LATEST REPORT: 3 Rockies Who Deserve More Playing Time, 1 Who Deserves Less
Now that we’ve entered a couple of weeks into the season, it’s time to examine three players who deserve more playing time and opportunities to showcase their abilities, along with one player who should have his time on the court significantly reduced (I’m sure you can figure out who that is).
Honorable Mention: Michael Toglia
Toglia demonstrates impressive power and distance with his hits, making his at-bats exciting to watch. However, consistency in making contact remains a challenge. So far this season, he’s struck out 10 times without drawing a walk, yet three of his four hits have resulted in home runs. His recent home run against the Diamondbacks highlighted his penchant for hitting homers. While Toglia appears a bit unrefined in his overall game, he shows promising potential as an entertaining power hitter.
😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/lhNHuiwU4j
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 10, 2024
Jake Cave is solid
In a team marked by inconsistency beyond Charlie Blackmon and Ryan McMahon, Jake Cave stands out as a reliable professional who understands his role well. Amidst a roster filled with young talent, Cave brings veteran stability, proving himself as a dependable backup for the Rockies in the limited opportunities he’s had so far. He ignited a late-game comeback against the Cubs with a crucial double, showcased his offensive prowess with an eighth-inning triple versus the Rays, and displayed his defensive skills with a notable diving catch against the Diamondbacks.
Ex-Twin Jake Cave with the triple. #Rockies pic.twitter.com/zH5WU30fAB
— Elliot 🎶 (@engeBe_Tc) April 7, 2024
Cave’s contributions extend beyond mere statistics; he adds solid defense, slightly above-average speed, and a level of consistency from one at-bat to the next. While not necessarily advocating for him to be an everyday starter, it seems reasonable for him to receive more than the three starts he’s had in the team’s first 13 games. Moreover, Cave represents a valuable trade asset for the Rockies this season, and increasing his visibility could enhance his trade value as the season progresses.
Elehuris Montero has the potential to breakout soon
Watching Elehuris Montero play during the 2023 season was quite frustrating. His performance revealed significant weaknesses, particularly as a hitter who seemed to either hit big or miss big, often swinging and missing at a worryingly high frequency. Defensively, he also posed concerns, with his performance rated at -6 outs above average between the two corner infield positions according to Baseball Savant. Consequently, in 2024, Montero has been exclusively assigned to first base or designated hitter roles. While his defensive skills may never be his strong suit, standing at 6’3 and weighing 235 pounds, Montero offers the Rockies the enticing prospect of considerable power potential akin to prime Miguel Sano.
By the end of the 2023 season, Montero had amassed a staggering 111-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio in the 85 games he played, a concerning statistic. However, as he entered the 2024 season, Montero showcased impressive adjustments, displaying more competitive at-bats and reducing his strikeout count to just four in the first eight games, along with three walks. Although his current batting average stands at a modest .172, at 25 years old, Montero’s improved plate approach is evident, as demonstrated by his recent RBI single against the Diamondbacks in a two-strike situation. Additionally, he has faced instances of misfortune, with many of his well-struck balls ending up in the gloves of defenders. Despite his subpar batting average, Montero’s Baseball Savant statistics are surprisingly positive, indicating strong rates in whiff, strikeout, hard-hit, and exit velocity metrics.
It is imperative for the Rockies to persist with Montero and observe if he can maintain his newfound approach in an everyday role, as both advanced metrics and observational analysis suggest that he is primed for positive regression.
Kris Bryant is still struggling
Everyone could predict the direction this was heading. I’ve covered it before, Rockies fans have voiced their frustrations, and there’s not much positivity to draw from it. We’re stuck with this contract, which is unfortunate for a team known for its caution in spending big money. In his 42 at-bats so far, Bryant is batting just .100 with a single home run and a 15-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. It’s not pretty, and his performances don’t resemble those of a former MVP. Bryant’s consistent playing time takes opportunities away from younger players like Montero and Michael Toglia, who have shown promise despite their low batting averages. I’m not suggesting benching the $182 million player, but reducing his role to part-time until he demonstrates positive contributions could benefit both the lineup and the development of the Rockies’ younger talent.
Rockies first baseman Kris Bryant discusses the ugly side of baseball after Friday's Home Opener:
“I've been through it all – death threats, kill yourself all the craziness that this game will dish out” pic.twitter.com/X7psTvb86o
— Dave Althouse (@davealthouse) April 6, 2024
Considering Bryant’s situation, it’s essential to remember that there’s no reason to doubt his passion for baseball. While his performance may be disappointing, it’s not akin to Anthony Rendon’s situation, where questions about his love for the game arose.
In a recent interview, Bryant mentioned facing negativity from fans, including receiving death threats. No athlete deserves such threats, whether it’s Bryant, Rendon, or anyone else. Criticism and heckling about performance are part of the game, but death threats should never be tolerated. Perhaps a supportive approach, akin to what Trea Turner experienced, could boost Bryant’s morale and help him turn his season around.