Colorado Rockies Position Preview: Second Base

The second base position for the Rockies could have a few different names ran through the list for potential starters, but as of now, the starting second basemen is Josh Rutledge. The 23-year old was a rookie last season and did a pretty good job in his half season with the Rockies. His 8 home runs and 37 RBIs certainly didn’t stun anybody, but he proved he’s able to be an everyday player at the second base position.

September 3, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Josh Rutledge (14) fields a ground ball in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Rutledge got the chance to play last season due to the absence of Troy Tulowitzki. With Tulo set to be back and healthy at the beginning of the season, the Rockies are planning on using Rutledge at second base. He played 67 games at shortstop in 2012 and only 7 at second base, but the transaction between shortstop and second base won’t be all that difficult for the guy who only committed 11 errors last season. With a full season ahead of Rutledge, the youngster shouldn’t have any problem of hitting 15-20 homers, along with driving in around 75 runs. He’s shown that he has the ability to steal bases, as he combined for 21 total stolen bases between the Rockies and Triple-A last season.

There are a few names sitting behind Rutledge for guys who may be mixed in from time-to-time. If I had to choose a guy who I think will be out there 5 out of every 7 games, it would definitely be Rutledge, but guys such as D.J. LeMahieu and Jonathan Herrera could be mixed in.

August 27, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) turns a double play as Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis (bottom) slides into second base during the eighth inning at Coors Field. The Rockies won 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

With Rutledge being the shortstop for the majority of the 2012 season, LeMahieu was the main second basemen for the Rockies. His two homers and 22 RBIs in 81 games are pretty mediocre, but his 2 errors in 67 games played at second base are something that could keep him on the 25-man roster. He could be a decent pinch-hitter, along with being a reliable backup to Rutledge.

The third guy in line at second base is Jonathan Herrera. Herrera is a solid utility man for the Rockies. He’s able to play all around the infield, and he showed that off in 2012 with 42 games at shortstop, 13 games at third base, and 19 games at second base. I only mention him on this list because he has the ability to play second base, but he isn’t much of a threat to take Rutledge’s starting position. Herrera will be used all over the place, which is a kind of player almost every manager loves.

Spring Training plays a big role in deciding the starters, but Rutledge looks like the guy at second base come Opening Day. LeMahieu will be a contributor and decent pinch-hitter, and Herrera will be mixed in on rare occasion.