Mark Reynolds Brings Solid Defensive Presence to Rockies

When Mark Reynolds was signed in the offseason by the Colorado Rockies, most expected the veteran infielder to be an asset at the plate. Few, however, realized the defensive stability he would bring to the Colorado infield at first base.

“We’ve seen the defense. He’s been a plus defender for us,” said Colorado manager Walt Weiss. “He’s got a good feel for how to play the game and when to do the things that he does. I didn’t know that about him before the season, to be honest with you, especially the defense. I just hadn’t seen him enough I guess. He’s a very good defender.”

It’s a far cry from 2011 when Reynolds was struggling at third base for the Baltimore Orioles. With his troubles, the team moved him to the other side of the diamond and it paid off for them and Reynolds.

“I’ve always been able to catch it. My problems at third base were throwing problems,” Reynolds said. “Moving me over in 2011 in Baltimore settled me down a little bit and let me concentrate on first base, then you work as hard as you can over there to get better. I’ve had five or six years to get pretty accustomed to it so it’s all come together.”

It’s come together nicely for the Rockies, who have seen Reynolds excel at first base and add another defensive piece to an already stellar infield that includes Gold Glove winners Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu and a rookie shortstop that Reynolds thinks will have his own hardware soon.

“(Trevor) Story’s going to win a gold glove some day and DJ and Nolan already have them,” Reynolds said. “Something I take pride in is helping them out from getting stupid errors on a low throw or something like that,” Reynolds said. “I take pride in that kind of stuff. When I was a third baseman, I’d love it when a first baseman would pick one of my throws. I’ve been on the other side so I try to help them out as much as I can.”

Arenado has been impressed with what he’s seen from Reynolds.

“I always knew he could handle the glove. I didn’t realize how really good he was until we had him over there but he’s done an unbelievable job,” Arenado said. “I’ve had some pretty good first basemen here with Todd (Helton) and Morny (Justin Morneau) and he’s up there with them. He’s made some plays and big-time scoops that help our team win. He’s been a big asset.”