Colorado Rockies: 3 Non-Roster Players Who Could Make An Impact

Chris Denorfia

Much like Reynolds, Denorfia gives the Rockies a right-handed bat option in a crowded left-handed outfield that includes Carlos Gonzalez, David Dahl, Charlie Blackmon and Gerardo Parra.

Denorfia didn’t see any time in the Majors last season, playing 42 minor league games in the San Francisco Giants organization. However, he has plenty of experience from 2010-15 with the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs.

An interesting paragraph on Denorfia from this article on MLBTradeRumors.com…

From 2010-15, Denorfia enjoyed a part-time role with the Padres, Mariners and Cubs, averaging 118 games and 358 plate appearances per season while hitting a combined .271/.327/.393. He’s at his best when facing left-handed pitching, as evidenced by the .285/.353/.424 batting line he compiled against them in that time (compared to a .261/.308/.371 slash against righties). Denorfia has more than 1000 Major League innings at all three outfield positions, although he’s worked much more in the corners than in center field. He’s drawn consistently above-average marks in right and left field from both Defensive Runs Saved and Ultimate Zone Rating.

Denorfia comes to spring training healthy, which is something that he hasn’t been able to say for some time as he battled a bulging disk. He talked to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding about how gymnastics has helped him regain his flexibility and ability to play the game he loves.

Also, don’t forget that Denorfia played five seasons for Black while in San Diego, so the new Colorado skipper knows him well.

All of this adds up to Denorfia very much being in the mix for a roster spot. Despite youngsters like Raimel Tapia and Jordan Patterson getting Major League experience last season, Black could opt to bring Denorfia, who has much more experience, along for the ride. We think it’s a very real possibility.