Q>> After last year’s record, and this offseason’s lack of moves, what and who are supposed to drive our excitement? Who are this year’s Ezequiel Tovar, Brenton Doyle and Nolan Jones? We are still waiting on Tulo/Jimenez/Morales II.

— Robert Emmerling, Limon

Patrick>> The “excitement drivers” this season, outside of Tovar, Doyle and Jones, will likely be outfielders Jordan Beck, Yanquiel Fernandez and Zac Veen and second baseman Adael Amador. Beck and Fernandez can mash, Veen is an all-around talent, and Amador shows signs of being a terrific all-around player.

The thing is, while I assume that the Rockies will continue a full-fledged youth movement this season, it’s difficult to predict when the prospects will make it to the majors. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the club go all in on the kids in the second half of the season.

Q>> Which non-roster invited player will surprise everyone in spring training and make the Rockies’ opening-day roster?

— Ed Helinski, Auburn, N.Y.

Patrick>> That’s a great question. The key phrase in your question is “surprise everyone.” I don’t think there is anyone who is going to shock us and force his way onto the roster this spring. Perhaps outfield prospect Jordan Beck could bash his way onto the lineup with a titanic spring.

The one player who comes into camp under the radar is right-handed reliever John Curtiss, who signed a minor-league deal with Colorado in late January. Curtiss, 30, is trying to revive his career after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021 while he was with the Brewers.

Curtiss spent two seasons with the Mets but spent all of 2022 on the team’s 60-day injured list as he recovered from his surgery. The Mets signed him to a two-year deal, knowing that he would miss all of 2022, but he didn’t pitch well in limited action last season, posting a 4.58 ERA over 15 appearances (19 2/3 innings). But he’s got a decent track record. He’s pitched for the Angels, Rays, Marlins and Brewers and has a career 3.81 ERA in 91 games. Colorado’s bullpen needs some veteran depth.

Q>> What are your thoughts on the pitching rotation this season — starters, relievers and closers? Where do you see Cal Quantrill being in the rotation? Are there any young guys worth keeping an eye on?

— Trent Finnegan, Broomfield

Patrick>> It’s very early in camp, so things are still very fluid, particularly in the bullpen. As it stands now, the three starters locked into the rotation are left-handers Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber and Quantrill. Free-agent signee Dakota Hudson, a veteran right-hander, will likely be the fourth arm in the rotation. I think the Quantrill trade was a solid move.

Right-handers Peter Lambert, Ryan Feltner and Noah Davis are competing for the fifth spot, with Lambert and Feltner ahead of Davis. You can read more about that in my recent story on Feltner’s comeback from his scary head injury.

The favorite to win the closer’s job is right-hander Justin Lawrence, though he’ll get pushed by right-hander Tyler Kinley.

As for intriguing newcomers, I’d keep an eye on right-hander Jaden Hill and lefty Carson Palmquist, though they probably won’t break camp with the team. Hill, who’s transitioning from starter to reliever, performed well in the Arizona Fall League.

Q>> Now that the Rockies have two Baseball Hall of Famers, and given that the Rotary Club of Denver no longer gives the Branch Rickey Award, what is the likelihood that the Rockies remove “The Player” from Coors Field’s home plate entrance plaza in favor of Todd Helton and Larry Walker statues?

— Matt Finnigan, Superior

Patrick>> I have heard nothing about the Rockies erecting statues of Helton or Walker at 20th and Blake. For now, the statue that’s in place there will have to suffice as a meeting place for Rockies fans. I think statues of Walker and Helton would be a nice addition and I know a lot of other fans think so too.