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Colorado Rockies: 4 Must-See Defensive Plays to Open the 2017 Season

By Kevin Henry |
Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) makes a leaping catch of ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers pinch hitter Kirk Nieuwenhuis (not pictured) in the sixth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) makes a leaping catch of ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers pinch hitter Kirk Nieuwenhuis (not pictured) in the sixth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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When most people think about the Colorado Rockies, they think about altitude, Coors Field and a high-powered offense. That’s all well and good … but there’s always plenty of defense to go around as well.

In the first series of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Colorado Rockies certainly flashed some leather and made some pretty amazing defensive stops and plays. In this article, we’re going to take a look at four of them.

Let’s start in the infield where Nolan Arenado just keeps doing things that only Nolan Arenado can do. If you ever wondered how Nolan has captured four consecutive Gold Glove awards at third base, these two plays will give you a pretty good idea.

In the season opener on Monday afternoon, Greg Holland had entered the game to try to pick up his first save as a Colorado Rockies. He would get the save, thanks in part to a pretty nifty double play started by Arenado.

It wouldn’t take him long to be up to his tricks again the next day. In the first inning, Arenado shows great instincts to smother a smash from Ryan Braun to end the frame.

The infield wasn’t the only place where the Rockies were taking care of business in Milwaukee. Check out these great two plays from outfielders Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez on the next page.

Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) makes a leaping catch of ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers pinch hitter Kirk Nieuwenhuis (not pictured) in the sixth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) makes a leaping catch of ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers pinch hitter Kirk Nieuwenhuis (not pictured) in the sixth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

While Nolan Arenado was making some highlight reel plays on the infield, Charlie Blackmon made sure to remind everyone that he can track down a ball in the outfield.

Blackmon has transformed himself into one of Major League Baseball’s premier leadoff hitters, but there’s much more to the bearded wonder than just a bat and some speed on the bases. He’s also one of the best center fielders in the game.

He flashed his skills in the sixth inning of Monday’s season opener in Milwaukee. For his efforts, he earned a tip of the cap from Colorado reliever Carlos Estevez.

If you want to know why Carlos Gonzalez is usually in the conversation for Gold Glove awards, all you need to do is watch the play below.

Early in Wednesday’s game, the Brewers had a chance to take an early lead against Tyler Chatwood. CarGo, however, made sure that Milwaukee stayed off the scoreboard. Make a shoestring catch? Sure. Nail the runner at the plate with a laser-like throw? You bet.

Next: 5 Reasons Why the Rockies Could Win the World Series

It’s early in the season, but if the series in Milwaukee has been any indication, it’s shaping up to be another year of defensive highlights for the Rockies.

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