Colorado Rockies Trim Roster, Josh Rutledge and Michael McKenry Among Names
By Andrew Dill
Mar 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge (14) follows through on a swing in the sixth inning at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
It was a busy day for the Colorado Rockies as they had to trim down their roster as Opening Day is inching closer and closer. They would announce that five players were optioned to the minors, including Josh Rutledge, Michael McKenry, Ryan Wheeler, Jason Pridie, and Tim Wheeler. With those moves being made, it looks as if Jordan Pacheco has landed the back-up catching position for now with Charlie Culberson serving as the utility infielder.
There are some big decisions to be made soon however, whether or not the Rockies will carry a fifth outfielder or go with six. The decision to keep Corey Dickerson or Charlie Blackmon will loom over the team for the next couple of days, but Patrick Saunders proposed what might happen via Twitter.
#Rockies 6-man outfield could mean increased playing time at 1st for @mcuddy3, especially vs. lefties where Morneau struggles.
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) March 27, 2014
Having Michael Cuddyer play some first base against left-handed pitchers would be a smart idea, sliding Charlie Blackmon to right field or perhaps Drew Stubbs. Brandon Barnes had a great camp and has landed himself a spot on the roster. There have also been some rumblings of catcher Wilin Rosario playing first base to rest his legs occasionally as Colorado will look to insert him into the lineup anyway they can.
Here are some more decisions to come down via The Denver Post:
"Will lefty Franklin Morales be a starter or end up in the bullpen? What the Rockies decide there will impact the fate of Tommy Kahnle. It appears that Kahnle will make the team, for now. They would have a decision to make when Boone Logan rejoins the team. Logan’s likely to open the season on the disabled list as he continues his comeback from last October’s elbow surgery."
The Colorado Rockies will have to make their moves quick as they have just two Spring Training games remaining against the Seattle Mariners on the 28th and 29th before heading to Miami to take on the Marlins in the opener on March 31st.