The Colorado Rockies are finally ready for Opening Day 2011, as the last roster decisions have been made.
The big news is that starting third baseman Ian Stewart will be healthy and ready to play against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Stewart was involved with an on-field collision earlier in camp and suffered a knee injury that set him back from the other hitters.
The Rockies’ staff showed initial concerns that he would not get enough at-bats during spring training to be fully prepared for the season. There was talk that he could start the season on the 15-day Disabled List, and that his opening roster spot could be taken by outfielder Willy Taveras, who enjoyed a good camp as a minor league signing. Stewart has recovered fully from his injury — hitting two home runs against the Los Angeles Angels AAA squad in a minor league exhibition last night — and will be manning the hot corner on Opening Day.
The last remaining roster decision was at backup catcher. After the Rockies front office voiced their confidence in incumbent starter Chris Iannetta, they signed or traded for multiple options to back up Iannetta. Jose Morales, acquired this offseason in a trade with the Minnesota Twins, has officially won the job. Morales had a breakout camp, batting .400 and posting a 1.156 OPS.
The Rockies’ Opening Day Roster now looks like this:
C Chris Iannetta
C Jose Morales
1B Todd Helton
1B Jason Giambi
2B/IF Jose Lopez
2B/IF Ty Wigginton
SS Troy Tulowitzki
3B Ian Stewart
OF Seth Smith
OF Carlos Gonzalez
OF Dexter Fowler
OF Ryan Spilborghs
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Jorge De La Rosa
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Jason Hammel
SP Esmil Rogers
RP Huston Street
RP Rafael Betancourt
RP Matt Lindstrom
RP Matt Belisle
RP Felipe Paulino
RP Franklin Morales
RP Matt Reynolds