Colorado Rockies: a look at the Rockies infield as it stands

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DENVER, CO – JUNE 18: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates hitting a 3 RBI walk off home run in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on June 18, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

The Colorado Rockies infield has been a strength of the team, both defensively and offensively in the past few seasons. However, the infield could have a bit of a different look in 2018.

Last year, the Colorado Rockies infield was on point. Whether offensively or defensively, they showed up every night and put on a show. But, with the likely departure of Mark Reynolds, this infield should and will look a little different heading into this season. Let’s take a look at how it stands as of now.

“The Man” in the Infield

Colorado has a myriad of talent around the infield, but Nolan Arenado stands on a whole other level. He has managed to make the impossible look simple on defense, and he continues to improve offensively.

Since 2015, he has also had at least 37 home runs and 130 RBI with at least 157 games played. He has also ranked in the top eight in National League Most Valuable Player of the year Award in each of the past three seasons.

Last year, he improved his batting average by 15 points, and since 2015, he has continually improved in AVG, OBP, and OPS. Easily the best third baseman in baseball, Arenado will headline not only the infield, but the Rockies heading into this season.

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies is greeted in the dugout after a solo home run in the ninth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Besides Arenado at third, there are a couple other locks on the infield as of right now. Both DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story are set to resume there spots at middle infield.

For LeMahieu, he brings a characteristic that is very important when talking about baseball… Consistency. When Rockies manager Bud Black sends LeMahieu on the field, he knows that he will perform. His RBI and HR numbers might not be the most showy, but he gets the job done with his high average and his defensive play, which earned him a Gold Glove last year.

Trevor Story

Looking at Story, 2017 was not quite the season that Rockies fans were hoping he would have. He had 3 less homers in 2017 than he did in 2016, and that was also with 131 more plate appearances. Either way, the most important thing for Story should be to try to improve his batting average. He batted .239 last year, and that is definitely something that needs to be improved.

Chris Iannetta

Behind the plate, it looks like Chris Iannetta will take over the catching duties.

It will be refreshing to see Iannetta back in the Rockies uniform, and he will bring a veteran presence to the clubhouse, which will also assist in continuing to improve the young rotation.

DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Reynolds #12 of the Colorado Rockies circles the bases after hitting a 2 RBI home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field on September 29, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

On the Bench

Pat Valaika, aka “Patty Barrells,” will be filling in around the infield when needed this season. The 25-year old was a pleasant surprise last year, coming through countless times on pinch-hit situations, and also showing his power.

Tom Murphy and Tony Wolters will be competing for the backup catcher role during Spring Training as well. With Wolters, though, he is a bit more versatile than Murphy as he has played second and third base as well as shortstop in the majors and/or minor leagues so he probably has the leg up on Murphy for the spot.

The Big Question

Who will play first base? After great production from Mark Reynolds recently, his time at Colorado seems to be coming to an end, meaning someone new will be taking over.

But who? That is the question right now for the Rockies, and they have a couple options as to solving the question. They could choose to sign someone in free agency, or they could stay within the clubhouse.

Ryan McMahon could take over the role. At 23 years old, he got some at bats last year, and this would be the easiest move for the Rockies to make, as it would allow for Ian Desmond to stay in the outfield.

Next: The latest in the Rockies rumor mill

Whatever the ultimate decision may be, this Rockies infield has an abundance of talent, and will again be exciting to watch this season.

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