Colorado Rockies: 3 big questions that will shape the 2019 season

Will Colorado’s youth movement finally be allowed to play?

One of the biggest frustrations last season was the lack of time given to players like David Dahl and Ryan McMahon when veterans players like Gerardo Parra and Ian Desmond were struggling. Colorado manager Bud Black talked to me in San Francisco about why he liked to have veterans in the lineup but the lack of playing time for some of his younger talent was a bit puzzling at times.

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Now that there will likely be holes in the Rockies lineup to fill, will Colorado’s next generation of homegrown talent be given the change to step in and play? McMahon at first base makes sense and Garrett Hampson or Brendan Rodgers at second base will be a likely scenario. With Trevor Story at shortstop, that means that Nolan Arenado could be the oldest player on the Colorado infield in 2018.

If McMahon is at first, would Desmond take over a corner outfield position? It is thought that Dahl could move to center field on a permanent basis next year with Charlie Blackmon sliding over to right. That leaves left field for Desmond, which would open up first base for McMahon.

Why Desmond in left field, you ask? Don’t forget how much the Rockies are paying him. Combine that with Black’s love for his versatility and you can be guaranteed his playing time won’t diminish in 2019.

So what of players like Mike Tauchman, Raimel Tapia, Jordan Patterson and others? It could be another season of only playing when needed for this group of young talent.