Colorado Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon walks into the dugout before the start of a spring training Cactus League game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Feb. 25, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona. New pitches are unveiled, tested and often discarded. Veterans are rejuvenated. Prospects shine bright but are often humbled. Positions are won and lost.
“But I like this team. I think we have some good young players, sprinkled with a few vets. So I’m thinking that we can make some noise. I’m hoping that we can sneak up on some people. I don’t think a lot of people are expecting much from us, and that’s not a bad spot to be in.” Injuries, a dearth of talent and a lack of quality depth resulted in some ugly numbers. The team had a 5.67 ERA, the highest in the majors and the second-highest in franchise history behind the pre-humidor 1999 Rockies . Colorado starters posted a 5.91 ERA, the worst in the majors and the second-highest in franchise history behind the 1999 team .
Hudson, 29, was a first-round selection by the Cardinals in the 2016 draft. He’s a groundball pitcher who pitched well in his first three seasons, going 23-10 with a 3.18 ERA over 67 games, including 40 starts. But Hudson missed most of the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and he struggled last season, posting a 4.98 ERA in 81 1/3 innings of work. He was demoted to Triple-A, where he made 11 starts and had a 6.00 ERA.
The Rockies, however, did not sign any veteran relievers, choosing instead to stockpile pitchers via minor-league deals while counting on youngsters such as lefty Lucas Gilbreath and right-handers Victor Vodnik and Gavin Hollowell. Colorado also nabbed Anthony Molina from Tampa Bay in the Rule 5 Draft in December. Molina figures as a long reliever in 2024. Expect Black to mix and match a lot of young arms in Cactus League games to see what his options might be.
Colorado’s three highest-paid position players this season — first baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant , designated hitter/outfielder Charlie Blackmon and third baseman Ryan McMahon — are all coming off subpar seasons. “I think you are starting to see players push other players,” he said. “In the past, we haven’t been very deep, but I feel like our depth is getting better.
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