McMahon finding comfort level at second
Lost in the dust of the Rockies’ midsummer swoon has been the steady growth of second baseman Ryan McMahon.
No, he’s not making anyone forget all-star DJ LeMahieu, who is starring in the Bronx for the mighty Yankees. But McMahon’s maturity in the field and at the plate has left manager Bud Black encouraged.
“You are seeing a more wellrounded player,” Black said. “For the better part of the season, we have seen good work from him at second base, and he’s worked hard at it. That doesn’t surprise us, because he is an athletic player.
“The offensive part, statistically, over the last few weeks, has been impressive. He’s drawing walks, and he’s taking advantage of some mistakes by the pitchers. So he’s done a nice job.”
McMahon, 24, was hitting .266 with 11 home runs entering Tuesday night’s game against the Dodgers. His .340 on-base percentage is up significantly from the .307 OBP he posted last season.
Since the all-star break, he had led Colorado with 15 RBIs, and McMahon’s four home runs since the break were tied with first baseman Daniel Murphy for most on the team.
“I think I’m heading in the right direction, but there are obviously things I still have to learn,” McMahon said. “That’s one of the things I’m starting to discover, that you are never done working at this game.”
McMahon said his game preparation has improved significantly from last season.
“There are things I’m doing throughout the day that have helped me,” he said. “Studying, watching video, spending time in the cage. That helps me prepare for that night’s pitcher.”
The homework has made for fewer surprises and ineffective swings when he gets into the batter’s box. For example, if McMahon is expecting to see a back-foot slider, he’s better able to meet the pitch out front, rather than get tied up by the pitch.
All-star shortstop Trevor Story has been impressed.
“He can be a really good player, and I think he knows that now,” Story said. “You can tell in his atbats. He’s getting more walks. He’s not chasing much. He’s being more selective in what he wants, and that’s more than half the battle at this level.”
McMahon’s defense remains a work in progress. His .980 fielding percentage (six errors in 302 total chances) ranks 10th in the National League among everyday second baseman, but his 4.77 range factor ranks second. He has made his share of mental errors, such as failing to cover second base or attempting a fancy backhanded flip rather than making the sure out.
But McMahon, who came up as a third baseman, is finding his comfort level at second.
“When you’re a kid and you’re playing one position, one side of the infield, you become very comfortable with that,” Black said. “And when you move, it takes time to get comfortable. But I see him, looking forward, as an aboveaverage defender, no matter where you put him, with repetitions and games played.” Footnotes. Right fielder Charlie Blackmon missed his second consecutive start because of back spasms, but he was able to participate in batting practice, and Black said Blackmon will not have to go on the 10-day IL. … Outfielder Raimel Tapial is batting .333 since the all-star break, tied with Murphy for the best average on the team during that span.