Miami Marlins vs. Colorado Rockies: 3 Players to Watch For

After an exciting finish to the four-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Colorado Rockies now shift their focus to the Miami Marlins, who will be coming to town for a three-game set. Although the record isn’t where Marlins’ fans expect it to be (22-32), Miami has won their last two series, against the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets.

If you missed last series’ edition of the three players chosen to watch for, make sure to follow the link.

Last series picks:

1. Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers): (W, 4-3): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO.
2. Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies): 5-for-12, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 2 BB.
3. Kyle Kendrick (Rockies): (L, 2-7): 5.1 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO.

May 27, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) singles against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dee Gordon (Marlins)

Gordon, 27, is thriving in the state of Florida after being traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers this past offseason. Not only is the second baseman swinging a hot bat, but he currently leads the voting for second baseman (1,531,048 votes) in the National League for the upcoming All-Star Game which will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In 51 games played this season, Dee is slashing at a line of .368/.395/.432 with 10 doubles, two triples, 15 RBI’s and 10 walks. Colorado must do everything in their power to keep the speedy infielder off the bases as he has swiped more than 20 bags this season.

Last season vs. Colorado:

• 26-for-63, 4 doubles, 4 triples, 4 RBI’s and 5 BB’s.
• .413 average.

May 22, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Ben Paulsen (10) during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ben Paulsen (Rockies)

Paulsen, 27, has been a great fill-in for Justin Morneau over at first base and is not only swinging the stick well, but he’s also an above-average fielder as well. No matter where you put him (left field, right field, first base) he has yet to commit an error.

Paulsen enters the series against the Marlins slashing at a line of .333/.393/.647 with four doubles, four home runs, nine RBI’s and five walks. On the season, Paulsen is 17-for-51 in 17 games played — 11-for-34 at Coors Field.

May 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins)

Stanton, 25, is one of the games most feared hitters, yet he isn’t exactly hitting for average so far this season. In 53 games played, Stanton has recorded 46 hits in 199 at-bats — good for a .231 average.  Although Stanton is slashing at a line of .231/.325/.533, the man is a baseball killer. In 53 games played, Stanton has delivered 25 extra-base hits — 17 of which are home runs.

Last season vs. Colorado:

• 12-for-30, 4 doubles, 1 home run, 12 RBI’s and 6 walks.
• .400 average.

1Jun 2, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) hits for an RBI in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Wild Card: Charlie Blackmon (Rockies)

Blackmon, 29, has been a catalyst at the top of the order for the Rockies. In Colorado’s 7-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday night, Blackmon went 4-for-5, including two doubles and three runs scored.

On the season, Blackmon is hitting .262/.339/.431 with eight doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 20 RBI’s and 16 walks.

Last season vs. Miami:

• 10-for-23, 2 doubles, 2 RBI’s and 3 BB’s.
• .435 average.

Honorable Mentions:

Miami: Martin Prado, 3B.

Colorado: Brandon Barnes, LF.

The Colorado Rockies (24-28) open up a three-game set against the Miami Marlins Friday night. Eddie Butler (3-5, 4.22 ERA) will take the mound for the Rockies in-game one as the Marlins counter with Tom Koehler (3-3, 4.01). First-pitch from Coors Field is scheduled for 8:40 PM EST, 6:40 PM MST.