2012 Opening Day Roster for the Rockies

It's been a tad busy this week, but I couldn't let the week slip by without posting about the first 25 man roster for the upcoming season.  Well, it's a 25-man roster with a couple of caveats which I will explain in a bit.

POSITION PLAYERS (followed by year of Rockie debut)

Catchers
Ramon Hernandez - 2012
Wilin Rosario - 2011

Infielders
Jason Giambi - 2009
Todd Helton - 1997
Jonathan Herrera - 2008
Chris Nelson - 2010
Jordan Pacheco - 2011
Marco Scutaro - 2012
Troy Tulowitzki - 2006

Outfielders
Tyler Colvin - 2012
Michael Cuddyer - 2012
Dexter Fowler - 2008
Carlos Gonzalez - 2009
Eric Young Jr. - 2009

It was bit of a surprise that the trio of Herrera, Nelson, and Young all made the roster especially after the acquisition of Scutaro, but it will probably not last long.  The Rockies almost always go with 13 position players for the season, but a loophole in optioning players allowed the Rox to put off a decision for another week or so.


PITCHERS

Starting Rotation
Jeremy Guthrie - 2012
Jamie Moyer - 2012
Juan Nicasio - 2011
Jhoulys Chacin - 2009

Righty Relievers
Matt Belisle - 2009
Rafael Betancourt - 2009
Tyler Chatwood - 2012
Josh Roenicke - 2011
Esmil Rogers - 2009

Lefty Relievers
Rex Brothers - 2011
Matt Reynolds - 2010

11 pitchers was a surprise, especially with neither being Alex White or Drew Pomeranz.  But as I said earlier, there was a loophole that Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd shrewdly took advantage of.  Pomeranz is going to be the 5th starter, but he had 3 options remaining and the Rockies won't need a 5th starter until April 15th.  O'Dowd optioned Pomeranz to AAA with the intention of recalling him before the 18th when the option takes full effect.  All this means is Colorado gets an extra week to decide on their bullpen without Pomeranz losing an option.  I expect Jonathan Herrera to be the fall guy when Pomeranz comes up since he has 1 option remaining.


DISABLED LIST

OF - Charlie Blackmon - 2011
Will probably go to AAA or be traded when he is healthy unless Colvin and/or Young absolutely stink it up.
SP - Jorge de la Rosa - 2008
I honestly have no idea what the Rockies will do when JDLR is healthy, but I would imagine that the least productive starter is either trade or moved into long relief.
IF - Hector Gomez - 2011
I would be shocked if he didn't get sent down when he is healthy.
RP - Josh Outman - 2012
Finally something that tops Clint Barmes' deer meat up the stairs injury story.  If you didn't hear, Outman strained an oblique vomiting up some food from a 24/7 restaurant (presumably Denny's).  I have to admit, I chuckled about it too.  Anyway, he had won a bullpen spot before the Grand Slam Attack, and I expect him to take Tyler Chatwood's spot when he is healthy.


I am looking forward to a fun season, although I could get upset if some of the big decisions that will need to be made are made incorrectly (from my viewpoint).  But then again, that is the case with EVERY team on EVERY Opening Day.