Colorado Rockies: 3 Battles to Watch Heading into 2017

Battle No. 3 – Cristhian Adames vs. Alexi Amarista

The Rockies made a few folks scratch their heads when it was recently rumored the team had signed utility infielder Alexi Amarista to a deal. It seemed a bit perplexing that the Rockies would bring someone on board who was so similar to Cristhian Adames … when Adames is still sitting on the bench.

Make no mistake about it, neither of these players are going to unseat Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story or DJ LeMahieu for playing time. However, what will happen if an injury like Story’s 2016 season-ending thumb ligament tear were to occur again? There is no Daniel Descalso on the roster to fill in. It will likely be Adames or Amarista.

Adames has yet to impress in his three stints with the Rockies, compiling a .215 average. He’s a capable defender but can rarely be counted upon at the plate.

Amarista, meanwhile, has a relationship with new Colorado manager Bud Black thanks to the time they spent together with the San Diego Padres. His 162-game averages show him hitting .230 with five homers and 40 RBI. Luckily, he won’t be counted upon for 162 games.

His relationship with Black probably gives him the leg up for now in the competition with Adames for the “infielder off the bench” position. Will Adames be able to show in spring training he can overtake Amarista? If the past is any indication, the answer is no and Amarista will see more action than Adames this season.

Next: Who Will Colorado's 5th Starter Be in 2017?

By the way, one has to wonder if Amarista would’ve been a part of Colorado’s plans if the Rockies could’ve kept Josh Rutledge this offseason. Colorado signed him to a minor league deal before losing him to the Boston Red Sox in the recent Rule 5 draft.