KISZLA: ARENADO FRUSTRATED WITH LOSING SEASON

Dodgers and Rockies? Arenado cannot close it by himself.

But at age 28, Arenado has demonstrated a combination of offensive and defensive greatness the sport has seldom seen at his position. It leads me to wonder aloud:

Could he join Brooks Robinson, Eddie Matthews, George Brett and Mike Schmidt among the greatest third basemen of all time?

“When I hear about being one of the greatest third basemen of all time, that stuff is literally in one ear and out the other,” Arenado replied, humbly gazing at his feet as he stood in the Colorado clubhouse.

“Those are the GOATs of the game. Those are guys who had longevity in the game and accomplished so much. I’ve been in the big leagues for (seven) years. I’ve got a ways to go to accomplish what they’ve accomplished. It means a lot hearing my name in the same category. … But they’ve got longevity, and my goal is to find a way to be consistent and continue to get better.”

Although stuck in last place, Arenado does not regret signing the biggest contract in team history back in February. When he allowed the weight of a 6-19 record in July to drag his performance down, Arenado learned the hard way that fretting about every flaw in the franchise is a self-defeating exercise.

So Arenado’s next goal is to push his slash line to a lofty place only a future Hall of Famer can even dream about. Maturing as a hitter, Arenado wants to find out if it’s possible reach the end of a long season with his batting average above .300, his on-base percentage above .400 and his slugging percentage above .500.

“I think you can always chase something good and great in this game. And … it’s a rare occasion to see players go 3-4-5: .300 batting average, .400 on base, .500 slugging,” Arenado said.

“I’m not saying I’m going to ever do that. But that’s a goal, so why not? I feel like I’m always trying to get better and that’s a great year, so why not try to strive for greatness like that? (Christian) Yelich, (Cody) Bellinger and (Mike) Trout, they’ve done it. Those are the best players in the game. I would like to do those things.”

The bottom line? Arenado is trying to put together a season that would win him the MVP.

“I’m trying to set my eyes on something greater,” Arenado said. “I don’t want to be content with what I’m doing. That’s a bad trap to fall into.”

Arenado smartly insisted his new contract put the onus on Colorado to build a contender. He has the power of a full notrade clause, as well as the ability to opt out and leave the team after the 2021 season. The pressure is squarely on Bridich to surround Arenado with teammates worthy of an all-star third baseman who loves Colorado, but loves winning more.

So I asked Arenado: Can the Rockies close the huge talent gap between them and Los Angeles before the opening game of next season?

“Well, it remains to be seen. I’m not in charge of that. But I hope so,” Arenado said.

“Losing is not fun. Losing is not why I’m here.”