The Colorado Rockies might not be baseball’s best team, but they might have one its brightest young stars in Nolan Arenado.
The 24-year-old is having a breakout 2015 campaign, and is on track to be selected to his first All-Star game. He is one of the league leaders in RBI’s with 42, placing him just ahead of fellow third baseman, Josh Donaldson.
In addition, his 13 home runs rank in the top-12 amongst all MLB players.
What’s most impressive about Arenado’s home run totals is his ability to hit them away from the hitter-friendly Coors Field. He has hit 10 of his long balls at opposing ballparks while batting a full .43 points higher. Home-and-away splits hardly matter to the Colorado fans, who have slowly come around to the All-Star hopeful. It comes at a good time too, as team starting shortstop, Troy Tulowitzki, is likely playing his final months in a Rockies uniform.
Arenado gives fans someone to rally around in the event of Tulo’s departure.
But it’s not just the Colorado faithful that have taken a liking to Arenado. Baseball legend, Brooks Robinson, isn’t necessarily a Rockies fan, but he does appreciate Arenado’s approach to the game of baseball. He spoke to the Denver Post and gave his thoughts on the third baseman.
“No one plays any better than he does, just following him and hearing people talk…..I know Nolan is having a terrific year and hit some home runs here in the last few days. Everyone tells me he’s one terrific player, and certainly I believe that. I’ve seen some highlights, sure. He can do it all.”
The Rockies are fighting to stay at .500, but they have not given up on a postseason run.
Nolan Arenado has become the heart and soul of a relatively young Rockies team. For Colorado to remain in contention, Arenado needs to continue producing at an All-Star level, which he assuredly will for many years to come.