Colorado Rockies Spring Training 2017: Progress Report 4

As Colorado Rockies spring training 2017 rolls on, we want to make sure we are giving you regular progress reports as opposed to just individual game notes. We will still be providing those more from time to time, but if you follow the Rockies at this time of year looking less at the box score and more at how what is happening now might affect the upcoming season, these reports should be far more helpful.

Progress Report 4

Stock Up:

Cristhian Adames +3 (+1) – Adames has always been a glove-first guy, and in his role as utility man a year ago, he actually faired quite well. It was when he was forced into a starting role that his faults were exposed, most notably his lack of hitting tool. Adames has put up some poor hitting seasons in the minors and then rebounded, showing an ability to make adjustments. So far this spring, he is behind only Raimel Tapia and Jordan Patterson in at-bats, clearly the team wants to get a look at him. And it’s been a good look, Adames is hitting .333 with a pair of home runs and a double. He has only been struck out one time.

Jordan Patterson +4 (+1) – Speaking of wanting to get a good look, Patterson appears to be the guy this camp that the front office needed to see the most out of. He has four more at-bats than the second place (Tapia) and has answered the call, posting a slash line of .281/.324/.656. He has also shown off his defensive prowess at both first base and in the corner outfield. With David Dahl and Ian Desmond missing time early in the season, Patterson could be emerging as the obvious choice to step in and help the MLB club at both positions.

Antonio Senzatela +2 (+1) — Antonio Senzatela has been so impressive this spring that he would almost certainly be in line for a rotation spot if he had ever pitched a single inning above the Double-A level. He may fall just short of the Opening Day roster, but he has dramatically accelerated his projected timetable for MLB debut this camp.

Stephen Cardullo +2 (+1) – 2016’s feel good story who was signed out of the Independent Leagues, Cardullo came into spring as an afterthought for many, with Ian Desmond now in the fold and the return of Mark Reynolds. But just like a year ago, he has shown up and done his job, leading the Rockies in RBI this spring … by five while hitting .292/.387/.625.

Tony Wolters +2 (+1) – The King of the Spring, Wolters is playing like it’s a year ago and he is fighting for a spot instead of being the presumed starting catcher on Opening Day. He is still in a battle with Tom Murphy for that job but appears to be winning it, slashing .438/.500/.750 over seven games. We know he can catch, if he makes himself into a league average bat he could become one of the most vital players on the MLB roster.

Stock Down:

Alexi Amarista -2 (-1) — Amarista, like Adames, has never been known for his bat but unlike Adames, he has shown no improvement or promise there this spring. Batting an anemic .190 with a .292 on-base percentage, Amarista will be counting entirely on Bud Black’s familiarity with him – and his ability to play nearly every position on the diamond – to make the Opening Day roster. His glove and speed are enticing, but there is too much talent on the bubble to give Amarista that spot as it stands now.

Miguel Castro -2 (-1) — After a promising start, Castro looked overwhelmed against big league competition and the potential future closer was assigned to Triple-A after posting a 15.75 ERA in spring training.

The general health of the team — For the most part, the Rockies have gotten good performances from guys battling for roster spots but obviously the big story of the spring has been injuries to David Dahl, Ian Desmond, and Chris Rusin, the incredibly sad Chad Bettis cancer news, and now today’s revelation that catcher Tom Murphy is going to miss at least a month with a hairline fracture in his right arm. Dustin Garneau likely becomes the team’s Opening Day backup catcher.

Jason Motte -2 (-1) — Motte has simply not been good this spring. His velocity is down, his command is off. He has walked only one batter but is currently sporting a 13.50 ERA and a 2.50 WHIP. He just isn’t fooling anyone right now.

Jordan Lyles -2 (-1) — Lyles wasn’t awful his last time out but he gave up a hit and a walk and a few hard hit balls that just fell into the defense. He has yet to have a clean inning this spring.

Notes:

• Charlie Blackmon and DJ LeMahieu picking up right where they left off a season ago, both hitting over .460 this spring over nine games a piece.
• Trevor Story’s spot on the squad was never in doubt but a three double day this week dramatically improved his previously “feast or famine” stats. He is hitting .320 while leading the team with four home runs.
• Adam Ottavino had a really rough outing yesterday but nobody is overly concerned.