Colorado Rockies: 3 Things You Should Know on March 22

The Colorado Rockies continue to inch closer to the regular season, and a majority of position battles and roster decisions will soon be settled. Today’s first piece provides an alternative to two decisions.

Hoffman’s Alternative Role

Jeff Hoffman is expected to develop in to a top of the rotation starter for the Rockies at some point, but as Drew Creasman of BSN Denver points out in this article, he may be best suited for a role in the Colorado bullpen to start the season.

Hoffman has shown promise and an ability to eventually be a dominant starter, but he faces tough competition to break the rotation on Opening Day. He has had a less than stellar Spring Training so far, and may not have enough time to recover his spot in the rotation. Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela are currently the favorites to land the final two rotation spots, and Hoffman is okay with the idea.

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Wherever it is Hoffman starts the season, there is a good chance he will eventually crack the big league rotation and become a staple in the young group. However, the prospect of him starting in the bullpen allows him to earn big league experience and increase his desire to move forward.

Tyler “Lights Out” Chatwood

Tyler Chatwood pitched on Tuesday in a minor-league camp game, and threw one of his best outings of the spring. Though the majority of batters he faced were Rockies minor leaguers, Chatwood struck out twelve batters in six innings.

Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post details Chatwood’s exceptional outing and sheds light on his young but promising career with the Rockies in this story. He is just 27 years old, but many view him as the leader of the Colorado rotation. He has shown great ability since being traded to the Rockies for Chris Ianetta, and has rebounded wonderfully from Tommy John surgery just two years ago.

If Chatwood is able to pitch consistently at home this year as he did on the road last year, Saunders believes the Rockies have a much better chance of making a run in the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how the “veteran leader” of the rotation handles his fifth season in Colorado, but another step forward could lead to big things.

Is Chuck the Key to Success?

Nolan Arenado is hands down the most talented player on the Rockies roster as it stands right now, but he may not be the most important to their overall success. Jake Shapiro of BSN Denver has an interesting opinion on the matter in his latest piece. Shapiro writes about the importance of veteran center fielder and ultimate fan-favorite Charlie Blackmon.

In his six years with the club, Blackmon has become a solid outfielder and an even more dependable leadoff hitter. His mix of speed and surprising power give the Rockies one of the most well rounded lineups in the league. He also is greatly missed when he is not in the lineup.

Next: 3 Things for March 21

Blackmon will look to take another step forward this season as he will be counted on to lead an even more talented lineup this season in Colorado. After another offseason of trade rumors and speculation, it will be interesting to see how Blackmon performs in a greater role.