Colorado Rockies 2015 Season Preview

Mar 1, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies catcher Nick Hundley breaks through a purple backdrop as he poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s Look Behind The Plate

Catching defense was a question the last several years with Wilin Rosario taking the lion’s share of time behind the plate. And while Rosario is a powerful hitter, he lagged in virtually every defensive catching metric and proved to the club he won’t be able to handle full-time catching duties. As discussed, he figures to see time in first base, and perhaps even right field, as the club finds ways to get his powerful bat in the lineup.

In his stead, Nick Hundley and Michael McKenry take over the catching duties, and they both immediately upgrade the club – and the pitching staff – thanks to their work behind the plate. Both represent an immediate bump in catching defense, and neither should be a black hole with the bat in their hands, either, even if they can’t compare to Rosario’s hitting ability.

While you should be skeptical about Rosario in the field, and he might make a better trade candidate than a utility man, the Rockies saw an overall upgrade at the position in 2015. Give them a B+ for their efforts, understanding that Hundley and McKenry will do more for the pitching staff to offset the loss of Rosario’s power in the everyday lineup.

Next: The Outfield