As ususual, the Colorado Rockies have done nothing significant during the offseason. While other teams in the NL West continue to fine-tune their rosters, make trades and pick up free agents, Colorado has chosen to sit on its hands, once again. The roster is largely unchanged since last season.
Here is a look at the non-roster pitchers headed to Arizona to vie for a spot on the 40-man roster:
Manuel Corpas – Inconsistent since 2007, the right-handed reliever looks to be a part of the Rockies hybrid rotation, if his shoulder and slider hold up in spring training. Corpas went 0-2 with a 5.01 ERA in 48 appearances for the Chicago Cubs last season. He is back with Colorado, undoubtedly because of his experience with the Rockies from 2006-2010.
Logan Kensing – After kicking around the minors with the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates the last two seasons, the 30-year-old righty signed a minor league deal with Colorado. He is 8-9 with a 5.81 ERA in 134 career MLB games.
Mike McClendon – 5-0 with a 3.88 ERA in 35 games with the Milwaukee Brewers (2010-12), he is looking to make to 40-man roster in a relief capacity. Last year wasn’t very fruitful for him as he went 0-0 with a 6.43 ERA in nine games. His chance to make the rotation is more interesting than the other non-roster invitees.
Jeff Manship – In 85.2 MLB innings, he has given up 11 home runs and 32 walks. He is the owner of a sizeable 6.20 ERA and gives up a .311 average to opposing batters. His record indicates a less-than-favorable projection to make the opening day roster.
The non-roster invitees are always interesting because they have to work the hardest to supplant team veterans, but their hunger could be an asset. This crop of non-roster pitchers headed to Arizona doesn’t look particularly strong; most possess high ERAs and lack continuous, productive experience.
Of the invitees, expect Corpas and possibly McClendon to make the roster, while the others will be sent down to the minors. Corpas’ experience will be his greatest asset, and McClendon could project into a relief role as well.
