2015 Colorado Rockies: End of the Season Awards

Aug 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a three run home run during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Biggest Surprise: Nolan Arenado’s Bat.

The biggest surprise of the 2015 season for me had to have been the power from the bat of Nolan Arenado. Yes, we all knew he was a fielding magician and silky smooth might I add, yet he turned himself into an All-Star this season, playing in his first Midsummer Classic.

I recently constructed a report card for Nolan’s 2015 season in our Rockies Year in Review series, basically just raving about his above-average power. Like I mentioned in the article, I projected the Gold Glover to have somewhere in the range of 15-20 bombs — boy was I wrong?

Arenado not only surpassed my projection, he doubled it. Nolan finished the season collecting 42 home runs, good for first in the National League and third overall in the Majors. Talk about a swift change in production from the young third baseman. Nolan played in just 111 games last season due to injury, posting 34 doubles and 18 home runs, compared to the 2015 season where he hit 43 doubles accompanied with his 42 home runs.

Overall, Nolan Arenado is my biggest surprise (kinda) for the 2015 season. He deserves MVP considerations albeit being on a terrible team.

Other Candidates: Chris Rusin, Chad Bettis, Yohan Flande.

Next: Least Valuable Player