Rockies shift focus to building their future

Spring Training has been a time of identity searching for the Rockies, who are forging their Nolan Arenado-less future. It’s a work in progress.

Colorado still has Trevor Story, who has displayed power while still trying to find consistency, and Charlie Blackmon, who is testing and tuning this spring, to bring a familiarity to a fan base longing for stars in other uniforms -- Arenado (Cardinals), DJ LeMahieu (Yankees -- yes, three years ago, but still). Many of the remaining offensive players are considered talented, but they have their individual weaknesses that must be corrected so they can take the next step.

With offensive uncertainty, Colorado is building around its pitching rotation -- an unusual strategy for a franchise that hasn’t had that type of pitching in the past. There is one troublesome injury (more on that later), but Germán Márquez, Jon Gray, Antonio Senzatela and Austin Gomber (acquired in the Arenado trade) provide some quality. If the bullpen finds its form, manager Bud Black believes he can squeeze out wins in close games.

Best development
The problem of offensive production at first base -- only intermittently satisfied since the retirement of Hall of Fame hopeful Todd Helton after the 2013 season -- seems in decent hands with right-handed-hitting C.J. Cron. The Rockies needed just a $1 million investment for Cron, who hit a combined 55 home runs for the Rays and Twins in 2018 and '19, and had four in his first 13 games with the Tigers last year before sustaining a season-ending left knee injury.

Unfortunate events
No. 2 starter Kyle Freeland exited Tuesday's start early with a left shoulder injury, and he will miss the beginning of the regular season -- a big blow, since the rotation is considered the strength of the club. Also, onetime top pick Brendan Rodgers was in line to start at second base as a rookie until he sustained a right hamstring injury.

• Freeland to miss at least a month with strain

Player who opened eyes
Lefty reliever Ben Bowden, who has overcome multiple injuries, was thought to need Minor League time. But his performance this spring has made Bowden a clear candidate to break camp with the big league club. Corner infielder Colton Welker also has unexpectedly challenged for a job, at least before the Triple-A season begins.

Wow moment
Josh Fuentes, a quality glove at both infield corners, provided two highlight defensive plays -- a leaping grab and a tag for a double play at first base on March 9 vs. the D-backs, and a charge, barehand and throw from third against the Dodgers’ A.J. Pollock on March 15.

In case you missed it
Raimel Tapia bats leadoff, plays left field and cares for the animals on a farm he bought for his father at home in the Dominican Republic.