Colorado Rockies: Potential surprises on the Opening Day roster

It is officially the week that Colorado Rockies pitchers and catchers will report to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona. Soon after, the rest of the team will report as everyone competes for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

A week ago, in this article, we predicted who would make the Opening Day 25-man roster for the Colorado Rockies. Our friend Thomas Harding from MLB.com released his 25-man predictions yesterday and agreed exactly with what we forecast.

It is always good to have common thoughts with what might happen in the future. But, as we know, predictions are never an accurate science. So much can happen this spring that could impact who we see on the field on Opening Day in Miami on March 28, including injuries and unimpressive spring showings for some of the younger players who might be on the “roster bubble.”

Speaking of the “roster bubble,” there are some players who are currently just on the outside of the 25-man roster prediction who could surprise this spring and end up with a spot in Miami for Opening Day. Who could those players be and what could be the reason why they’re on the team for that first game of the season? Let’s take a look.

Yency Almonte

Much like Musgrave, Almonte made his Major League debut last season and showed some flash and promise for the future.

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In 14 appearances spanning 14.2 innings, the 24-year-old right-hander sported a 1.84 ERA and struck out 14 while walking just four. In an August 7 showing against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Denver, Almonte struck out four in just two frames.

He also did well under pressure, including in his big league debut when he entered a game against the New York Mets with a three-run lead and runners on first and third. He worked his way out of the jam with a sacrifice fly and double play.

He’s also a player who has plenty of experience in the minors as a starter. Colorado has plenty of depth in their rotation but Almonte could possibly figure into a long relief role if needed.

Almonte has the potential to make a big difference in the Colorado bullpen as the season goes along. Will that be on Opening Day? It would take an injury or an extremely impressive spring for Almonte to earn his first Opening Day roster spot … but it certainly isn’t completely out of the question.

Pat Valaika

I know some of you are groaning as you see this page. After all, Valaika had a 2018 to forget, hitting just .156 in 122 at-bats. However, both manager Bud Black and general manager Jeff Bridich continue to mention Valaika as a player who will be in the mix for playing time at second base this season.

The 26-year-old Valaika gives the Rockies plenty of versatility (and we know that’s a big deal for Colorado’s roster) as he saw time at all four infield positions last season.

Colorado will likely continue to give Valaika every chance to regain the form he flashed in 2017 when he hit 13 homers, drove in 40 runs and was simply “the man” when it came to pinch hitting. He posted a .322 average with four home runs and eight doubles as a pinch-hitter during the 2017 regular season but couldn’t come close to duplicating that success last season.

Colorado is looking to Ryan McMahon and Garrett Hampson to compete for the starting job at second base. We’re also predicting that Mark Reynolds will make the Opening Day roster at first base. However, if any of the three struggle in the spring and Valaika shows any kind of spark, don’t be surprised if he would get the Opening Day roster nod.

There are other players who could surprise this spring, such as Jeff Hoffman or Tom Murphy. We will be in Arizona for spring training and bring you the latest from Rockies camp.

Who do you think could be a surprise? Let us know in the comments section below.