10 Spring Training Position Battles With Major Fantasy Baseball Implications
Colorado Rockies' First Baseman
This could have easily been either the Colorado Rockies' outfield, as well. They just got a lotta bodies to fill not-so-many positions. It's going to be a headache, but the obvious upsides of getting bats in that thin, Coors Field air are sickly.
Even with Carlos Gonzalez still a free agent and out of the picture, there are still at least five guys with a shot to lock down a spot in the outfield. Charlie Blackmon is a no-brainer, but then you've got Gerardo Parra, Ian Desmond, Raimel Tapia, and David Dahl all trying to fill the other two spots. Depending on who wins out there, one player could wind up at first base, which Roster Resource currently projects to be occupied by Ryan McMahon, at least against righties. You can see why this is frustrating.
And just to make things more delightful, we've got this.
Rockies’ Gerardo Parra undergoes hand surgery, will likely miss 4-6 weeks https://t.co/2iVRKIZEDC
— Denver Post Rockies (@DPRockies) February 16, 2018
Parra said he expects to be ready by the opener, but it's yet another factor we have to consider.
Desmond should be guaranteed a spot -- whether in the outfield or at first base -- making him seem pretty safe. He's being drafted as such, though, as the 112th overall pick and 28th outfielder in NFBC. There's no ambiguity discount there. As for the others, we have to play a bit of a guessing game.
What helps here is that the price isn't steep on any of Dahl, Parra, Tapia, or McMahon.
| 2018 NFBC ADP | Overall | Positional ADP |
|---|---|---|
| David Dahl | 232.71 | OF59 |
| Ryan McMahon | 338.68 | 1B34 |
| Gerardo Parra | 348.64 | OF89 |
| Raimel Tapia | 398.63 | OF101 |
Dahl's the most expensive, and he may carry the most risk after missing all of last year due to rib injuries. The cost isn't overly restrictive, but he's a bit less desirable than the others.
Even with Parra's surgery, he could still easily be worth that cost. McMahon's and Tapia's value would skyrocket if they were to earn starting jobs, even after Tapia's modest output last year. If you're drafting now, it's good to take stabs at those bottom three and hope things work out in your favor.
