Colorado Rockies: Roundtable season projections and outlooks

By Olivia Greene

Surprise Player

This title would have to go to Raimel Tapia. I know as of now things are a little crazy because of the CarGo signing, but hopefully Bud Black keeps him on the roster. I see a lot of promise and potential in this guy. He could be a major factor if the Rockies get back to the postseason. Black obviously sees his potential if he’s got this kid hitting leadoff. I know it’s just Spring Training games, but this could lead to more at-bats. If he gets more at-bats this guy could do some damage.

I’ve written about Tapia numerous times and I won’t stop I have a gut feeling that this kid will be a true stud in the coming season. As long as he gets his shot, he’ll do good for the franchise. Like always, speed kills and he most certainly has it.

Disappointing Player

I was actually going back and forth between Chris Iannetta and Ryan McMahon, but I’ll cut Iannetta some slack. The only reason I’m saying Ryan McMahon is due to the fact that he’s brand new to first base. Some may look over that position, but it’s vital in games. This whole offseason as I’ve seen the free agent first basemen get signed, I grew more and more skeptical of having McMahon at first.

Now I’m only saying that position-wise it might blow back up in the Rockies’ faces since they haven’t looked to getting an external first basemen. Batting-wise, hopefully he’ll do fine … though my mind goes directly to how he’s going to do at a position he’s hasn’t played full-time before. This move may make Colorado regret not going after Mark Reynolds or any of the other first basemen. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Buyers or Sellers?

Looking at the potential Opening Day roster right now, I’m going to go ahead and say sellers. I just don’t see them having Chris Iannetta in the long-term. Also, if Ian Desmond doesn’t have at least an OK year, I think it’d be time to open that payroll a little bit. With Arenado, Blackmon, and LeMahieu nearing the end of their contracts, opening up the payroll is a smart move to extend or resign these guys. I couldn’t even tell you who they should go after. Maybe a first baseman if the scenario above happens. Most likely a position player that can help out during the postseason.

Season Prediction

Looking over many of the predictions for the Rockies on different publications, I’d say they have them a little low. I wrote about how they are essentially playing everyone, including the media. I will say the Rockies have a chance at being in second behind the Dodgers, so I’ll say my prediction will be 90-72. They’ll be first in the Wild Card and will probably have to play the Brewers. Since the Rox will have home field advantage, they’ll most likely win. That means they’ll probably go on to play the Dodgers. I won’t predict who will win that because I’m being logical with answering these. I mean it’s baseball. The best part is that anything can happen. However, I will say the NLDS will probably go to a final neck and neck game. That’s all I’ll say when it comes to that.