Rotoprofessor

Well, a little bit of Colorado Rockies news on this Sunday afternoon.  According to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post (click here for the article), the Rockies could try Ian Stewart as a replacement for Matt Holliday in left field.  Obviously, there are a few factors involved in that decision.

First of all, if Garrett Atkins is traded, moving Stewart is not going to be an option since they will need him as a replacement.  Secondly, the health of Todd Helton will also play a role.  In the same article, Saunders notes that Helton “is making steady progress in his recovery from back surgery he underwent Sept. 30 to relieve pressure on a bulging disc” and also that he is “still a long time away from baseball activities”.  Even if Atkins isn’t traded, if he is forced to play 1B as he was at the end of last season, Stewart will be used at 3B.

No matter which scenario plays out, it appears like the Rockies are going to use Stewart in an every day role next season.  Stewart was great early on once inserted in the everyday line-up but struggled in September, hitting just .139 with 1 HR in 72 AB.  Still, he has potential as a sleeper and breakout player.  I’ll give a lot more insight into my thoughts on him later on this off-season.