Colorado Rockies: 3 Battles to Watch Heading into 2017

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Jun 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Gerardo Parra (8) hits a single in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Battle No. 2 – Gerardo Parra vs. David Dahl

On the surface, this seems like a no-contest. Parra struggled mightily last season while Dahl arrived to fanfare midseason and proved that he had the mettle to make it in the Major Leagues. While Parra was hurt, Dahl flourished in left field.

Now Parra is back and healthy … and should contend for the spot he signed to play when he inked a 3-year, $27.5 million contract prior to last season. He’ll make $8 million this season. Can the Rockies afford to keep that kind of contract on the bench?

If Parra plays like he did last year, the answer is yes. He hit just .253 (well below his career .274 average) while striking out 73 times in 368 at-bats. He also walked just nine times last season. It was far from an impressive debut campaign.

Parra’s 162-game average is .274 with nine homers and 52 RBI. Certainly it would be an improvement, but the Rockies need more out of their left fielder. That’s where Dahl comes in.

The 22-year-old rookie hit .315 with seven homers and 24 RBI last season after being called up before Colorado’s game in Baltimore on July 25. He started his career in grand style, establishing a new Colorado mark and tying an MLB mark by recording a hit in each of his first 17 games.

Colorado fans may shake their head thinking there will be a battle for the left field position … but they also should want there to be one. If there is, that means Parra is improving at the plate. It’s really the only way that the 29-year-old Venezuela native can take time away from Dahl and his upside in left field.

We predict Dahl will start the season in left field … but Colorado will continue to try to find at-bats and playing time for Parra (and his contract).

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