Bud Black on the Colorado Rockies catching situation, bench

In his meeting with the media this morning, including Rox Pile’s own Kevin Henry, Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black spoke on a lot of different topics but included was his thoughts the Rockies catching situation and the bench.

The Colorado Rockies, last season, often carried three catchers on their 25-man roster, which included a combination of Chris Iannetta, Tony Wolters, Tom Murphy, and (later, after he was acquired in a trade with the Royals in July).

Rox Pile’s own Aaron Hurt even debated why the Rockies were carrying 3 catchers in June, a practice they had for much of the remainder of the season.

However, when asked today about possibly carrying three catchers, Bud Black said in one word how likely that will happen.

“Doubtful.”

He further elaborated by saying that they did that last year because their situation with their bench at the time. He also said that part of it is because Tony Wolters is versatile, as he has played second base, shortstop, third base, and left field in the major leagues as well.

He also added that if the Rockies were to carry three catchers, a) Wolters would have to play those other positions more often and b) a bench with three catchers “might not be our strongest bench…it’s probably best that we have the traditional two catchers. One will be on the bench and three other position players.”

More from Rox Pile

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?

With that statement, Black also tipped his hand on whether or not the Rockies would carry a four- or five-man bench and a seven- or eight-man bullpen.

If the Rockies do carry a four-man bench, it would include Wolters and likely three of the following players.

• Garrett Hampson
• Ryan McMahon
• Brendan Rodgers
• Mark Reynolds
• Pat Valaika
• Josh Fuentes
• Raimel Tapia
• Mike Tauchman
• Noel Cuevas
• Michael Saunders

Some of those players could find themselves in a starting role, particularly the top three for second base. Nonetheless, with a four-man bench, there will be a decent amount of snubs.

Stay tuned for more coverage from Scottsdale as Kevin Henry will be with the Rockies in camp for the next few days.