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In a year of regression, injuries, and angry disappointment, the Colorado Rockies actually had some noted improvement in positions of need that provided genuine hope for change.
From Adam Ottavino who developed into a solid 8th inning reliever to Nolan Arenado who developed from a good glove into one of the best players on the roster, the Rockies saw several players become necessities for the future that gave them some roster wiggle room.
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But, for the most improved player of 2014, I had to look past the Arenado emergence, I had to look past Ottavino, I instead looked to the outfield, to a bearded man with a love for Popeye’s chicken and getting six base hits in a single game.
That man is Charlie Blackmon.
When Chuck was named to the 25-man roster last April, I admittedly was less than impressed. Why did the Rockies need so many freaking outfielders? And why was Charlie one of them? Though he hadn’t been terrible in his limited playing time the past two seasons, if the Rockies thought he was going to be the future why did they sign Drew Stubbs or trade for Brandon Barnes?
Well, I assume he heard the shade I was tossing his way. Blackmon came out of the gates as the hottest hitter in baseball, hitting .374/.418/.616 in April including a 6-for-6 home opener explosion. Though no one expected him to hit near .400 all season, Blackmon didn’t drop to the levels we expected. In his first All-Star season, he ended with a career high in home runs and RBI finishing with a .288/.335/.440 slash line and impressing both fans and manager alike with his effort defensively.
From a fringe player who most weren’t sure if they even wanted him on the roster to a beard-having fan favorite, Blackmon was one of the key cogs in one of the best offenses in baseball last season. He is the selection for Most Improved Player of 2014.
Next: Rockies Year In Review: Pitcher of the Year 2014