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Colorado Rockies: Looking at 3 possible defensive lineups

By JD Jensen

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
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 /
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Gerardo Parra of the Colorado Rockies
Apr 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Gerardo Parra (8) attempts to catch a fly ball by Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (not pictured) in the ninth inning during a MLB baseball game at Dodger Stadium. The Rockies defeated the Dodgers 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Desmond takes over shortstop, while Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gonzalez take over the corner outfield spots.

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Story has been awful this year, and I’m not talking about his latest injury. At only 24 years old, Story has too many strikeouts on the ledger this season (48 in 111 at-bats). Maybe it would be worth it to let him and the 24-year-old Valaika get more minor league experience. This would give them time while keeping a solid team on the field. Desmond is capable of playing shortstop, as he has in the past. We can always wait a year before pulling up Story or Valaika from Triple-A. Parra is plenty good enough to be serviceable enough to keep the Rockies in the playoff push this year.

The problems with this lineup come with depth. Without trading CarGo, the Rockies cannot add another starter to the rotation, or a reliever to the bullpen. Colorado also has to find a new player to be the squad’s main utility player with Story and Valaika developing in the minors.

To simplify everything: This is a good problem for the Rockies. Heck, it’s probably most general managers’ dreams to have too many guys over-performing in a season.

Next: There seems to be no room in Colorado for Raimel Tapia

In my mind, if you want the best team, go with the first option. Pick the second option if you value depth. If you want to continue to develop while staying  a good ball club, choose the third choice. It’s been a great season for the Rockies. Maybe good enough to land them with their fourth playoff appearance. Picking a defensive lineup could be a make-or-break situation.

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