Colorado Rockies: Our first prediction of the 2020 Opening Day roster

Colorado Rockies celebration — DENVER, CO – JULY 16: Ian Desmond #20 and Daniel Murphy #9 of the Colorado Rockies celebrate scoring on a Desmond home run, tying the game in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on July 16, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Infield

Daniel Murphy, Ryan McMahon, Trevor Story, Nolan Arenado, Chris Owings

Outfield

Charlie Blackmon, David Dahl, Raimel Tapia, Ian Desmond, Sam Hilliard

Outfield/infield

Analysis: Your starting infield of Murphy (first base), McMahon (second base), Story (shortstop), and Arenado (third base). Owings provides the versatility (he’s played second, shortstop, and outfield in his career and the Rockies have been giving him time at first base at the start of spring) and veteran factor that the Rockies love so much. He has started slow in spring training but don’t be surprised when he makes the squad. McMahon can also float between first, second, and third when needed.

Hampson also brings versatility with the ability to slot into the infield or outfield when needed.

In the outfield, Blackmon will start in right, Dahl in center, and left will be a platoon between Tapia, Desmond, and Hilliard. Other than Blackmon, all of the outfielders can be interchanged in their positions as well.

The bottom line? Colorado has a solid lineup but questions remain. Can Murphy put together a better, healthier season this year? Can Hilliard keep impressing with more at-bats outside of September? Can Desmond be used efficiently against left-handers? Can Tapia be more consistent? Can Hampson provide a spark as he did in September?

There are plenty of questions and Colorado will need the answers to be better than they were last year during a 71-91 campaign.

Schedule