Wilin Rosario: 2014 Player Grade

The Rockies are trying to find ways to use Wilin Rosario that don’t involve squatting behind the plate. Look no further than his abysmal 2014 performance for the reason.

Much has been written in recent weeks about Wilin Rosario and how he’s not really that good. Trade rumors around Rosario are buzzing even more loudly since the Rockies signed Nick Hundley to a two-year deal. Hundley chose the Rockies because they were actually offering more money than the Orioles (what?!) and more guaranteed playing time, which makes it pretty clear that Hundley is going to be the starter. And he should be–given the choice between him, Michael McKenry, and Rosario, I would play Hundley 90% of the time. Defensively, the other two don’t even compare.

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The most current speculation is that the Rockies intend to play Rosario at first base, but many believe that is a smokescreen for their continued efforts to find a trade partner (to which I say, please, please do not give up). Bottom line, Rosario did not produce enough value in 2014 to earn a starting spot in 2015.

Of course, Rosario’s biggest downside is his defense. He seems to have hit his ceiling in terms of his ability to call pitches, field the ball, and throw out baserunners. Only the last of those has improved appreciably. He has yet to post a positive RPP (runs above average for blocking pitches) in any season, and his defensive runs saved just gets worse and worse (it was -8 in 2014). Rosario was bad from the moment he was called up, but he was raking from the right side of the plate, which made all of us hope that maybe the ugly defense was a phase. Not only was it not, but the offense has declined sharply.

Probably the worst thing about Rosario’s hitting, or lack thereof, is that it has exposed his inability to make adjustments. This likely accounts for his problems behind the plate as well. I can’t speak to Rosario’s work ethic, but I’ve never seen it reported that he’s difficult to work with or doesn’t respond to coaching. All accounts from the clubhouse indicate that he has busted his butt trying to become a great baseball player. And yet there remains this glaring disconnect between what he ought to be able to do and what he is able to do. He can’t lay off breaking balls, and he doesn’t know how to do much beyond swing for the fences. Now that opposing pitchers know what to expect, he’s looking at multiple 100+ strikeout seasons.

In 2014 specifically, Rosario posted a .267/.305/.435 slash line. These are by far his worst numbers in his three full MLB seasons. He only managed 13 home runs in 106 games. While it’s true that Rosario has right-handed power, which is a great commodity, he’s not using it well enough for the Rockies to be getting their money’s worth. I give him a D for 2014, and the only thing that saved him from a failing grade was my hope that maybe, just maybe, there’s still some potential to develop there.

Wilin Rosario: 2014 Player Grade

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