Smith, Gonzalez Among Roster Cuts
Left-hander Greg Smith, who came out of his Sunday start with a tired left shoulder, and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez were optioined to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Monday, along with outfielder Matt Murton.
The move with Murton could be a positive sign for Dan Ortmeier, a switch-hitter, and the only remaining candidate along with Dexter Fowler for a backup outfield job who is not strictly a left-handed hitter.
Fowler seems to be in line for one of the two extra outfield spots. Other than Ortmeier and Fowler, the only other candidate for a backup spot in the outfield is Scott Podsednik.
Ortmeier could benefit from the fact he can play first base, giving the Rockies an option in addition to Garrett Atkins at first base on days that Todd Helton needs a rest.
The Rockies also re-assigned catcher Edwin Bellorin, left-handed reliever Randy Flores and catcher Paul Phillips to their minor-league camp.
The moves leave the Rockies with 34 players in big-league camp, nine more than they can carry on Opening Day. Ortmeier is among eight non-roster players among the 34 remaining players on the spring roster.
The move with Smith would seem to affirm that Franklin Morales will initially be the fifth starter. Morales has been one of the Rockies more consistent starting pitchers this spring.
Gonzalez was sidelined for a week with a strained rib cage muscle. While he showed the Rockies impressive physical skills, there is some work that needs to be done on his approach at the plate.
With CarGon and Murton going down, does this mean Ian Stewart’s spot on the 25-man is secure?
I would say Stewart’s situation could be tied into Quintanilla and Baker, as well. I, however, would be very surprised to see Stewart sent out at this time. I think the decision that was made last week to have him start working at second base was the sign that the Rockies decided to keep him, and now must juggle the Baker-Quintanilla situation. The moves with Murton and Carlos Gonzalez, I think, are more an affirmation of Fowler’s sitaution and opens a possible situation for Ortmeier.
Cowboy, does Koshansky being claimed by the Rangers have an affect on what the Rockies do with Jeff Baker (since he can play 1B)? Or do the above listed roster moves somehow spell that since it would appear that Ortmeier (who can play 1B as well) may make the 25-man roster? By the way, I love this site! Glad I am still able to read your coverage of the Rockies.
I don’t really see the Koshansky move affecting Baker.
I think the decision with Baker will come down to Baker or Quintanilla. Baker’s lack of durability becomes an increasing concern, but other teams know that, too.
Wow, that really caught me off guard with Matt Murton. I thought for sure with the great spring he’s had that he would be one of the extra outfielders, possibly a platoon with Seth Smith. I really had high hopes for Murton, what a shame. But, if this move means something more positive for Fowler, I’m all for that.
Ava, with regards to Murton, I’m right there with you. I had hoped he would have made the roster but it seems more and more likely that one of those outfielder spots if going to be filled by Fowler, which I’m ecstatic about.
It could be that Rockies management wants Murton to get regular ab’s in the Springs. It seemed like he was having a heck of a Spring though! I’m a bit surprised to see Ortmeier stick though. Could it be that we’re going to see a Smith/Spilly split in left, with Fowler manning cf?! That would be VERY interesting!
Does anyone know if Fowler is a better hitter from the right vs left? Could be that when we face lefties, Spilly moves to left and Fowler takes over CF.
It’s almost too bad we don’t play fake baseball like the AL and use a DH. It seems like our young OF’s are all looking very good this Spring!
Tracy – first, apologies for jumping on the opening day pitcher question earlier today – it won’t happen again.
The Murton and Fowler situations have me a little confused. It would seem that Fowler could most benefit from regular play given where he is from a development perspective and if anybody seemed better suited to play a limited role it would have been Murton. Does the Murton move surprise you? and what am I missing with the way Dexter is being handled.
Marc, don’t worry. That’s always welcomed. It’s just the item you referred to had been eliminated from the other website so there was no sense referencing it. That’s why I linked to mlb.com, which had the story online.
The Murton move did surprise me, but when you look at the spring Ortmeier has had, it is similar and Ortmeier is a first base option. While Atkins is expected to move over to first when Helton needs rest, there has to be a little caution in light of the fact Atkins has been sidelined with two nagging injuries this spring.
That provides a little protection in case Atkins needs some time and the Rockies want to rest Helton, too.
Fowler has earned the chance. What you most likely will see is that Fowler won’t start against the likes of a Webb or Haren, but will be in the lineup most other days. Remember Ryan Spilborghs is above average in both left field and right field so that allows to keep him in the lineup, too, particularly on days that left-handed pitchers start.
The other thing, rest assured that if Fowler is on the roster he will be in center field in the late innings anytime the Rockies have a lead.
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