Let’s consider some (admittedly meaningless) spring training stats

I know. I know.

Spring training stats are meaningless. The sample sizes are too small. Pitchers are trying new pitches and grips. Hitters are making adjustments to their stances. It’s just not good data.

Still . . . .

Some interesting trends are beginning to emerge. So with the clear understanding that spring training has limited value, let’s see what’s there.

34

That’s the number of at-bats Ryan Ritter has had this season, which leads the Colorado Rockies.

He’s closely followed by Adael Amador and Troy Johnston with 34 and then Jordan Beck with 33. What does this show? The Rockies are giving the first three of this group a chance to show what they can do as they determine who’s staying with the Rockies and who’s headed to Triple-A Albuquerque.

MLB leader: LuJames Groover (AZ) with 38. (Ritter and Amador are fourth and sixth respectively.)

Prediction: Ritter breaks camp with the Rockies, Amador heads to ABQ, and Johnston becomes a free agent.

4

That’s the number of home runs T.J. Rumfield has hit this spring training, and it leads the Rockies and ties him (and 10 other guys) for second in MLB. Following Rumfield is Charlie Condon with three, and six other Rockies have hit two homers.

MLB leader: Matt McClain with 5.

Prediction: Rumfield is the Rockies starting first baseman. It’s not even close. Now to see who will platoon with the lefty.

13

That’s the number of hits Ryan Ritter has this spring training. He’s followed by Condon and Brett Sullivan with 12, and Johnston and Rumfield with 11. (Jordan Beck has 10.)

MLB leader: Matt McClain with 15. (Ritter is tied with six other players for second.)

5

That’s the number of doubles Jordan Beck has hit this spring training, and it leads the Rockies. Following him are Ritter and Sullivan with four, and Condon with three.

MLB leader: Jordan Beck (along with six other MLB players).

Prediction: Brett Sullivan starts the season as the Rockies backup catcher.

4

That’s the number of bases Jake McCarthy has stolen this season. He’s followed by Kyle Karros and Ritter with three, and four other Rockies who have stolen two bases.

MLB leader: Former Colorado Rockie Braiden Ward with 17. (Jared Olivia is in second place with seven.)

2

That’s the number of times Beck and Johnston have been caught stealing. Coming in second are seven Rockies who have been caught stealing once.

MLB leader: Bryce Johnson (SD) and Andruw Monasterio (BOS) With three.

13

That’s the number of times Jordan Beck has struck out so far. Following him are Sterlin Thompson with 12 and Drew Avans with 11. Ritter and Chad Stevens each have 10.

MLB leader: James Tibbs (LAD) and Patrick Wisdom (SEA) with 15. Beck and old friend Nolan Jones are fourth in this category.

1

That’s the number of times T.J. Rumfield has struck out.

Whoa.

9

That the number of times Chad Stevens has walked, and he leads the Rockies in this category by a lot.

In second place are Beck and Rumfield with five. Six Rockies have four walks. I am skeptical that Stevens breaks camp with the Rockies, but I do think there’s a place for him in ABQ if he wants it.

MLB leader: Actually, Chad Stevens along with three other players, Alex Freeland (LAD), Nick Kurtz (ATH), and Riley Unroe (HOU).

.486

That’s Rumfield’s OBP, which (clearly) leads the Rockies. Stevens is second (.459) with Ritter third (.436).

MLB leader: Matt McClain’s .667. Rumfield ranks fifth overall.

.767

You’ve probably guessed that this is Rumfield’s SLG, which is significantly higher than Ritter’s second-place .571.

If anything is clear, is that Rumfield and Ritter have made the 26-man roster.

MLB leader: Matt McClain’s scorching 1.179. Rumfield comes in fourth.

So that’s a snapshot of some Rockies position players.

Next week, I’ll look at some meaningless pitching data.

Closing thoughts

And that’s it for this week.

We’ve got some World Baseball Classic action to enjoy this weekend with the Rockies free-agent pitchers — Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, and Tomoyuki Sugano — having strong showings.

In the coming week, we should begin to get a clearer picture of the Rockies Opening Day roster.

Also, keep in mind that Thomas Harding reported earlier this week the Rockies may still be in the market for a first baseman, so stay tuned.

Thanks for reading —

Renee

Rockies Pitch is a newsletter that focuses on Colorado Rockies baseball.

Find me on Bluesky at @ReneeDechert.com or send an email to Renee@RockiesPitch.com