Colorado Rockies Roundtable: Who is the 2016 Team MVP?

Kevin Henry

I have to admit, when we started this discussion, I was pretty sold on Arenado being the team MVP. However, there are some pretty darn solid arguments for other players in here as well.

I was almost swayed toward Blackmon just because some of the ridiculous numbers he has put up from the leadoff position this season. He’s also put together some crazy stretches of just mashing the ball out of the park. He has two National League Player of the Week awards this year to show for it.

However, I think if you look at the word “valuable” in there, I also think about the one Rockies player that the team could ill afford to lose to injury or leaving for another team. Absolutely, when Blackmon or CarGo was out this season with injuries, it was noticed. However, there were a crop of young outfielders to help take their place.

The infield is a little different. Take DJ out of the infield and, as solid as Daniel Descalso or even Tony Wolters might be, the quality of play at second base takes a hit.

Now multiply that and that’s what happens when Arenado is not in the lineup. It’s a dramatic dropoff from Arenado’s defensive skills to anyone else who takes over the hot corner. Nothing against Descalso or Cristhian Adames, but they are no Arenado.

Think about how many times this season your mouth has dropped when Nolan has made a play or you simply typed #NolanBeingNolan on Twitter. He showed time and time again this season what an amazing asset he is for the Rockies … and just how powerful his entire career might be.

Put together the homers, the RBI, the defensive prowess and the passion for playing the game (remember the Nick Hundley incident in San Diego?) and it’s clear that Nolan is not only the team MVP but also has evolved into a leader in the clubhouse.

Next: The Top 5 Center Fielders in Colorado History

P.S. As Trevor said, Arenado should absolutely be in the National League MVP discussion as well.