Colorado Rockies All-Time Starting Lineup/Roster

The Colorado Rockies are one of 7 teams that have yet to win a World Series though they did have a chance in 2007. Their lineup is filled with a bunch of players current day fans might recognize as two of their starters are on their current team. In fact, a bunch of them were even on their roster or playing for another team just within the past five years. There’s an interesting mix of talent here with some dangerous power and contact hitters. However, it’s debatable whether these hitters are actually that good or if Coors Field played a role in inflating their numbers.

Starting Lineup

1. Charlie Blackmon, CF (L)
2. Larry Walker, RF (L)
3. Nolan Arenado, 3B (R)
4. Todd Helton, 1B (L)
5. Troy Tulowitzki, SS (R)
6. Matt Holliday, LF (R)
7. DJ LeMahieu, 2B (R)
8. Jeff Reed, C (L)
9. Ubaldo Jimenez, P (R)
Manager: Clint Hurdle

Catcher

Jeff Reed
1996-99: 131 Runs, 36 HR, 134 RBI, 4 SB, .286 BA/.373 OBP/.456 SLG

While Jeff Reed was a journeyman throughout his career, he had some good seasons in Colorado. He had his best power seasons of his career and was great at hitting for average. While there aren’t any right or wrong picks at catcher, Reed is the best of the bunch. While we can’t expect too much out of him, he’ll provide some good numbers at the bottom of the lineup and if he can replicate his 1997 season, that’ll be perfect.

Honorable Mentions: Chris Iannetta, Steve O’Neill, Tony Wolters

First Baseman

Todd Helton
1997-13: 1,401 Runs, 369 HR, 1,406 RBI, 37 SB, .316 BA/.414 OBP/.539 SLG

The lifelong Rockies first baseman is the obvious pick here. Todd Helton compiled a storied career though he could never keep up the power he displayed in his prime. From 1999 to 2004, Helton looked like one of the best slugging first baseman in the game with 30+ home run seasons, and nearly 100 or more runs and RBI each year. However, despite playing in the friendly confines of Coors Field, Helton stopped hitting homers and instead focused on hitting for average. In his 17 years, he was one of the best to do it in Colorado though his Hall of Fame chances may be lessened simply because of the drop in power and playing in Coors.

Honorable Mentions: Andres Galarraga, Charlie Hayes

Second Baseman

DJ LeMahieu
2011-18: 498 Runs, 49 HR, 345 RBI, 75 SB, .299 BA/.352 OBP/.408 SLG

Many people thought DJ Lemahieu was a product of Coors field and that his batting average would never hold outside of Colorado. However, a move to New York this year proved that to be false as he’s had yet another breakout season. LeMahieu has continued hitting very well and actually set a new career high in home runs. He’s an amazing bat that the Rockies can count on to get on base and someone that absolutely needs to be in this lineup.

Honorable Mentions: Eric Young Sr., Clint Barmes

Shortstop

Troy Tulowitzki
2006-15: 660 Runs, 188 HR, 657 RBI, 55 SB, .299 BA/.371 OBP/.513 SLG

While Troy Tulowizki retired just earlier this year, he was once the best shortstop in the league and compared to Derek Jeter with his wizardly defense. He was on pace to become one of the best shortstops ever but injuries plagued his career ad eventually knocked him out of the game. There’s no denying Tulo was a special talent and was one of my favorites growing up. His passion for the game made him such an amazing player to follow. Additionally, his ability to hit for both power and average while playing superb defense at the shortstop position was something rarely seen in the game.

Honorable Mentions: Trevor Story, Neifi Perez

Third Baseman

Nolan Arenado
2013-19: 604 Runs, 216 HR, 710 RBI, 15 SB, .292 BA/.348 OBP/.541 SLG

He’s one of my favorite players to watch currently and his defensive skills are insane. The man handling the hot corner for the Rockies is none other than the 6 time Gold Glove Award winner and 2 time Platinum Glove winner, Nolan Arenado. He’s one of the most talented defensive players of this generation and has compares as the current day Brooks Robinson with his athleticism. Don’t forget about the bat either as he’s one of the most consistent players in all of baseball. While he’s not going to wow anyone with his power speed combo like some of today’s stars, there’s no denying his skillset and what he brings to the team every year.

Honorable Mentions: Vinny Castilla, Garrett Atkins

Left Fielder

Matt Holliday
2004-08, 18: 482 Runs, 130 HR, 486 RBI, 66 SB, .319 BA/.387 OBP/.550 SLG

While the left field spot can be split amongst two batters, almost like a platoon, we’ll designate Carlos Gonzalez as our backup right fielder. Playing left field will be Matt Holliday who was one of their key players in the late 2000s. He quickly made himself known as the next big power threat in Colorado and formed a great duo with Troy Tulowitzki in the middle of the Rockies lineup. He led the league in batting average once and even after leaving Coors, remained a great bat. While his power numbers were an effect of being in that stadium, there’s a chance he could’ve won MVP back in 2007.

Honorable Mentions: Dante Bichette, Corey Dickerson

Center Fielder

Charlie Blackmon
2011-19: 694 Runs, 166 HR, 494 RBI, 129 SB, .305 BA/.361 OBP/.510 SLG

The second current Rockies player in this lineup is their current right fielder, and former center fielder, Charlie Blackmon. He’ll occupy the leadoff position for Colorado and provides a very intriguing mix of power and average. While he doesn’t run quite as well as he has in the past, Blackmon’s hitting skills are undeniable. Expect a great bat at the top of the order with the ability to both get on base or hit a leadoff home run. While the move to center does make him a bit of a defensive liability, playing in Coors might make this game a slugfest anyways.

Honorable Mentions: Ellis Burks, Dexter Fowler

Right Fielder

Larry Walker
1995-04: 892 Runs, 258 HR, 848 RBI, 126 SB, .334 BA/.426 OBP/.618 SLG

While Larry Walker did spend time with 3 different teams in his career, he’s mainly remembered during his time with Colorado and rightfully so. Walker captured an MVP trophy back in 1997 and was one of their best power hitters in history. He averaged well over 30 home runs in each of his full seasons and rated well defensively. In fact, he earned 5 of his 7 career Gold Gloves while with the Rockies. He makes for a great middle of the order bat and excellent defender.

Honorable Mentions: Carlos Gonzalez, Brad Hawpe

Pitcher

Ubaldo Jimenez
2006-11: 56-45 Record, 3.66 ERA, 8.2 K/9, 3.9 BB/9

The only pitcher to ever throw a no hitter for the Rockies is Ubaldo Jimenez. For that reason, and his history of success with the team, he’s the starter. Coors Field has been notorious for being a hitter’s haven and it’s no surprise that even Jimenez’s stats aren’t that great. Last year, Kyle Freeland was simply impressive for Colorado despite poor peripherals. From a 4th place finish in last year’s CY Young voting, he was actually demoted to AAA this year and currently sports an ERA above 7. Meanwhile, Jimenez was able to have a few good years and showed that he could at least be a decent pitcher in the bigs.

Honorable Mentions: Aaron Cook, Kyle Freeland, Jorge De La Rosa

Manager

Clint Hurdle

While he’s not the manager with the highest winning percentage nor the current manager Clint Hurdle is the pick for Colorado’s skipper. He had a 534-625 record in his tenure from 2002-09 and helped the Rockies win 7 playoff games in his time. While he couldn’t help the Rockies win their first World Series, he did win their first pennant under his time at the helm. He’s the winningest manager in team history and is the logical pick here.