Coors Field Conundrum: Jake McCarthy's Speed Makes Lineup Choices a Tough Call
Jake McCarthy's blazing speed is turning heads at Coors Field, and for good reason. The Colorado Rockies snagged McCarthy for his ability to cover ground in the outfield, his defensive versatility, and his knack for stealing bases.
Last season with the D-Backs, McCarthy faced some struggles, hitting just .204 with 20 RBIs and a .592 OPS over 206 at-bats. A tough 0-for-30 slump led to a stint in Triple-A, where he found his groove again, batting .314.
McCarthy's speed is his standout feature, clocking in at 29.9 ft/sec, putting him right up there with speedsters like Trea Turner and Bobby Witt. This makes him a perfect fit for the expansive outfield at Coors Field.
Manager Warren Schaeffer has some intriguing decisions ahead for the lineup, especially when considering righty or lefty matchups. In the Cactus League opener, McCarthy started in center field while Jordan Beck moved to right. With Brenton Doyle usually in center, this could be a test to see if Beck can handle right field, giving McCarthy more room in left.
Beyond his defensive skills, McCarthy adds a left-handed bat and a major threat on the bases. In 2023, he swiped 26 bases in 30 attempts, an impressive 86.7% success rate. He showcased this speed again by stealing second and scoring on Cole Carrigg's RBI triple in a recent game against Arizona.
McCarthy's role with the Rockies could vary. He might serve as a platoon outfielder, spelling Doyle on off days, or if he finds consistency at the plate, he could lock down a starting spot in the outfield.
The Rockies' outfield is crowded, with competition from players like Mickey Moniak, who had a standout year, and versatile veteran Willi Castro. There's also a crop of promising prospects like Cole Carrigg, Zac Veen, Sterlin Thompson, and Charlie Condon, who is also being considered for first base duties.
With this depth, questions arise about Moniak's role-perhaps as a designated hitter against right-handed pitchers when Hunter Goodman is behind the plate-or the possibility of a trade to manage the surplus.
McCarthy's speed and base-stealing prowess make him a valuable asset and a tough player to keep out of the lineup, especially for a Rockies team eager for solutions.