Brandon Barnes appears in line to open the season as the Rockies' fifth outfielder, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Barnes appears in line to open the season as the Rockies' fifth outfielder, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

Both of the Rockies' projected reserves -- Barnes and Drew Stubbs -- possess the ability to play all three outfield spots, giving the team solid depth in the event historically fragile Carlos Gonzalez breaks down again at some point in 2015. In addition to offering utility as a late-inning defensive replacement, Barnes thrived as a bench bat last season, accruing a .338/.378/.610 line over the 85 plate appearances he made in games he didn't start.