
Daniel Murphy + Coors Field = success
The biggest offseason acquisition for the Rockies, Daniel Murphy was described as “a professional hitter” in his introductory media conference by Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich. After last season’s franchise-worst .256 batting average, something had to be done to strengthen Colorado’s lineup card. The tonic, it seems is the belief, is Murphy.
Murphy hit 38 or more doubles in six consecutive seasons before a knee injury derailed him for the start of the 2018 campaign. If Murphy is healthy, with the expansive outfield at Coors Field, the soon-to-be-34-year-old could find himself once again among the leaders in extra-base hits.
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Manager Bud Black has said that Murphy could hit anywhere from second to fifth in the batting order. If he stays in “professional hitter” mode, he could certainly add another potent option to a core that includes potential MVP-type seasons from Trevor Story, Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon plus breakout candidates in Ryan McMahon and David Dahl.
Sure, there are a lot of “ifs” when it comes to Murphy and what he can bring to the Rockies this season. However, Colorado needed to do something to boost its offense. Murphy has proven in the past he can impact an offense, including a 2016 campaign where he finished second in National League MVP voting. Now Rockies fans are hoping the “professional hitter” still has plenty left in his bat and can be a difference-maker again.