With spring training nearing its end, the Rockies are facing a problem most teams would die for: Too much talent, not enough open spots. Re-signing fan- and clubhouse-favorite Carlos Gonzalez bolstered the outfield and team morale, but it created a domino effect that might lead to some of the team’s top young prospects ending up back in the minors.
Earlier in the spring, it looked as if Ian Desmond was destined for left field while rookie Ryan McMahon would start at first base. Now Desmond, who is aiming to bounce back from a rough 2017 campaign, is being asked to be Colorado’s starting first baseman — a position he’s not super familiar with after spending most of his career playing shortstop with a smattering of outfield. Meanwhile McMahon, 23, may end up back in Triple-A. But he has little to prove in the minors after hitting .374 with 14 homers and 56 RBIs in 70 games last season at Albuquerque.
Outfielders David Dahl, Raimel Tapia and Mike Tauchman are on the same boat. All talented, but in order to continue their development, they are in need of playing time — something that may be hard to find behind Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon and Gerardo Parra.
But their development could be hindered without playing against better competition. All four prospects have had strong, even dominant seasons at Triple-A. But if nothing else, the Isotopes are going to be a really good team in the Pacific Coast League.
The Rockies enter 2018 looking to build upon their success from last year. Just don’t hinder the future in the process.
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on tap?
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- NHL:Kings at Avalanche, 7 p.m., ALT | Preview |
- Cactus League:Rockies at Athletics, 2 p.m.
- Lunch Special:Broncos live chat with Nicki Jhabvala, noon
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NBA:Nuggets 135, Bulls 102
Full story |
CollegeInsider.com men’s hoops: UNC 86, San Diego 75
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Must-Read
John Bowlen, Broncos minority owner, agrees to sell portion of stake back to team
The Broncos bought back a portion of the non-voting interest owned by John Bowlen, Pat Bowlen’s brother, ensuring the family retains 100 percent of the team. Read More…
Following USA Basketball and NBA’s recommendation, the high school game needs a shot clock now more than ever
On Tuesday, USA Basketball and the NBAreleased a joint documentoutlining rules and standards for youth competition in which the organizations recommended a24-second shot clock for the high school level. Read More…
Rockies podcast: Nolan Arenado previews the 2018 season
Ona fresh episode of the On The Rox podcast, The Denver Postap Patrick Saunders sits down with Rockies all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado. Read More…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos defensive lineman Adam Gotsis rape charge decision may not be determined before NFL draft.
+ The Denver Broncos, with visions of an entertainment district, are ready to say goodbye to the south stadium parking lots.
+Broncos sign DT Clinton McDonald to two-year deal, add a kicker and long snapper, too
+ 2018 Colorado Rockies roster breakdown: The stats and names that matter for opening day.
+ “Best-case scenario” for Gary Harris’ return to the Nuggets is Monday at Philadelphia or Tuesday at Toronto.
+ March Madness 2018: How the conferences are doing in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
+ Why CU Buffs football satellite camps are key in recruiting
+Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson lose early in Match Play
By The Numbers
53
The number of assists Avalanche forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen have each accrued this season. It’s the most a Colorado player has had since Paul Stastny had 59 in the 2009-10 season.
Parting Shot
Charlie Blackmon and Chris Rusin beat Nolan Arenado and Zach Wilson in Rockies’ epic pingpong tourney
OK, so it wasn’t quite Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe or Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, but it was epic, nonetheless.Read More…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion,email me at dboniface@denverpost.comortweet me .
