Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Yankees Deny Rumors That Team Is For Sale

Rockies Spring Training 2012: Pitchers And Catchers Have Official Reporting Day

Pitchers and catchers officially report for the Colorado Rockies on Sunday and will have their first workout on Monday. What should we be looking for among these groups of players?

At catcher, Chris Iannetta is gone, having been traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Tyler Chatwood. Ramon Hernandez signed a two-year deal with the Rockies and will be the Opening Day backstop. Behind him, Hernandez might have rookie Wilin Rosario as his backup ... or he might have Wil Nieves. Rosario, 23 on Feb. 23, tore his ACL in 2010, but made his way to the majors for a brief stint during the 2011 season. He had 11 hits in 57 plate appearances, including three home runs. He could start the season at Triple-A Colorado Springs if the team wants to wait a bit for him.

In the rotation, Jeremy Guthrie has become the favorite to be the Opening Day starter, moving Jhoulys Chacin down to the No. 2 slot. Chacin moved into the No. 1 role last season once Ubaldo Jimenez was traded and faltered. The team is looking for better fastball control from Chacin, who led the National League with 87 walks.

Behind Guthrie and Chacin, the rest of the rotation is up for grabs, though the next two spots are close to being lock. Drew Pomeranz, acquired in the Jimenez deal, should be the No. 3 starter while Juan Nicasio, recovered from a broken neck, is ready to go and should have no restrictions at all. The No. 5 spot includes pitchers such as Jamie Moyer, Esmil Rogers, Josh Outman and Alex White, but Guillermo Moscoso is the front-runner for the spot.

In the bullpen, Rafael Betancourt officially takes over as the closer with the trade of Huston Street to the San Diego Padres. Matt Lindstrom left (with Jason Hammel) for the Baltimore Orioles in the Jeremy Guthrie trade. Zach Putnam was acquired for Kevin Slowey at the end of January and could now find a spot in the Rockies' bullpen as a result of Lindstrom's departure.

Here is a full list of pitchers and catchers:

Right-handed Pitchers Left-handed Pitchers
Matt Belisle Rex Brothers
Rafael Betancourt Edwar Cabrera
Chad Bettis Jorge De La Rosa
Jhoulys Chacin Christian Friedrich
Tyler Chatwood Jamie Moyer
Stephen Dodson Josh Outman
Mike Ekstrom Drew Pomeranz
Edgmer Escalona Matt Reynolds
Joe Gardner
Jeremy Guthrie
Dustin Molleken
Guillermo Moscoso
Juan Nicasio
Zach Putnam Catchers
Josh Roenicke Wilkin Castillo
Esmil Rogers Lars Davis
Rob Scahill Ramon Hernandez
Josh Sullivan Matt McBride
Carlos Torres Wil Nieves
Alex White Wilin Rosario

For more coverage of all things Denver sports, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage of the Rockies, visit Purple Row. For more updates on the MLB Hot Stove, check out Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish.

Do you like this post?

Comments

30 updates with 0 comments

Like to see major updates on this story in Facebook.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 12:  Ty Lawson #3 of the Denver Nuggets goes up for a dunk in the second half while taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

2012 NBA Summer League: Nuggets To Participate In 24-Team League

LE SONNANT D'URIAGE, FRANCE - JULY 23:  Ryder Hesjedal of Canada and Team Garmin-Cervelo in action during stage twenty of the 2011 Tour de France, a 42.5km time trial from Grenoble to Grenoble on July 23, 2011 in Le Sonnant d'Uriage, France.  (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

2012 Giro d'Italia: Ryder Hesjedal Remains In 2nd Place As Race Enters Last Stages

SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 07:  MLB commissioner Bud Selig speaks during the MLB First Year Player Draft on June 7, 2010 held in Studio 42 at the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey.  (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

2012 MLB Draft: Rockies Hold Pick No. 10