Colorado Rockies: Grading the 2016 Corner Infielders

Reflecting back on the performance of the Colorado Rockies corner infielders in 2016, it’s clear the Rockies were living in a paradox where they had both the league’s best and worst players.

As a note, we have only listed the players in this article who played a majority of their innings at a corner infield position.

STEPHEN CARDULLO: 2016 GRADE D+, fWAR -0.3

Perennial minor leaguer Stephen Cardullo got a shot at both corner spot during September callups in 2016. All in all, Cardullo managed a weak .214/.254/.411 line in 59 plate appearances. At the prime age of 29, the club needed to see what Cardullo was capable of. It is safe to say they didn’t find their long-term solution at first base in the presence of Cardullo.

Altogether, it wasn’t all bad having Cardullo in LoDo. After all, it was a fun loving story that an older guy who had spent so much time in the independent leagues was finally getting at shot at the Bigs. In the best moments of his career, Cardullo managed to hit two very memorable homers on the season. First, both homers came during a twin bill against the rival Dodgers (always a great thing). Second, the latter dinger was a first-inning grand slam (you have to love getting on top early). Third, it was also his birthday. Thanks for the gifts, Mr. Cardullo.

Equal to Mark Reynolds‘ situation, Cardullo won’t be around once Spring Training is upon us as he was granted his free agency on December 2. It’s unclear at present if another organization will give him an opportunity to catch on with their club.