Colorado Rockies: Predicting the Wild Card roster in Arizona

Position players

Catchers (2) – Jonathan Lucroy and Ryan Hanigan

Infielders (6) – Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, DJ LeMahieu, Mark Reynolds, Alexi Amarista, Pat Valaika

Outfielders (4) – Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, Gerardo Parra, Ian Desmond

Comments

OK, we know what you’re thinking … Amarista makes the postseason? Absolutely he does. He has a history with Colorado manager Bud Black and there is no way that Black is leaving his favorite versatile Swiss Army knife off. Don’t forget, Amarista was also a part of the Padres when Black was managing in San Diego. They have a long history.

I know many Rockies fans would love to see Raimel Tapia on the postseason roster, but he just doesn’t fit in over anyone on this list, in our opinion. The weakest link, it could be argued is Amarista. Aside from Black’s affinity, Amarista can also play infield or outfield positions if needed. That boosts his value in Black’s eyes.

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Also, Hanigan makes the roster because of his veteran savvy. Just a gut feeling from listening to Black’s praise of how he has handled Colorado’s young pitchers.

Pitchers

Starters (4) – Tyler Anderson, Chad Bettis, Jon Gray, German Marquez

Bullpen (9) – Tyler Chatwood, Mike Dunn, Greg Holland, Jake McGee, Pat Neshek, Scott Oberg, Adam Ottavino, Chris Rusin, Antonio Senzatela

Comments

Kyle Freeland is starting Sunday’s game against Los Angeles so we think he will left off the roster against the Diamondbacks. That might change if the Rockies advance to face the Dodgers in the National League Division Series.

How amazing has Anderson’s return been for the Rockies? Since he came back on September 11, Anderson is 3-1 with a 1.19 ERA. He will play a big role for the Rockies if they advance.

Next: Relive the moment the Rockies clinched a spot in the postseason

Some will argue that Bettis shouldn’t be on the postseason roster. However, his seven innings of one-run ball in Friday night’s win may well have secured his spot. He’s also very much an emotional part of this 2017 Rockies team and chemistry in the locker room can never be undervalued.