5 Reasons (Besides Trevor Story) For Rockies Fans To Be Excited
DENVER (CBS4) - What Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story accomplished in his first week in the majors was stunning, and everyone is hoping his success continues.
That includes former Rockies player Ryan Spilborghs, who is currently an analyst for Root Sports. Spilborghs predicts Story will have lots more success in his baseball career. But what about the rest of the team?
Spilborghs said on Xfinity Monday Live that Rockies fans definitely have some other things they can look forward to this year, too. Here are five positives he pointed out.
Tony Wolters, Catcher
Spilborghs is a big fan of Wolters, who the Rockies claimed off the waiver wire in February. So is Rockies manager Walt Weiss, who loves the way Wolters handles the ball in the field. Wolters started off with the Cleveland Indians as an infielder. He's a shortstop by trade and can play second base, but he's currently a catcher. "I've never seen a guy that can play shortstop at the major league level ... and then be a catcher," Spilborghs said. "He's fun to watch."
Gerardo Parra, Outfield
The Rockies acquired Gerardo Parra in January. Last year Parra played for both Baltimore and Milwaukee, but he's now set to be part of the Rockies organization for a while. "He plays great defense," Spilborghs said. Parra has close ties to fellow teammate Carlos Gonzalez, and Spilborghs said they have a special dynamic. "They both come from Venezuela, they come from the same area. They are literally brothers -- they are inseperable.," Spilborghs said.
Jake McGee, Pitcher
Left-handed relief pitcher Jake McGee currently has the closer's job for the Rockies. "McGee is a fastball pitcher and you know what you're going to get, but guess what, he doesn't have a curve ball but the secondary pitch that he does have -- the slider, works really well at Coors Field," Spilborghs said. "I thought it was important that the Rockies continued to bolster the bullpen. I think if you look at the models of the Kansas City Royals, the Giants -- you look at these teams that have been successful in the World Series and in the playoffs -- it's the back end of the bullpen that makes all the difference."
Chad Bettis
The Rockies 2010 2nd-round pick pitched seven strong innings on Sunday and is showing signs of improvement. "He was able to throw his fastball, cutter, curveball," Spilborghs said. "It's all been works in progress."
Pitching Prospects In The Minor Leagues
You never want to rush pitching prospects, but Spilborghs says there's reason for optimism when it comes to the future of the Rockies starting rotation. "There is a group of guys that is coming -- they are all starting pitchers. And if you look at the numbers and if you saw them in spring training you say 'Okay, I see it.' ... When you talk to the guys in the clubhouse, guys like Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado, D.J. Lemahieu, that faced these pitchers during spring training and during live batting practice, they go 'OK, yeah, they've got some arms.'" Spilborghs is referring to players like Jeff Hoffman, Jesus Tinoco, German Marquez and Kyle Freeland. "If you give them time to mature, they'll be a lot better," he said.