Final decisions for the Rockies
With Esmil Rogers now set to be the Colorado Rockies fifth starter, only few pieces have yet to fall in place before Opening Day:
- The two left-handed bullpen spots are still somewhat unsettled. Matt Reynolds, Franklin Morales, Rex Brothers and Eric Stults are in the mix. Reynolds looks safe after pitching well this week and he may end up paired with Morales just as expected before the start of spring training. But this decision could depend on what happens in the final games of spring training.
- Rogers is likely to start the season at Triple-A where he can pitch on schedule before he is needed in major leagues for the first time on April 9. If that happens, the Rockies plan to carry an eighth reliever. Greg Reynolds and Matt Daley are the most likely candidates, although if Brothers or Stults force their way into the bullpen, the extra spot would allow the Rockies to keep Morales, who is out of options, around and buy the team another week to make its final bullpen decision.
- Jose Morales, Matt Pagnozzi and Jordan Pacheco are competing for the backup catcher job. Barring a trade or injury, the rest of the Rockies bench is likely to include Jason Giambi, Ty Wigginton, Ryan Spilborghs and Jose Lopez/Jonathan Herrera.
If we have a RH reliever who can get LH batters out (Daley) why do we need to keep Morales. If teams are interested in EY2 and Lopez, then we could throw Morales in to sweeten the pot and get a needed part (4th or 5th starter)
My point being that a RH reliever who can be effective is more valuable than Morales walking, hitting batters, and wild pitching people around the bases.