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Colorado Rockies: The Ideal Offensive Lineup

By Quinn Ritzdorf

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: (R-L) Trevor Story #27, coach Ronnie Gideon #53, DJ LeMahieu #9 and hitting coach Duane Espy #58 of the Colorado Rockies watch from the dugout during the fifth inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on March 30, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: (R-L) Trevor Story #27, coach Ronnie Gideon #53, DJ LeMahieu #9 and hitting coach Duane Espy #58 of the Colorado Rockies watch from the dugout during the fifth inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on March 30, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Tom Murphy of the Colorado Rockies
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 23: Tom Murphy #23 of the Colorado Rockies poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 23, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

Catcher

Let’s focus on catcher. Chris Iannetta’s OPS+ is 69 while Tony Wolters is a measly 7. However, there is also Tom Murphy, who is currently catching down in Triple-A Albuquerque. Although he had a horrible season with the Rockies last year with a -50 OPS+, his MLB OPS+ average is 90.

In addition, Murphy has also done well thus far with the Isotopes this season. He enters Monday with 25 hits in 80 at bats, including eight doubles, five home runs, and 14 RBI. His offensive slash line is .313/;.385/.600, which is remarkably better than both Iannetta and Wolters.

So, what I would do is option Wolters to the minors and bring up Murphy to back up for Iannetta. Depending on how he does (as well as Iannetta), he could move into the starting position.

First Base

Let’s move to first base. Ian Desmond’s OPS+ is 53. Other people who have played first base also have very low OPS+, such as Gerardo Parra at 59 and Ryan McMahon at 39.

First base is one of the toughest decisions, so let’s put that on the back burner and move to the outfield. Also, first base hinges on who else the Rockies put in the outfield with Dahl and Blackmon.

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