roster and think about who is fit for major league service in 2013 and who will find himself in a starring role on the bench in Colorado Springs, some stick out as complete and total wild cards. Guys like Troy Tulowitzki will obviously be in the starting lineup opening day (assuming whatever evil demon is inside his body can be exorcised by then), and guys like Rob Scahill almost certainly begin their season hoping for a September call-up. But then you have Cristhian Adames. Aside from a name that I am pretty sure I will never be able to spell from memory, Adames has very little in the way of an MLB body of work. Where does he fit with the team? Where did he come from? What will he contribute?

In terms of where he came from, there are a number of answers, among them the Dominican Republic and the Modesto Nuts. Adames is a homegrown Rockie, signed as a free agent in September 2007. He’s since been bouncing around among minor league teams, never having made the 40-man roster until now. He posted a solid season in single-A, batting .280 and driving in 54 runs in 115 games. He also hit an impressive 7 triples, so: look out Dexter Fowler.

If Adames makes the big league club out of spring training, which I declare highly doubtful, he will be the guy who backs up Josh Rutledge who backs up Tulo. Adames is a shortstop, and not an especially great one (add 18 errors to last year’s stats), and with Tulo and Rutledge both solid contributors at that position, there’s no space for him. On the other hand, once again we don’t have a second baseman carved in stone. That position will likely be by committee, primarily featuring DJ LeMahieu and Jonathan Herrera, with the occasional appearance by Charlie Culberson. Could Adames find a home there? I think not, at least in 2013.

Where should Adames be in 2013? Maybe Tulsa, maybe Colorado Springs.

Where will Adames be in 2013? Maybe Tulsa, maybe Colorado Springs.