SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The first pitch of the Rockies’ Cactus League season was just thrown by right-hander on a cloudy, 60-degree Friday afternoon at Salt River Fields.
For the record, Hoffman’s first pitch was a 93.5 mph fastball, up in the zone, that Diamondbacks center fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker took for a ball.
That much I know.
What comes next are some unanswered questions of spring training. As temperatures heat up and the Cactus Leagues game start melding together, here are 10 issues I’ll be watching regarding the Rockies.
No. 10 — Top infield prospect Brendan Rodgers is in big-league camp for the first time. I’m eager to see him go up against major-league pitchers. How will he fare? Expect Rodgers to begin the season at Double-A Hartford.
No. 9 — The emergence of relief pitchers , and is a hot topic. Which one of the young flamethrowers will step up and take a bigger role in 2018? I think it will be Estevez, who showed poise and power last September.
No. 8 — The backup catching battle is key. Will it be who earns the job behind starter Chris Iannetta or will it be ? Murphy’s power makes him intriguing, but don’t ever count out Wolters.
No. 7 — Manager Bud Black has said he will experiment with moving from the leadoff spot to the heart of the order. How will that play out? Who would take Blackmon’s place?
No. 6 — The Ian Desmond watch is on. Will he be a left fielder? A first baseman? Both? Will Desmond, who’s making $22 million this season, erase his disappointing 2017 season? The Rockies are counting on it.
No. 5 — Is talented outfielder ready to emerge as a force after missing the entire 2017 season because of injury? If Dahl stays healthy, expect him to make the opening-day roster.
No. 4 — Who is the real ? The rookie who blasted all of those homers in 2016, or the young man who led baseball in strikeouts last season? I think Story is ready for a breakout season. If he does that, Colorado’s offense becomes significantly more potent.
No. 3 — Will the Rockies make any move to open contract negotiations with third baseman , second baseman or Blackmon to a long-term contract during spring training? General manager won’t say, but I’m thinking the Rockies start talking to Arenado.
No. 2 — Is rookie Ryan McMahon ready to be the Rockies starting first baseman, or will Bridich add a veteran to the mix? We’ve gotten some mixed signals on this, with Desmond saying he’s primarily a left fielder, but with manager Bud Black saying he’s in the mix at first. McMahon, owner of the sweetest left-handed swing this side of Seth Smith, can make it a non-issue if he performs well.
No. 1 — Which young pitchers will earn a spot in the starting rotation when camp breaks? As it stands now, there are seven pitchers competing for five spots. If I had to pick my five, right now, I’d pick , , German Marquez, and Kyle Freeland. That would leave Antonio Senzatela and Hoffman in Triple-A to begin the season.
As for the big, overall question of how the Rockies will fare this year, I reserve the right to express that opinion until the real season begins.
