Colorado Rockies: Looking at 3 possible defensive lineups

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Jul 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view outside of Coors Field in the seventh inning of the game between the Tampa Bay Rays against the Colorado Rockies. The Rays defeated the Rockies 11-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Colorado Rockies have had a lot of success this year. The offense, in particular, has seen more than eight position players hit well. Because of this, the Rockies have had the luxury of figuring out who is deserving of a starting spot. This has led to a couple possible starting lineups that could mean future success.

The Rockies have a few guys we know will always have a spot in this season: Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu, and Charlie Blackmon will be starting no matter what. With Mark Reynolds tearing the cover off the baseball, I can’t see anyone else at first base as well. I would also say the catcher position should go to Tony Wolters, with Ryan Hanigan filling in on rest days.

This leaves the shortstop and the corner outfield positions to be played with. At shortstop, we could see Trevor Story or Pat Valaika. In the outfield, we would likely see Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra. The trick comes with Ian Desmond, and whether we want to see him at shortstop or in the outfield. Here are a couple possibilities in the field, particularly when Story returns from his injury:

Desmond takes Parra’s spot in left field, with CarGo in right and Story at shortstop.

Gerardo Parra is probably the worst player of the ones looking for a spot. This way, the Rockies will get the most out of the talent they have. Desmond has to be in the field somewhere, and we’d rather see Parra out over CarGo or Story. This is also why I would put Story in over Valaika. This lineup would insure we have the most talented players on the field. And, while Story has struggled and Valaika is taking advantage, Story is the better player as of this year. Valaika would probably become a utility player or pinch hitter, while Parra would be taken out of the lineup altogether for the most part.

The problem with this lineup is the underuse of Parra. He has had a pretty good season up to this point, especially at the start of the season. It would not be beneficial to stop giving him at-bats. Parra also is not a player the Rockies could trade for many assets, either. In addition, Colorado would be banking on the hope that Story figures out his swing and gets back on track in the matter of only a few games.

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