By Jordan Long
The Colorado Rockies added veteran help to the infield, agreeing to a contract with Daniel Murphy. The deal is for 2-years, worth $24 million. Colorado may use him at 2nd base but is most likely he is going to be at 1st.
The Rockies knew the infield could be an issue next year. They are letting DJ Lemahieu test free agency and it is possible he won’t be back. Lemahieu was the every day 2nd baseman for Colorado the past 4 seasons. Last year, he started in 127 games at the position. He made an impressively low 4 errors all of last year, earning him a 2nd straight Gold Glove. The Rockies knew this could be a big loss defensively.
Murphy will help the Colorado Rockies offensively and defensively. On offense, Murphy is able to be on base and drive in runs. Last year for both the Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs, he hit .299 with 12 home runs and 42 RBI’s. He added 15 doubles.
The Rockies knew they wanted more offense, but that is not why they signed him. Rather it was his defensive skills. Murphy can be used at 1st and 2nd base. He appeared in 14 games at 1st base with the Washington Nationals last year. In those games, he didn’t record an error. In his career Murphy has played in 225 games at 1st base with only 18 errors.
If Murphy is the every day 1st baseman, that means Ian Desmond may move to the outfield. Desmond is not a natural 1st baseman but is more of an outfielder. He seems more comfortable in the outfield than in the infield. It is possible the Rockies may have Desmond stay at 1st for some games while Murphy is at 2nd base.
Colorado has an improved lineup with Murphy. They hope he can deliver. The next order of business for the Rockies is to sign a few relief pitchers. They have a closer in Wade Davis. Colorado must find a set up man who can pitch the 7th and 8th innings. When they do that, the Rockies are a team who will contend for a playoff spot next season.
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