Who should be the Rockies’ starting shortstop? Story? Valaika? Amarista?
Kiz: The Rockies are on a roll. And nothing, it seems, can stop them. Not the loss of staff ace Jon Gray to injury. Not a sophomore slump by shortstop Trevor Story. In the first dozen games after Story was shelved by a shoulder injury, Colorado went 8-4. Story is getting healthy and was activated Tuesday. But how healthy is his swing? Should manager Bud Black make Story his everyday shortstop now that’s he back?
Groke: Story was activated Tuesday in Philadelphia from the disabled list after his strained left shoulder healed. But he was not in the starting lineup in Philadelphia. Alexi Amarista was the starter. This does not answer your question, though, Kiz. And before I tell you the answer, let me expand the parameters: Black has said, repeatedly, that he prioritizes defense out of his starting shortstop. Story’s defense fits that demand. But there’s more. …
Kiz: Know what’s most refreshing about the Rockies in 2017? It’s no longer about the process. It’s all about winning. After a terrible April, Story did show signs of breaking out his slump prior to getting hurt. But, in his absence, Colorado showed it has capable replacements, most notably the 5-foot-6 Amarista, a small stick of dynamite. He has won Black’s trust. Colorado needs the shortstop who gives it the best chance to win in the lineup.
Groke: In four rehab games in Triple-A, Story collected three hits. And three strikeouts. His whiff rate remains alarming. And the Rockies did not lose a beat with him out of the lineup. But here’s where we split. The Rockies’ starting shortstop right now should be Pat Valaika, a.k.a. Patty Barrels. His defense is sound, and in fewer than half the plate appearances, he already has a higher WAR (wins above replacement) than Story, according to Fangraphs. He’s bashing the ball.
Kiz: We want to believe that the development of a promising young majorleague player is a straight line toward stardom. It’s not. The rookie season of Story was no fluke. But his painfully bad strikeout rate is no joke. With Amarista batting .354 vs. right-handed pitching, while Story has four home runs in 32 at-bats against lefties, I think Black should employ a platoon system at shortstop until Story patches some holes in his swing.
Groke: Amarista, the “Little Ninja,” is Black’s ultimate utility bench guy. He plays anywhere; he can even pitch in a pinch. But at starting shortstop, the Rockies should settle on the hot bat between Valaika and Story. If their defense remains in touch, then go with the hitter who can better handle the seventh spot in the order. Right now, that’s Valaika. He’s hitting homers and driving in runs at a higher clip, and his .820 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) is significantly higher than Story’s (.685).