Colorado Rockies: Predicting 2017 Individual Awards and Honors

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Mar 9, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring against Puerto Rico during a 2017 World Baseball Classic exhibition game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Welcome back to this year’s first edition of Purple Monday! The baseball season is in full swing with a week of games already in the books. The Colorado Rockies have started strong with two series wins and I want to make some predictions for the 2017 season.

I want to delve into some individual awards, but to make things more interesting and avoid overusing the words “Nolan” and “Arenado,” I will be excluding the Rockies third baseman from the running. With that in mind, here’s my best guess as to who will provide the best seasons for the good guys this year.

Offensive MVP: Charlie Blackmon. The Rockies center fielder is coming off his best season in 2016. He has gotten off to a relatively slow start this year but picked it up over the weekend. My hope is Blackmon will get back to stealing some bases in 2017 and am thinking he will have more than his 17 in 2016. Regardless, I expect Blackmon to eclipse 30 home runs for the first time in his career, hit over .300 and again prove that he is one of the best lead off hitters in baseball.

Defensive MVP: Tony Wolters. Wolters exploded onto the scene in 2016 placing him among elite company in terms of pitch framing. With more starts in 2017, I think he will continue to prove his value for the Rockies as a defensive catcher.

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Starting Pitcher: Jon Gray. I think that 2017 will be the year that Gray emerges as a true ace, not only in the Rockies rotation but in major league baseball. He will be the player that finally proves the Rockies can draft and develop pitchers but also that Coors Field can be conquered. After falling just short of 10 strikeouts per 9 innings in 2016, I think Gray will improve on this number in 2017.

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Best Relief Pitcher: Greg Holland. This is hopefully an easy pick. Holland has been lights out in the first week of the season, racking up 4 saves already. He has faced only 12 batters to accrue 12 outs. If he can build on this start and provide the Rockies with a lights out closer, he could be the difference for a team on the brink of contending.

Rookie of the Year: Antonio Senzatela. One of the Rockies top pitching prospects going into 2016, Senzatela missed most of the season with an injury but came to spring training ready to earn a spot in the rotation in 2017.

That is just what he did and he came out and impressed in his debut against the Brewers. In five innings, Senzatela allowed only two hits to go along with three walks and six strikeouts, making a strong statement in his major league debut. I think he has the stuff to not only stick in the rotation through the season but emerge as one of the best rookies in the league.

Next: 5 Reasons Why Colorado Will Win It All in 2017

I think if all of these predictions come true, the Rockies will be in a good place to make the playoffs. My belief is the Rockies will be the first wild card team in the National League and Coors Field will get another magical “play-in” game win … just like 10 years ago. Happy baseball everyone!

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Welcome back to this year’s first edition of Purple Monday! The baseball season is in full swing with a week of games already in the books. The Colorado Rockies have started strong with two series wins and I want to make some predictions for the 2017 season.

More from Rox Pile

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