5 things the Colorado Rockies must do to contend again

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ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – APRIL 01: Ryan McMahon #24 of the Colorado Rockies reacts to a hit during batting practice before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on April 01, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – APRIL 01: Ryan McMahon #24 of the Colorado Rockies reacts to a hit during batting practice before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on April 01, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Let the kids play

Look, the Rockies already know what Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon are going to bring to the table. The rest of the season and September should be focused on the next generation of Rockies and seeing what players like Yonathan Daza and Garrett Hampson can do in extended playing time.

The Rockies also need to see what players like outfielder Sam Hilliard and first baseman Roberto Ramos, both of whom have totaled 100 RBI in Triple-A, can do at the Major League level. The same with reliever Ben Bowden. With September 1 and roster expansion around the corner, the Rockies need to give plenty of playing time to players who still have some question marks attached to them.

So far this season, the Rockies have seen that Ryan McMahon and Raimel Tapia can shine with extended playing time. What about so many other young faces that have been labeled as “prospects?” With a lost season currently underway, using September as a testing ground for the future of the Rockies is critical.