MLB Spring Training 2012: Rockies Trying to Find a Spot for Jordan Pacheco's Bat

Young slugger, Jordan Pacheco has been shuffled all over the diamond as a prospect in the Rockies' system—catching, playing first base and even playing a little third base.

His position uncertainty is definitely a product of his inability to master a position defensively, but it is more of a product of his outstanding bat.

The Rockies just keep trying to find a position for the 26-year-old right hander. His bat would be a welcome addition off the bench to a club whose biggest bench bat belongs to that of Jason Giambi.

He proved last season that he can hit at the major league level, and he's continuing to prove the same point this spring.

In 2011, Pacheco tallied 84 at-bats. He walked just three times, but hit .286/.318/.687, with two home runs and 14 RBIs. He had a total of 24 hits.

So far this spring, Pacheco is hitting the cover off the ball. He is hitting .436/.500/.641, with one home run and seven RBIs in 39 at-bats.

Versatility is valuable in the game today, and Pacheco can offer that to Colorado.

He was an infielder in college, the Rockies turned him into a catcher in 2008 and he can play a little third base. He can even fill in at first in an emergency.

Even though he's made a slew of impressive plays at the hot corner so far this spring, third base remains a work in progress. He committed two errors in the sixth inning of Monday's game.

The most likely spot for Pacheco on the Opening Day roster would be as the No. 2 catcher behind 36-year-old Ramon Hernandez. Pacheco would probably get a significant amount of at-bats in that role, as there's no telling how many games Hernandez will be able to catch given his age.

Pacheco should thrive in a full season in Colorado, even as a super-utility man.

He'll certainly benefit from the thin air in Denver, but he's got the type of bat that can produce at any level, as well as in any city.

With Pacheco on the roster in 2012, look for the Rockies to be a much deeper club than they were just a season ago.