Colorado Rockies: Carlos Gonzalez, the postseason difference maker?

Carlos Gonzalez might be playing his final games in purple pinstripes but his time isn’t over yet. For the Colorado Rockies to make a deep postseason run, they will need a quality performance from their right fielder.

People will argue that the Rockies will be the weakest of the National League playoff teams and by a wide margin. Although, they don’t have the deepest rotation or a bullpen that strikes fear into opponents, they have the lineup to make a World Series run. Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado have had MVP-caliber seasons. Of course, they’ll need production from more than those two to make a playoff run. They’ll need a hero who people don’t predict like most World Series teams. There are reasons to believe CarGo can be that guy for the Rockies.

The success against Zack Greinke

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have already announced that right-hander Zack Greinke will start for the team on Wednesday for the NL wild-card game. In 18 starts this year at Chase Field, Greinke has had incredible numbers, having a record of 13-1 while posting a 2.87 ERA.

The Rockies have had their struggles with him this season. However, they have put up at least two runs in each of the five times they’ve faced him. To make any kind of postseason run, the Rockies obviously will need to win the one-game playoff in Arizona. It won’t be easy, especially as the clear underdogs but it only takes one swing of the bat to change the game.

Gonzalez has had plenty of success against Greinke in his career, with a .333 average and 1.140 on-base plus slugging in 45 career plate appearances against Greinke. CarGo also has five home runs against the right-hander. With one big blast, Gonzalez can start something special.

His success equals team success

All Rockies fans know by now that Gonzalez is a streaky hitter, especially this year. Although, when he finds a way to get a multi-hit game, the Rockies have an outstanding record. When Carlos Gonzalez has multiple hits in a game this season, the Rockies are 24-7. This also includes his two home run game at Chase Field a couple of weeks ago. Gonzalez is currently in the hot part of his streakiness. He has posted a slash line of .371/.488/.743 this month before the start of the team’s final series against the Dodgers at Coors Field.

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His chance to stay in Colorado

Depending on how things play out, this could be CarGo’s final games at Coors Field as part of the Rockies. On the other hand, it could be his saving grace with the team. If Gonzalez can keep up the hot streak and  help carry this team to another magical postseason run similar to what they did in 2007, he’ll be welcomed back with open arms.

The Rockies have had a good one with Carlos Gonzalez but the show might not be over just yet.