Colorado Rockies Projected 2017 Lineup USA Today Sports Images
The Colorado Rockies and their fans have grown accustomed to losing since their miracle World Series run in 2007. However, the Rockies have an exciting young group of players now that are ready to win in 2017. Anchored by veteran right fielder Carlos Gonzalez, Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado and the addition of All-Star Ian Desmond, the Rockies appear to be on the rise.
- Charlie Blackmon CF: Blackmon put together a career year in 2016, hitting for a whopping .324 average, adding 29 home runs, and driving in 82. Not your prototypical lead-off type numbers, but he has the speed element in his game to get on base, steal bases, and give the hitters behind him a chance to drive him in,
- DJ LeMahieu 2B: Finding someone to put in the two spot in this lineup was tough, but what it came down to is the fact that LeMahieu was one of the most consistent hitters in baseball last season hitting for an average of .348, eleven home runs, and 66 RBI’s. Putting DJ behind Blackmon could pay huge dividends for this Rockies team and we could see a very dominant top of the order in Colorado.
- Carlos Gonzalez RF: There were rumors swirling all around All-Star Carlos Gonzalez last season about him being traded. However CarGo went out everyday and left it all out on the field, and was a true professional about the whole situation. Gonzalez has been one the heart and sole of the Rockies for years now and continues to be from now going forward. Last year CarGo hit for a 298 average, adding 25 home runs and 100 RBI’s, something he could easily replicate this year if LeMahieu, and Blackmon are getting on base ahead of him.
[StephenReed]
- Nolan Arenado 3B: Nolan Arenado is slowly becoming one of the best all around players in baseball. For years he’s had a great glove, but his offensive game has come around in recent years and is absolutely deadly. He posted a 294 average, with 41 home runs, and 133 RBI’s, those are MVP type numbers Arenado put up. If the Rockies manage to make the playoffs this year look for this guy to be your NL MVP,
- Ian Desmond 1B: Desmond was an offseason acquisition by the Rockies front office that could really turn this offense around, He had one of his best statistical seasons last and could lead to an even better one this year being in Denver where the ball is known to fly. Last season Desmond hit for both average and power as he hit for a 285 average, with 22 round trippers, and 86 RBI’s something the Rangers may miss down in Arlington.
- Trevor Story SS: The young shortstop was quite the Story in 2016. I know it’s an overused pun but he truly was one of the biggest surprises last season. Story had one heck of a start to his career hitting home run after home run through the first month or so and breaking rookie records. In his rookie season Story hit for a 272 average, with 27 home runs, and 72 RBI’s. It was hard dropping Story down to the sixth spot in this lineup but there’s just so much offensive talent on this Rockies team.
- David Dahl LF: This is a spot that will be determined in camp, and it comes down Dahl, and veteran Gerardo Para. However I think management goes with youth in this situation, and ultimately David Dahl takes the spot, This leaves the Rockies in a good spot as Para can be not only a solid fourth outfielder but backup first baseman too if need be, Dahl didn’t make his debut until July but put up solid numbers in that short stint. He hit for a 315 average, seven home runs, and drove in 24 RBI’s and looks to take over the starting role and run with it, making this lineup even deadlier.
- Tyler Wolters C: Wolters is really the only “weak spot” in this lineup but the young catcher looks to improve and become the everyday guy for the Rockies. In just 71 games last season Wolters hit for a 259 average, with three home runs, and 30 RBI’s, not eye popping numbers but something he looks to build off of and become a solid backstop for the Rockies.
[Kenny2]
This Rockies lineup looks absolutely deadly and has the ability to drive the ball out of the park almost anywhere in this lineup. If the Rockies could find themselves a couple pitchers they could win the NL West, with this lineup.