The Rockies bench was fortified by the return of Willy Taveras to his starting role in center field. Ryan Spilborghs, who started all three games of the National League division series, goes back to his reserve role, providing the Rockies a powerful bat in pinch-hitting situations.
Colorado has some talented role players in versatile infielder Jamey Carroll, outfielders Cory Sullivan and Jeff Baker and reserve catcher Chris Iannetta. But it’s Spilborghs who brings the lumber from the right side.
Spilborghs hit .299 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs in a part-time role this season.
Baker also has proven power, but he got just one at-bat in the NLDS – albeit the game-winning hit in Game 3 – and was used sparingly in the regular season. Carroll, last season’s starting second baseman, often comes into games late at third base in place of Garrett Atkins. Though he hit just .225 during the season, he hit .368 in 12 games against Arizona, with a .500 on-base percentage.
Sullivan lacks power but gives the Rockies a left-handed bat, hit a solid .286 as a second-half call-up and is an excellent fielder. Unless starting catcher Yorvit Torrealba gets hurt, Iannetta, a rookie, will be used solely as a pinch hitter.
