Michael Cuddyer ‘very likely’ to bat second for Colorado Rockies

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Colorado Rockies should not have a problem producing runs in 2014. It seems like we say that about them every season, but it will be true again in 2014.

The strength of their lineup centers around three hitters in particular: Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, and veteran Michael Cuddyer. In the past two seasons, those three have batted in the 3, 4, and 5 spots in the order, conforming to the way that lineups are traditionally constructed. That might not be how things look in the middle of Colorado’s lineup in 2014, however.

Manager Walt Weiss hinted on Wednesday that he might use Cuddyer in the #2 spot in the lineup. According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, Weiss said the following about the possibility:

"It is very likely. It reminds me of when we had Ellis there. I talked to him about it this winter. I like the idea of having such a powerful hitter there when the lineup turns over. Cuddy is a proven run producer.”"

The ‘Ellis’ to whom Weiss refers would be Ellis Burks, who batted in the second spot in the order in the days of the Blake Street Bombers.

As for Cuddyer, who is coming off a season in which he batted .331/.389/.530 en route to a batting title, he is excited about the idea:

"I like it…If it were to happen, it would give us some dangerous hitters in the top and middle of the order. If we didn’t have the depth in the order, obviously it wouldn’t work.”"

The Rockies simply do not have the personnel to hang with the class of the National League West. If they are going to make noise, they will have to show a willingness to be creative and buck convention. Entering Spring Training, it looks like manager Walt Weiss is willing to do just that.