Colorado Rockies: Let’s talk about Ryan McMahon

As we get closer and closer to the start of the regular season, it’s just now starting to sink in for me that Ryan McMahon will be the Colorado Rockies starting first baseman. Yes, it’s been hard for me to wrap that around my head even though I knew it’d be inevitable. So, with that being said, I think it’s time we have a chat about Ryan McMahon.

I remember like it was yesterday, Mark Reynolds had made a large impact to the Rockies organization. He helped the Rockies playoff push and cemented his name along with Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado in the home run column. For someone with low expectations, he surpassed them.

I honestly thought that Mark Reynolds would get an offer from the Rox, but nothing has come to fruition. I even blamed it on the market itself and cursed Scott Boras for his ways, but that didn’t seem to be it either. It wasn’t until yesterday when I read my colleague, Kevin Henry’s article about how Reynolds never had any type of offer. This was heart shattering, I had serious hope that Jeff Bridich would offer him a contract, but no dice.

Since that is, now we have Ryan McMahon, the 23-year-old that the front office and coaching staff believe will impact the 2018 season. Now, in no way am I saying that McMahon can’t meet expectations but, in my opinion, it’s a little unsound as of now. I’m sure as the season progresses I’ll come around, but you can’t blame me for being cautious.

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Last season, Ryan McMahon only got to play in 17 games with 24 plate appearances. This isn’t the best sample size to look at, though I’d like to keep it in consideration. During that time, McMahon had 3 hits in 19 at-bats and 5 walks. Down in Scottsdale, he’s proving himself with currently having a .500 batting average. That comes from the 7 hits and 3 RBI it’s pretty good for just 14 at-bats.

These are good for now and they give a limited prediction on how he’ll do this season. I want to get on the McMahon train, but I’m just not seeing all the hype right now. I’m enthusiastic about the youth movement… in the outfield, not as much at first base. I just had high hopes that the Rockies would want a veteran at first. However, since they went all in on the bullpen, it was probably out of the question as soon as those deals were inked.

Final Thoughts

In the end, I guess it’s time that I get on the McMahon train. I’m still prudent about the whole idea in general. In my mind, I think about every possible outcome that comes with putting Ryan McMahon.

One scenario is that starting McMahon will pan out and all will be well. Others are to the tune of this coming back to biting the Rockies.

Next: Charlie Blackmon reveals his baseball nightmare

Either way, the Rockies will have to deal with what happens good or bad, hopefully good.