Colorado Rockies: The five most pressing questions heading into 2019

DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 29: Jon Gray #55 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Washington Nationals int he first inning of a game at Coors Field on September 29, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Which version of Jon Gray will show up?

The top of the rotation has a fantastic 1-2 punch with Kyle Freeland and German Marquez but the Rockies would love to add a third with Jon Gray. Gray had been set to become the proverbial “ace” of the rotation but 2018 certainly derailed those plans.

After going 12-9 with a 5.12 ERA that included a short trip to the minors and being left off the playoff roster, he has to finally live back up to his “Gray Wolf” moniker. He had a solid spring and obviously has the talent. He now needs to find a way bring it all together.

Will Ryan McMahon and Garrett Hampson fill DJ LeMahieu‘s shoes?

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The lone starting position battle this spring was at second base and it was definitely a good one. Both Ryan McMahon and Garrett Hampson had standout springs but it was McMahon who came away with the starting job along with the spring MVP award. However, that doesn’t mean Hampson won’t see playing time as they will likely platoon based on pitching matchups.

Instead of LeMahieu, who also departed for the Yankees, the duo will both provide more power to the lineup. The question will be is that enough to make up for the loss of experience and Gold Glove defensive that DJ brought to the position the last seven seasons?

Can the Rockies get offensive production from the catcher’s spot?

In 2018, the Rockies had a black hole at the eighth spot of the lineup which was typically filled by the starting catcher. Instead of addressing that issue in the offseason, they stayed status quo with Chris Iannetta, Tony Wolters, and Tom Murphy. With Murphy placed on waivers over the weekend, the Rockies are putting faith in Iannetta and Wolters to improve at the plate as well as stay healthy.

Also, since Murphy has been claimed off waivers by the Giants, the Rockies have once again added Drew Butera to sure up organizational depth.

The Rockies are in prime position to make another playoff run in 2019 but, like most Major League teams, they have some pressing issues. How these issues are addressed will likely determine the fate of season.

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