The talent is there: Rockies takes from week two of Cactus League play

I know, I know, it’s just spring training. I’ve heard it for weeks now. But, I don’t care. The Colorado Rockies are 7-3 and in second place in the Cactus League standings through two weeks of play.

As I’ve said before, when you’re a team who hasn’t had a winning season since 2019, and hasn’t finished better than 25 games back in the division in the last four seasons, every win, no matter what time of year it is, is a good win.

Also, when you’re a fan of a franchise like the Rockies, one that has struggled mightily in recent years, you take spring training success and turn that into regular season optimism. 

After all, hope always springs eternal.

So, with that said, here’s my three top takeways from the Rockies’ second week of Cactus League play, and, many of them will be very positive.

The Rockies’ offense has a real chance to be explosive

One thing about spring training, hitters see so many different pitchers. Some of them will be big-league starters, even aces, some will be minor leaguers, and some will probably be out of baseball sooner then later. So, when a hitter, or an entire team can stay hot for an extended period of time, even when seeing inconsistent pitching, that’s an impressive feat.

And that’s what the Rockies did this last week. Despite a couple of losses, and maybe some lower run production, the Rockies continued to hit. Colorado is hitting .272 with an OPS .775 this season, and those numbers have continued to rise throughout the spring. So, it’s becoming quite obvious that, no matter where Colorado is projected to finish this season, their offense is going to give them a chance to succeed. It’s going to be too good not to.

Prospects continue to emerge

Zac Veen, Yanquiel Fernandez and Chase Dollander came on strong right away. But even more prospects are pushing Rockies’ mamangment to take a good long look at them. 

Adeal Amador has had a strong week at the plate, while Kyle Karros is showing his potential. Catchers Hunter Goodman and Drew Romo have alsoo had key moments, while Cole Carrigg is another offensive standout who is making noise thus far.

Rockies big-league talent is deeper then pundits are giving them credit for

It’s easy to just talk about Ezequiel Tovar or a healthy Kris Bryant. Those players are obvious stars. However, this last week of Cactus League games has proven that, the Rockies’ starting lineup, and beyond is much deeper then most people are realizing.

While this time of year, young prospects are still getting the bulk of the spring training at-bats and innings, but, every time Rockies’ projected starters get their turn, they’re doing good things.

From Brenton Doyle, Michael Toglia, Ryan McMahon and Nolan Jones, to aquistions like Thairo Estrada, Nick Martini and exciting relief pitcher Jefry Yan, the Rockies’ big-league dugout is going to be much more talented then many expected. Add in even more young talent like Jordan Beck and others, and Colorado manager Bud Black finally has what every manager wants in an opening day roster — depth.

“There’s a sense now that we’re getting to where we want to be,” Black said to Black told MLB Network Film Room’s Greg Amsinger and Yonder Alonso. “We feel the talent base is there. The whole thing is now, we’re ready to punch back.”

Indeed, the Rockies proved this last week in spring training they can, and will punch back. And they also proved that, whether it’s in the Coors’ Field clubhouse, or down on the farm, there is so much talent in the Rockies’ organization. And that fact was on full display this past week in spring training.