Blackmon’s super season worth savoring
By Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
The Rockies might make the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Then again, they might not. As their 9-1 victory over Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers on Thursday night proved, they are capable of playing terrific baseball. Conversely, their recent, tepid, 3-6 homestand showed they are capable of confounding, ugly baseball.
Yet through all of the highs and lows, one thing has become resoundingly clear: Charlie Blackmon has become a great player. Not a good player, a great player.
First, consider the raw numbers. Entering the weekend, Colorado’s bearded wonder led the National League with a .340 batting average, his 1.028 OPS (on-base percentage, plus slugging) ranked third and his 5.9 WAR (wins above replacement) ranked fifth. His 14 triples were far and away the most in the NL.
Not convinced of his greatness? Try this: Blackmon leads the majors with 193 hits, 125 runs, 62 multihit games and 351 total bases. He is the first NL leadoff hitter to mash 30 home runs since Hanley Ramirez in 2008.
I can hear the skeptics now: “Charlie Blackmon is just a Coors Field creation.” No, he’s not.
Yes, Blackmon’s numbers at home (.388/ .463/.784) are sensational. But the center fielder has been solid on the road, slashing .296/.349/.471. He’s hit 22 homers at Coors vs. 12 homers on the road. So, yes, there is a disparity there, but Blackmon should get some credit for being able to adjust from Coors Field to the road and still be an offensive force.
Of course, I’m sure there will be haters who will dismiss Blackmon’s talent and his great season. Let them stew in their sabermetric negativity.
Because there is much more to Blackmon than his numbers and home-road splits. His energy and work ethic have fueled the Rockies all season. He’s been their leadoff warrior, playing in 138 of Colorado’s 140 games.
He’s roamed and raced around the huge outfield at Coors Field with smarts and aggression. I’ve always thought that Blackmon’s biggest defensive weakness was tracking balls to deep center, but I think he’s shown marked improvement this season.
Does Blackmon have a realistic shot at being named National League MVP? That’s doubtful, because in almost everything I read about Blackmon (from outside of Colorado), he gets demerits for playing at altitude. From what I’ve been able to garner, Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton, Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt and Cincinnati’s Joey Votto will likely finish ahead of Blackmon in the voting. Of course, the Rockies still have 22 games remaining, so Blackmon, or teammate Nolan Arenado, could change the landscape with a big push to the finish.
Regardless of how the MVP voting comes down, it’s important to remember Blackmon’s season as one of the best in Rockies history, especially from the leadoff spot. It’s also one of the best overall seasons for a Rockie since the humidor was installed at Coors Field in 2002.
Whatever happens to the Rockies — postseason or no postseason, one-anddone or deep into the playoffs, even an unlikely Rocktober reprise — 2017 should be remembered as the season of Blackmon.
It was the season in which the bearded center fielder with the mangy mullet became a legitimate star.
So cheers, Chuck Nazty. It’s been a pleasure watching you play.
Patrick Saunders is president of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America: psaunders@denverpost.com or @psaundersdp