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Colorado Rockies: Projecting Batting Order for 2016

By Matthew Schoettler

Apr 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A general view during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at Coors Field. The Cubs won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A general view during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at Coors Field. The Cubs won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mark Reynolds/Ben Paulsen Platoon Sixth

The bottom half of the Colorado Rockies’ batting order is a little murky, with the opportunity for the last three hitters to hit in any order. However, following a player capable of posting a high OBP, Mark Reynolds/Ben Paulsen provide a power bat to complement Parra. The Colorado Rockies figure to platoon Reynolds and Paulsen based on the starting pitcher on the mound.

Both Reynolds and Paulsen are offensive-minded first basemen; however, both are underwhelming players for an otherwise impressive hitting position. Look around the league, most teams possess a first baseman capable of hitting in the middle of the lineup and producing huge counting stats. Neither Paulsen nor Reynolds give the Colorado Rockies that ability, but they figure that the duo, together, gives them an above-average bat in the order.

Mark Reynolds is king of the strikeouts; however, over the past two seasons, he has seen his strikeout rate decrease, which bodes well for his move to the Colorado Rockies. Reynolds never hits for average, but he is capable of hitting 40 home runs if given enough at-bats. However, with Paulsen expected to face right-handed pitchers, Reynolds is nothing more than a complement.

On the other hand, Ben Paulsen had an under-the-radar type 2015 season for the Colorado Rockies. In 116 games for the Colorado Rockies last season, Paulsen managed to put together a solid season, owning a .277/.326/.462 slash line, with 11 home runs and 49 RBI. If given a full season, Paulsen has the ability to hit 20-plus home runs, but it remains to be seen if he can hit for average.

In 2016, expect Ben Paulsen to get the bulk of the work, but Mark Reynolds provides an above-average bat against left-handed pitchers. As for now, mark the duo down to hit behind Gerardo Parra and be a solid source for RBI.

Next: Who Follows the First Base Platoon?

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