Colorado Rockies: 4 key spring training battles to watch

Rotation

Yes, you lived long enough to see the Rockies have an enormous amount of young pitching talent. So much so, in fact, that not all of the young pitchers can fit onto the Opening Day roster.

Colorado Rockies

Barring injuries, it is safe to say that Jon Gray and Chad Bettis have secured their spots in the rotation. After a stunning September (3-1, 1.19 ERA) as a fully healthy pitcher, Tyler Anderson has likely locked in his spot as a starter as well. Now, here is where it gets dicey and interesting.

The Rockies will have the luxury of choosing from Kyle Freeland, Jeff Hoffman, Antonio Senzatela and German Marquez for the fourth and potentially fifth starter spot (depending on how Bud Black wants to use his starters this season). All four had their moments last season. All four will be counted on to contribute again in 2018.

Senzatela could likely end up back in the bullpen, a position he found himself in as the 2017 closed out. He and Chris Rusin provide Black with some very good options for long relief if needed.

Colorado also has options past just these names as well. Yency Almonte could contribute in 2018 as could Sam Howard and/or Zach Jemiola. We were surprised last year with some of the names who made big impacts. This season could be no different.