It is time to see if Cristhian Adames can hit Major League pitching. The Colorado Rockies infielder has the inside track on the opening-day-starting-shortstop job. But with limited experience thus far and top prospect Trevor Story hot on his heels, he may have a tight window to prove his worth before being relegated to a backup role.

Adames has been an above average hitter the last few years at the Triple-A level even though his scouting reports have always suggested he is a defense-first player. His success in 116 games last year for Albuquerque (.311/.362/.438) has yet to translate to the big leagues in a small sample size of 33 games.

Positional battle:

With the Jose Reyes situation likely to be either resolved or still completely in limbo — either of which leaves him out of the picture — Adames should get the majority of the work at short with Rafael Ynoa and Daniel Descalso serving as his backups. The aforementioned Story would need to have a stellar spring to overtake him on opening day, more likely making himself a factor after he passes the “Super Two” deadline in May.

What to watch for:

The question for Adames is perpetually about whether he is organizational filler, a very solid backup for a future successful Rockies team, a trade piece, or maybe even something more. His defense is in keeping with the Rockies new emphasis in that area and so — as is the case with so many prospects — if he can hit, he can stay.

The combination of Adames and Story put the Rockies in a unique position to absorb the loss of Troy Tulowitzki and even to deal with the Reyes situation. He is a versatile player more than capable of manning shortstop, second, and third. Because of this, most scouts and evaluators agree that Adames has a high floor and is likely to find his way into a meaningful role one way or another.
His journey to do so in earnest begins this spring.