Ryan Spilborghs

2013

There was no outlook written for Ryan Spilborghs.

2012

The Rockies non-tendered Spilborghs in December, a likely byproduct of their organizational riches in the outfield and his dwindling upside at age 32. Crowding in the Colorado outfield has long made him a part-time player, and interested clubs considering him for a fourth outfielder spot may see him as a better option against lefties (career .273/.357/.443). Not surprisingly, Spilborghs benefited from playing half of his games at Coors Field and owns a .306/.379/.483 line there for his career compared to a .239/.313/.366 line elsewhere. Temper your expectations for him as he battles for a bench spot with the Indians this spring.

2011

Spilborghs was the Rockies' fifth and at times fourth outfielder in 2010. Despite his numbers against lefties, he saw the majority of his at-bats against righties, where he excelled with a .296/.343/.471 batting line. He was able to maintain the strides he made in 2009 with his flyball rate (35.1 percent), but he still hits too many groundballs to be considered a power hitter. It's worth noting that his strikeout rate rose for the third year in a row (24.3 percent). Going into his age 31 season, expect some sort of a platoon role with Spilborghs and Seth Smith in right field.

2010

Spilborghs was going to share left-field duties with Seth Smith in 2009 until the Rockies' young outfield prospects developed. However, that development took less time than anticipated and Spilborghs collected just 352 at-bats. The outfield in Colorado is crowded heading into spring training, so Spilborghs profiles as the fifth outfielder/defensive replacement behind Brad Hawpe with very limited fantasy value going forward.

2009

A platoon with Seth Smith could make the two of them the Lowenstein/Roenicke for the hypoxic set. Spilborghs brings a little more defense and speed to the table, and can serve as a defensive replacement in either outfield corner. He's an excellent add in NL-only leagues, with a chance at lots of playing time if Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler fail.

2008

Spilborghs started the year at Triple-A, but finally received a callup after hitting more than .320 for the third straight year at the level. The eccentric outfielder received a good amount of playing time with Willy Taveras injured and Brad Hawpe struggling against lefties. In 264 at-bats, he hit .299/.363/.485 with 11 home runs and 51 RBI. He’ll start the season as the Rockies' fourth outfielder and should see a decent amount of playing time with Brad Hawpe's struggles against lefties and Willy Taveras' need for days off to rest his legs.

2007

Spilborghs opened 2006 back in Triple-A and was batting .317/.368/.458 when he was recalled in late May to Colorado. He's a good athlete with the ability to play center field, but he doesn't really do one thing really well. With a logjam in the Colorado outfield, it will take a big spring for Spilborghs to earn a job as a backup outfielder.

2006

Spilborghs spent 2005 dominating Double-A and Triple-A, hitting a combined .340/.418/.538 with 46 2B, 11 HR, 84 RBI, and 17 SB. Look for Spilborghs to compete for a roster spot during spring training, but with such a logjam in the outfield he may start the year at Triple-A. If he puts up similar numbers in 2006 he won't be there for long.