Colorado Rockies: 4 things we learned while covering spring training

Some other random thoughts on positions and players…

I am worried about Colorado’s catchers. I understand the importance of having catchers who can manage their pitchers and be solid backstops. However, Chris Iannetta, Tony Wolters and Tom Murphy have had few flashes of brilliance on offense this spring. Right now, the eight hole in the lineup is looking like a black hole.

Carlos Estevez could be a guy who surprises at some point this season in the Rockies bullpen. I liked the stuff I saw and I liked his approach with attacking hitters. I talked about it more at length in this article.

Wade Davis and Seunghwan Oh have been used sparingly in the spring but both should be solid again in the back end of Colorado’s bullpen. With Scott Oberg once again showing good stuff, there could be some strong options to replace Ottavino’s production last season and get a close game into the hands of Davis.

One of the things that was mentioned to me several times while in Scottsdale was the “competitive nature” in the Colorado clubhouse, on everything from playing cards to shooting hoops. That competitive nature is helping the players push each other in the weight room and on the field, trying to get better. Nolan Arenado sets the example for that, often being one of the first players in for the day and getting his workouts in early. The guy who just signed a massive contract isn’t sitting back on his past accomplishments and counting his dollars. He’s setting the tone for the young players.

Sure, spring training statistics and results don’t matter. However, a lot of things that happen in spring training set the tone for the season to come. A lot can happen between now and March 28, but these are just a few of the thoughts I brought back with me to Colorado after a week in the Valley of the Sun.