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Colorado Rockies: CarGo signing clouds Ryan McMahon’s status?

By Olivia Greene

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 12: Ryan McMahon #24 of the Colorado Rockies follows through on a swing during the second inning of a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 12, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 12: Ryan McMahon #24 of the Colorado Rockies follows through on a swing during the second inning of a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 12, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Colorado Rockies fans are still in hysteria as it was made official on Monday that Carlos Gonzalez will be a member of the Rockies for the 2018 season. Because of this, there are still many questions that have to be answered, particularly with the roster and defensive positioning. Because of the CarGo signing, much is still up in the air.

Earlier today, Denver Post Rockies beat reporter Patrick Saunders, tweeted out that Ryan McMahon’s roster spot could be determined in the final two weeks of Spring Training. This comes at a shock as many thought McMahon would be the starting first basemen since the Rockies made no move to go outside the roster. With CarGo being signed, it’s a complete toss up what could not only happen in the lineup but in the outfield as well, which could ultimately impact McMahon and his role.

What does all this mean?

Well, I’m glad you asked. Usually when a team signs a free agent, they have to make room for the signee. This did happen as the Rockies put Rayan Gonzalez on the 60-day DL. So that opens up CarGo’s spot … but with that, he is taking an outfield spot. In my Opening Day roster predictions article, I have five guys on there … and that was before CarGo’s signing. Now with the talent the Rockies have in the outfield, I can see why Bud Black wouldn’t want to move them. So where does that lead? Ryan McMahon.

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It’s obvious that CarGo will start as will Charlie Blackmon. Gerardo Parra just returned from a hand injury so he is catching up after missing the start of spring training. That’s part of the reason why left field is still up in the air. The Rockies also have three different guys they could put there: Raimel Tapia, David Dahl, and Mike Tauchman. I know you don’t see Ian Desmond, but we’ll be talking about him very soon.

Who’s at first base?

Good question. With the outfield starting to look like how it did last year, Ian Desmond has no spot in the outfield once again. Though this time, he’s injury-free as of now. He’ll have to play first base in order to get some playing time. Without the issues of the 2017 season, Desmond is free to go back to the position the Rockies originally wanted him to play. Hopefully this will be a bounce back year for Desmond and he can perform at the All-Star level he did back in 2016.

Next: Rockies sign CarGo to one-year deal

Will this work?

At this point, who really knows? I’m just happy to see that Desmond will potentially be playing more first base with the amount of money the Rockies are paying him. CarGo will most likely bring back good vibes to the clubhouse, which is always a good thing. Who could’ve predicted the toss up from signing one guy?

Worst case, McMahon will be a September call-up. Even if he won’t be on the Opening Day roster, there are still plenty of instances where he could get called up during the season, contribute and grow as a Major League player.

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