2012 Roster Projection: Colorado Rockies

Ladies and gentlemen, the focus is now officially on 2012. For all of us, except for maybe Cardinals fans, it's time to move on from 2011. This year is so last year anyways. So here at MLBDD we're spending some time projecting each team's 25-man roster for Opening Day 2012. We're not projecting trades or free agent signings here, so this is purely focusing on the talent that each team already has in-house. The 2012 season may not start soon, but we can still think about what it might look like.

Starting Lineup (ages are based on April 4, 2012)

Catcher: Chris Iannetta - Age 29 (as of 4/8/12)

First Base: Todd Helton - Age 38

Second Base: Chris Nelson - Age 26

Third Base: Ian Stewart - Age 27 (as of 4/5/12)

Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki - Age 27

Left Field: Seth Smith - Age 29

Center Field: Dexter Fowler - Age 26

Right Field: Carlos Gonzalez - Age 26

Batting Order

1. CF Fowler 2. LF Smith 3. RF Gonzalez 4. SS Tulowitzki 5. 1B Helton 6. C Iannetta 7. 3B Stewart 8. 2B Nelson

Bench

C Wilin Rosario, 1B Jason Giambi, IF Ty Wigginton, IF Jonathan Herrera, OF Ryan Spilborghs

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Jhoulys Chacin - Age 24

2. RHP Jason Hammel - Age 29

3. RHP Esmil Rogers - Age 26

4. RHP Alex White - Age 23

5. LHP Drew Pomeranz - Age 23

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Rafael Betancourt - Age 37 (as of 4/29/12)

Others: RHP Huston Street, LHP Rex Brothers, RHP Matt Lindstrom, RHP Matt Belisle, LHP Matt Reynolds, RHP Josh Roenicke

Some Quick Thoughts

• They could go either Herrera or Eric Young Jr. at second base, or they could bring back Mark Ellis on a short-term deal, but I have Nelson there right now.
  
• Third base is another question mark, but the Rockies appear to be willing to have another go with Ian Stewart there. It'll be his last chance in Colorado, and they have an alternative in place in Wigginton, so I wouldn't expect him to have a particularly long leash despite a multi-million dollar commitment.
• There are rumors that they could look into a power bat such as Michael Cuddyer or Josh Willingham, but it may be more appropriate to simply find a platoon mate for Seth Smith. The Rockies have one half of a good left fielder, so no point in paying a premium to bring in a full-time guy.
• The rotation is going to be very, very young, at least until Jorge De La Rosa returns from Tommy John surgery. They could add another veteran arm to suck up some innings, but I'd expect to see a bunch of young Rockies pitchers add some experience in 2012.