Colorado Rockies: Looking at the 2017 Batting Order Possibilities

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Jordan Patterson of the Colorado Rockies

Oct 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Jordan Patterson (72) follows his ball on an RBI double in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

End of season lineup (if Rockies are contending)

Blackmon CF

LeMahieu 2B

Arenado 3B

Gonzalez RF

Desmond 1B

Molina C

Dahl LF

Story SS

Pitcher

End of season lineup (if Rockies are not contending)

Tapia CF

LeMahieu 2B

Arenado 3B

Desmond 1B

Story SS

Dahl LF

Murphy C

Patterson RF

Pitcher

Yep, we have two different lineups here … and some things to discuss with each.

If the Rockies are in contention for a playoff spot as the trade deadline approaches, we’ll predict that Colorado will be looking to bolster the one spot where it may be the weakest in the field … catcher. Nothing against Wolters or Murphy, but adding a veteran behind the backstop for a playoff run wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

It certainly wouldn’t be such a bad thing if that person was Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals. Why Molina? He’s entering this season with his contract up in the air and we predict the Cardinals will be out of the playoff hunt and looking to retool when the end of July approaches.

If they’re close at the end of July, the Rockies can bring Molina (or another veteran catcher) on board to provide a spark and be the last missing piece on offense for the team.

You’ll notice Story has also moved down in the lineup. Molina can move into the lineup at sixth and strengthen the team, giving Black the ability to shuffle Story and Dahl where needed.

There’s also the other end of the spectrum where the Rockies aren’t in the battle for the postseason when the end of July nears. That’s the second scenario here. You’ll notice there is no Charlie Blackmon or CarGo on the roster. Hypothetically, they would both be traded and youngsters Raimel Tapia and Jordan Patterson would take their place in the lineup and in the field.

Certainly, it would tone down Colorado’s offensive output and shuffle the lineup. However, we’re not going to spend too much time talking about it since we don’t think this will happen.

Remember, the Rockies were in the chase for a Wild Card last season when the trading deadline approached. We don’t see them taking a step back from that in 2017.

Next: Grading and Analyzing Colorado's 2016 Outfielders

What do you think about the lineups? Let us know in the comments below.

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