Predicting the Stats for the Colorado Rockies’ Opening Day Lineup

By David Miller

Predicting the Stats for the Colorado Rockies’ Opening Day Lineup

Corey Dickerson Colorado Rockies — Historically the Colorado Rockies are a team that lives and dies by the sword of Coors Field. That is slowly changing as they continue to gather pitchers that are able to produce at a high level in that park. The foundation of any winning baseball team is whether they can score more runs than the other team. This Rockies lineup has a chance to do that more than most figure they could.

1 – Corey Dickerson – LF

Corey Dickerson Colorado Rockies

1 – Corey Dickerson – LF

Corey Dickerson Colorado Rockies — Avg: .271 / HR: 10 / RBI: 35

Two thirds of the Rockies outfield spots are rock solid. There are three players in the mix for playing time in the other one. Dickerson could be the guy on Opening Day after a good spring. He probably will not get everyday type playing time however. This is the only real uncertain spot in the Rockies batting order. Whoever plays that position might not always leadoff as well.

2 – Nolan Arenado – 3B

Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies

2 – Nolan Arenado – 3B

Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies — Avg: .280 / HR: 18 / RBI: 68

Arenado is on the way up in his career. His defense was on par with the best last season. Offensively he might be a tad behind the elite third basemen in the game but don't be shocked if he takes a large step in that direction this season.

3 – Carlos Gonzalez - CF

Carlos Gonzalez Colorado Rockies

3 – Carlos Gonzalez - CF

Carlos Gonzalez Colorado Rockies — Avg: .305 / HR: 28 / RBI: 105

Here you have the probable MVP of the team. No disrespect to Tulo because he is huge as well but CarGo must be an MVP candidate for the NL for the Rockies to win. Whether he plays center or left field most of the time will depend more than likely.

4 – Troy Tulowitzki – SS

Troy Tulowitzki Colorado Rockies

4 – Troy Tulowitzki – SS

Troy Tulowitzki Colorado Rockies — Avg: .301 / HR: 22 / RBI: 87

When it comes to offensive shortstops in MLB you don't need to look much farther than this guy for the top of the game. He is as good as they get at short if he stays healthy. That is the key with both he and CarGo.

5 – Michael Cuddyer – RF

Michael Cuddyer Colorado Rockies

5 – Michael Cuddyer – RF

Michael Cuddyer Colorado Rockies — Avg: .318 / HR: 20 / RBI: 79

Cuddyer came out of nowhere to lead the NL in batting last season. This year he isn't likely to hit the exact same level but he won't be far off. It is possible that he could win the batting title once again if no-one else is able to match his numbers.

6 – Justin Morneau - 1B

Justin Morneau Colorado Rockies

6 – Justin Morneau - 1B

Justin Morneau Colorado Rockies — Avg: .265 / HR: 20 / RBI: 79

All of the buzz about Morneau needing to resurrect his career is a little overstated. When you consider he had 77 RBI last season in an off year, it really isn't a terrible slump. Look for his home runs to pick up in Coors and some improved numbers in the other two key areas as well. If he can bounce back like Cuddyer did in Colorado, this team could be dangerous.

7 – Wilin Rosario – C

Wilin Rosario Colorado Rockies

7 – Wilin Rosario – C

Wilin Rosario Colorado Rockies — Avg: .284 / HR: 19 / RBI: 75

Rosario is one of the guys on this team who could make things very interesting in the NL West. If they can get big numbers from Rosario and a couple of more of the young guys, bounce back from Morneau and healthy seasons from Tulo and CarGo, they'll be hard for anyone to beat.

8 – D.J. LeMahieu – 2B

D.J. LeMahieu Colorado Rockies

8 – D.J. LeMahieu – 2B

D.J. LeMahieu Colorado Rockies — Avg: .276 / HR: 5 / RBI: 40

LeMahieu isn't going to sneak up on anyone right here but he could see some improved numbers here and there if he has more chances with better seasons by the other guys. As long as he stays solid on defense they are fine with him being who he is on offense.

9 – Jorge De La Rosa - P

Jorge De La Rosa Colorado Rockies

9 – Jorge De La Rosa - P

Jorge De La Rosa Colorado Rockies — 17 Wins – 9 Losses / 3.80 ERA / 1.25 WHIP

Of course the Rockies don't care much what De La Rosa gives them with the bat but his spot on the mound is very important. Being the ace and the Opening Day starter officially this year is a big step for him that he well deserves. Look for a strong year from him as long as he stays healthy.

Teams in this article »

Colorado Rockies

Share On Facebook

Share