Colorado Rockies Spring Training: What we've learned so far

The Colorado Rockies have one week of baseball games (that do not count) in the books. While it is far too early to be drawing any kind of conclusions, it’s still worth looking at some of the early storylines that have begun to emerge.

Here’s what you need to know about the first week of Rockies spring training baseball.

At The Plate

In the first week, Raimel Tapia – who is out of options and therefore battling not only for one of the few available slots on the 25-man roster but also possibly to stay in the organization – leads the team with 17 plate appearances.

He’s made the most of this extended look by also leading the team in hits with five singles and a home run. He has also walked once and struck out three times.

Just behind him in usage is top prospect Brendan Rodgers who in some ways has shown he is still pretty new to MLB-quality pitching with a .231 batting average an no extra-base hits. But he also has shown just how close he is by hanging with the best in the world at 22-years-old. He’s drawn two walks and has yet to strike out.

The next most-used players include Mike Tauchman, who has struggled (.167 BA) so far, and Ryan McMahon who has not, putting up a 1.136 OPS.

Veteran Michael Saunders has shown up well with four hits and four walks in 14 plate appearances.

Colton Welker, arguably the next most valuable position player prospect after Rodgers, has had a limited but eye-popping spring training debut. He is 3-for-6 with two home runs and four RBI.

On The Mound

Jon Gray had the standout performance on Friday, becoming the first pitcher to go three innings and retiring each of the nine batters he faced. He gave up one run over two innings in his first start, allowing legend Ichiro Suzuki to walk, steal a base, and score on a two-out hit.

Chad Bettis has been knocked around a bit in his two outings, surrendering five runs on six hits over five innings. He has walked two and struck out two.

Jeff Hoffman looked strong in his first appearance but less so in his second. He has pitched four innings, giving up four runs on four hits.

Peter Lambert has had an intriguing spring debut. He got hit hard by some MLB stars, particularly Chris Taylor and Cody Bellinger, but also has held his own against the elevated competition.

Reliever Justin Lawrence, who hasn’t pitched above High-A ball, is turning some heads in camp as well with his unusual combination of a side-arm delivery and upper-90’s velocity. He has made one mistake that got hammered for a homer and has issued one free pass but is otherwise perfect with a quartet of K’s in his three innings of work.

Player of the Week

Garrett Hampson is a clear favorite for the first Player of the Week distinction. Fighting for his spot, whether it be on the roster in general or maybe even to start somewhere, Hampson knew he was one of the players of the roster with the most to prove this spring.

And so far, there’s not much more he could do. With two home runs and two walks among his 5-for-11 line, he is boasting a gaudy 1.538 OPS. He has added a stolen base and only struck out once. He has also moved around the diamond, already playing second base, shortstop, and left field.