Colorado Rockies: Five players to watch as spring training opens

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ – MARCH 05: A detail of Salt River Fields at Talking Stick during a spring training game between the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies on March 5, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

The Colorado Rockies have officially returned to the diamond, as Spring Training is officially here. While there are many young returning faces ready to build on the previous year’s success, new faces emerge looking to make their impact.

It is an exciting time of year. The Super Bowl and subsequently the NFL season is in the rearview mirror, clearing the way for baseball to take center stage. While the first spring game for the Colorado Rockies does not kick off until February 23, the buzz surrounding the club is electric.

For the Rockies, they are coming off back to back postseason appearances. It has never happened in the history of the franchise. Now, the budding stars look to make it three seasons in a row, continuing to progress in the right direction.

As the club decided to throw the inexperienced to the wolves proverbially, many of those guys responded admirably with a level of leadership both Jeff Bridich and Bud Black came to rely on the previous two seasons. Heading into 2019 the story remains the same as a new crop looks to bring their special levels of talent.

1. Brendan Rodgers – 2B/SS

It should go without question Rodgers is the number one player Rockies fans near and far should be keeping a close eye on as we enter the spring. Drafted by the club third overall in the 2015 MLB Amateur player draft, Rodgers path to the big leagues has recently opened wide and he has an exclusive chance to climb the ladder sooner rather than later.

Currently, Rodgers is the top overall prospect in the Rockies organization and for a good reason. Rodgers possesses power, speed, and solid glove work giving him the opportunity to morph into a five-tool player as he continues to grow into his role.

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In MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospect list which was recently released, Rodgers ranks No.10 overall. In looking at him, Rodgers is not a big guy. Standing at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, he does not feel like the prototypical shortstop however that could not be further from the truth.

Diving into Rodgers’ strengths, he possesses above-average bat speed, while displaying an affinity to drive the ball to all fields. Concerning the leather, Rodgers is strong enough to play shortstop however since the Rockies have a pretty great shortstop already, the best shot for Rodgers rightfully lands at second base.

Rodgers has made the Futures Game twice as well as reached Triple-A before he turned 22 years old. Of everyone fans should be keeping watch on, Rodgers remains the most polarizing figure amongst them all. Embrace and savor these moments because soon enough he will be on his way to the show, and fans should be extra excited for his arrival.

(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

2. Michael Saunders – OF

In attempting to shy away from the strange offseason the Rockies seemingly had, the next player on this list is none other than Michael Saunders. Thankfully, Saunders joins an already crowded outfield. Nevertheless, in a platoon role, Saunders could provide the much-needed pop, especially in Coors Field.

Throughout his career, Saunders has never been a flashy player. He is probably one of the least flashy players in baseball. In the 13-year career for Saunders, he carries a .232/.305/.397 slash line, striking out at a 25.9% clip and responsible for exactly a 0.0 WAR, almost impressive in its regard.

3. Tyler Nevin – 1B/3B

Tyler Nevin has shown exponential growth since the Rockies selected him as a supplemental first-rounder in the 2015 MLB Amateur player draft, at No.38 overall. Currently, Nevin ranks as the No.11 overall prospect in the club’s pipeline.

Nevin has worked his way through the ranks over the past few seasons. Last year, Nevin saw a promotion the High-A Lancaster, playing in 100 games and recording 417 plate appearances. In that time, Nevin slashed a respectable .328/.386/.503 with 13 home runs and 62 RBI.

Now, as one of the non-roster invitees to spring training this year, Nevin will look to show off his ability and hopefully turn some heads. The team is set at third base, probably for the future, meaning Nevin will undoubtedly see his opportunity down the road, at first base. Seeing as this is a relatively weak position for the Rockies, the job could be his for the taking. For right now, however, it is time to enjoy Nevin and see what he can do against major league competition.

(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

4. Brett Nicholas – C

Back in November of last year, the club announced a minor league deal with former Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres catcher Brett Nicholas. Nicholas spent all last season in Triple-A with the Padres.

It is known to everyone that the catcher position is volatile for Colorado. Currently, the team has Chris Iannetta and Tony Wolters on the major league club, Tom Murphy, who jumped between the majors and Triple-A last season, and Nicholas. You can never have too many catchers.

Nicholas is an interesting player. He has been in professional baseball since 2010, originally as a sixth-round selection by the Rangers, however, has just 35 total games at the major league level. That being said, Nicholas has been fine. He carries a career .252/.300/.456 line with an upside .204 ISO, .322 wOBA and 93 wRC+. It means Nicholas is slightly below an average major league catcher, which again is fine.

As the club does not have much in the area of catching prospects in their pipeline, Nicholas has a rare opportunity this spring to earn a spot with the major league club and a chance to produce. Once the Philadelphia Phillies acquired All-Star backstop, J.T. Realmuto, a couple of weeks ago, it makes it more imperative now the Rockies find someone moving forward. Although Nicholas is 30 years old, it could be his chance to shine come to Opening Day.

DENVER – SEPTEMBER 28: The baseball rests on the mound as it awaits relief pitcher Eric Stults of the Los Angeles Dodgers the final pitcher to enter the game against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning as 16 pitchers and 44 total players entered the game as the Dodgers defeated the Rockies 19-11 on September 28, 2006 at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

5. Peter Lambert – P

Last but not least is Lambert, the Rockies No.3 overall prospect in the pipeline heading into 2019. Lambert is one of the pitchers who received a non-roster invite and could do big things now that he has the opportunity to show his skill set against major league competition.

Lambert is another product of the 2015 Rockies draft class, out of San Dimas High School in California. I wonder if Lambert saw Bill and Ted at any point traveling around? Nevertheless, Lambert has been impressive in his climb through the system.

Lambert started last season at Double-A where he posted an excellent 2.23 ERA across 92.2 innings. More impressively, Lambert saw a drop in both his FIP and xFIP from the year before when he was at High-A.

Unfortunately, Lambert also struggled after his promotion to Triple-A, posting a 5.04 ERA across 55.1 innings, and saw a significant jump in FIP and xFIP. That being said, he will still be someone to keep an eye on as spring training arrives. Lambert has a projected 2019 arrival time to the big leagues, and with the track record of guys like Antonio Senzatela and German Marquez, Lambert could be next in line.

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The potential is there for a solid four-pitch mix for Lambert. His fastball sits between 92-94 mph with the occasional rise to 96 mph. Of the pitches, the changeup could be his coup de gras while his slider, which was added just last season, continues to progress and become a stronger pitch. Lambert is one prospect fans should get excited about so make sure to keep a close watch.

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Colorado Rockies: Five players to watch as Spring Training opens