Colorado Rockies: Who would be their designated hitter?

Pat Valaika 

Why: I see a lot of potential in this guy. So much that I even wrote an entire article about how much potential he has right here. Due to him having all this potential, I wouldn’t see it fit not having him on this list. Pat Valaika is a good utility man that can play anywhere, because of the overcrowded outfield and no immediate need for him in the infield, he’d make a great DH. Last season, Valaika put in work as he had 195 plate appearances. This lead him to having 47 hits, 13 home runs, and 40 RBI. Not bad for a guy who’s feet are still getting wet. One of the best things about Valaika is how he comes in clutch with him in a DH position were bound to see that happen on a regular basis.

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Projections: I love the fact that the projections have him getting in not only more games, but more plate appearances. Also, it has Valaika hitting 15 home runs. I’d say 20 might be his max that will lead him to his projected 48 RBI, eight more than last season. I’d say Valaika could get 50 RBI or so in a role like DH. Baseball-Reference has his slashline looking like this: .260/.311/.487. This isn’t bad and hopefully he’ll be able to bat some more this season.

Where in the lineup: On my Opening Day roster projection, I have Pat Valaika as the only “infielder” on the bench so having his bat adds versatility to the lineup here’s what it’d look like with him as DH:

1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Nolan Arenado, 3B
4. Carlos Gonzalez, RF
5. Trevor Story, SS
6. Gerardo Parra*, Ian Desmond, LF
7. Ryan McMahon*, Ian Desmond, 1B
8. Pat Valaika, DH
9. Chris Iannetta, C