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Colorado Rockies: The 4 biggest takeaways from time at spring training

By Kevin Henry

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 25: Archie Bradley #25 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch during the fourth inning of the spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 25, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 25: Archie Bradley #25 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch during the fourth inning of the spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 25, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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Mike Tauchman of the Colorado Rockies
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 27: Mike Tauchman #3 of the Colorado Rockies follows through on a solo home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during a Spring Training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 27, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

All aboard the Mike Tauchman train

There is a lot of talk about who might lead off for the Rockies in 2018 if (and that is a big if still) Charlie Blackmon is moved down in the lineup. Raimel Tapia’s name is thrown around a lot, and Gerardo Parra and Ian Desmond have been mentioned as well. However, don’t overlook the possibility that Mike Tauchman might not only have a chance at significant playing time early in the season, but also spending some time as Colorado’s leadoff hitter.

The 27-year-old Tauchman got his first taste of the Majors last year and seems likely to see even more time in Denver in 2018.

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Tauchman hit .331 at Triple-A last season and logged 16 homers and 80 RBI. He also had eight triples and 16 stolen bases as he flashed his speed. That same speed was apparent in the March 6 game against Seattle when, batting in the leadoff spot, Tauchman slashed the ball down the right-field line and legged out a triple before coming home to score on a throwing error.

Through Thursday’s action, Tauchman was hitting .333 and was tied for the team lead with two triples, boosting his slugging percentage up to .633. He had also swiped a pair of bases.

Black has mentioned Tauchman as being in contention for the leadoff role and, with a combination of speed and power, don’t be surprised if you see that some during the 2018 season.

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