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Colorado Rockies Countdown: Top Five Third Basemen

By James Keating

Jul 7, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) heading back into the dugout after grounding out in the fifth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) heading back into the dugout after grounding out in the fifth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the game clock at Coors Field as the game ends between the Toronto Blue Jays against the Colorado Rockies. The Blue Jays defeated the Rockies 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the game clock at Coors Field as the game ends between the Toronto Blue Jays against the Colorado Rockies. The Blue Jays defeated the Rockies 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

1.  Vinny Castilla (1993-1999, 2004, 2006, fWAR 15.5)

The Mexican-born Vinny Castilla is widely revered as one of the top five greatest ballplayers to come from our southern neighbor. Naturally, Vinny is the Rockies all-time greatest third baseman … albeit it might not be for much longer. Castilla made his way into Rockies fans hearts as a middle of the order anchor during the Blake Street Bombers days. In nine seasons with Colorado, Castilla mashed 30-plus home runs six times, and 40 or more on three separate occasions. You know what they say, chicks (and fans in general) dig the long ball.

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Interesting enough, when the Rockies selected Castilla in the expansion draft, Castilla played mainly at shortstop, but once Charlie Hayes was out of the picture, Castilla took over the hot corner permanently in the 1995 season. Castilla would wind up (surprisingly) making the 1995 All-Star squad, which proved to be the turning point of his amazing Rockies career.

Castilla would have three total stints with the club over a wonderful 16-year career. Vinny’s best season for the Rockies came in 1998 when he played in all 162 games while batting in 144 runs and belting 46 home runs with a .319 average. The 144 RBI in 1998 wasn’t good enough to lead the National League, but once Vinny returned to Coors in 2004, he would finally lead the National League in that category with 131.

If three stints with the club doesn’t signal a strong and romantic bond between the Rockies and Castilla, then you should know he is now serving as a special assistant on the Rockies coaching staff.

Next: Why Isn't Nolan in the Home Run Derby?

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

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