Predicting the Rockies Opening Day roster

The Colorado Rockies franchise is facing a rare roster crunch, only a few times in the franchise’s 20-plus seasons have they had more talent than spots. This year they have oodles of capable players, maybe too many to even fit their 40-man let alone their 25-man.

Let’s do a quick prediction on what the Rockies 25-man roster will look like come April, 3, and the moves the club needs to make to get them there.

Starters:

1. Jon Gray
2. Tyler Chatwood
3. Tyler Anderson
4. Kyle Freeland
5. Antonio Senzatela

Bullpen

• LR/Spot Start: Jeff Hoffman
• LR/Spot Start: Jordan Lyles
• MR: Jason Motte
• MR: Carlos Estevez
• LOOGY: Mike Dunn
• SU: Jake McGee
• SU: Adam Ottavino
• Closer: Greg Holland

Lineup

1. Charlie Blackmon, 8
2. DJ Lemahieu, 4
3. Nolan Arenado, 5
4. Carlos Gonzalez, 9
5. Trevor Story, 6
6. Mark Reynolds, 3
7. Gerardo Parra, 7
8. Tony Wolters, 2

Bench

• Backup Catcher: Dustin Garneau
• Fourth Outfielder: Jordan Patterson
• Utility: Alexi Amarista
• Utility: Cristhian Adames

Injured

• Chad Bettis (cancer)
• Chris Rusin (oblique)
• Tom Murphy (broken right arm)
• David Dahl (stress reaction in rib)
• Ian Desmond (fractured left hand)
• Jairo Diaz (recovering from Tommy John)
• Rayan Gonzalez (Tommy John)

Moves

Option: (SP) German Marquez, (SP) Harrison Musgrave, (RP) Scott Oberg, (OF) Raimel Tapia, (INF) Pat Valaika

Out of Options/Off Roster: (RP) Chad Qualls DFA or outright – veteran’s consent, (OF) Chris Denorfia MiLB deal – veteran’s consent opt out,