Colorado Rockies: Tony Wolters is the only hope at catcher

By Aaron Hurt | Apr 16, 2019

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 07: Catcher Tony Wolters #14 of the Colorado Rockies throws out Orlando Arcia #3 of the Milwaukee Brewers after a dropped third strike pitch during the fourth inning of Game Three of the National League Division Series at Coors Field on October 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Over the past year, I have been extremely critical of a certain Colorado Rockies player. He has been horrible when it comes to his offensive production and his spot on the roster has been highly questionable. However, it is time for me to offer him an apology.

No, I am not talking about Ian Desmond. He has a ton of work to do before I even think about issuing something close to an apology. However, I do owe one to Colorado Rockies catcher Tony Wolters.

For far too long, I have been complaining that Wolters’ offense should have kept him off the Major League roster and that the Rockies should have finally given Tom Murphy a shot at the big league level. Instead, they stuck with Wolters and were forced to place Murphy on waivers as he was out of minor league options.

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It has recently become painstakingly obvious that my frustrations were directed at the wrong catcher. The reason why the Rockies continue to stick Wolters behind veteran Chris Iannetta is mind-boggling.

The 36-year-old, 14-year MLB veteran Iannetta has been a disappointment since rejoining the Rockies. He is batting .223 with 12 home runs, 38 RBI and 38 runs scored since the start of last season. Add in the fact that he has only thrown out eight of the last 58 stolen base attempts and his costly error of not touching home plate over the weekend against the Giants, he has left a lot to be desired defensively.

Now that Iannetta is on the 10-day Injured List with a strained lat, it might be time for the Rockies to consider cutting ties. Unfortunately, the Rockies have $4.15 million invested in him this season that they are unlikely to part with.

As for Wolters, there is still some upside for him to get better offensively as he is only 27 years old. He is hitting .235 after Tuesday’s 2-for-4 performance and that is an improvement from last season’s .170 in 182 at-bats. Most importantly, he has been fantastic behind the plate. Heading into Tuesday’s game in San Diego, Wolters had thrown out five of nine would be base-stealers so far and already had amassed a positive .4 defensive WAR in only 11 games.

With the Rockies struggling to get runs on board, defense is going to have to be a premium until the offense finally gets going. This means Wolters’ glove has to be in the majority of the lineups.

Next. Why Colorado's offensive woes shouldn't be much of a surprise. dark

So, Tony Wolters, I am sorry for my past remarks. You are the best and only option of the Rockies having a viable option behind home plate this season.

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