Colorado Rockies: Ryan McMahon on possibly playing different positions in 2020

At the end of Monday’s workout, Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon spoke with the media, including Rox Pile.

In 2019, the Colorado Rockies deployed Ryan McMahon at second base more than double that of anyone else. He did still see some occasion time at first and third base, though. He may be seeing more time at first base in 2020 if the Rockies decide to utilize Daniel Murphy as their designated hitter.

When McMahon spoke with the media after Monday’s workout, he was asked a few questions about where he might play in 2020, including one from Rox Pile’s Kevin Henry.

“I feel really good over there [at second base]…” said McMahon. “I feel more comfortable with the basic steps and everything like that so [I’m] kind of feeling out some different things, feeling out different angles still but I definitely feel more confident in my abilities there.”

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McMahon said that while he loves playing second base, he doesn’t care where he plays. He just wants to play, in general.

“I love second base,” McMahon said. “I feel like, second base, you’re so involved in every play and it’s always fun being up the middle but, you know me, I don’t mind where I play. I just want to be out there playing with the boys…“Honestly, it just means kind of shuffling a little bit more [and] working with some more coaches. To me, like I’ve said [before], I don’t mind. I just want to be out there playing. I think it’s kind of a compliment to our team and the versatility that we have with so many different players, there’s a lot of different ways that you can shuffle the lineup.”

If the Rockies were to have Murphy be more of a designated hitter and McMahon at first base, the Rockies could use Garrett Hampson at second base more often or even Brendan Rodgers, who will be ready for the start of the season, according to Rockies manager Bud Black.

The other likely option for the Rockies to use at DH is Charlie Blackmon. In that event, the Rockies would likely have David Dahl or Sam Hilliard in right field, the other one in left field (or have Raimel Tapia play it) and either have Hilliard or Hampson patrol center field.

Any way you cut it, the Rockies should benefit from the designated hitter being implemented in the National League for the season and Ryan McMahon will have plenty of opportunities to become an even more reliable player for the Rockies, wherever he plays.