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Parallels between 2018 Colorado Rockies and 2015 Kansas City Royals
Finally, the Rockies are a little behind in terms of defender to defender comparison with the 2015 Royals. The Rockies were second in the league in fielding percentage in 2017 and top 10 in defensive wins above replacement. However, the boys from Kansas City were in a league of their own defensively. They did not have a weak link on the field in 2015. Leading the league in defensive WAR, Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez, and Alcides Escobar were considered the best fielders in their positions that season … not to mention the multiple Gold Glove-winning Alex Gordon, who got a few MVP votes that season for his defensive moxie alone.
It is not doom and gloom for the Rockies. While, the Rockies aren’t as strong overall, they still have a few guys who could make important plays throughout the season at various positions. They have the strongest defender in the National League with Arenado, who just won his fifth straight Gold Glove and his first Platinum Glove in 2017. LeMahieu, recipient of his second Gold Glove this last season, will be expected to make some game-changing plays as well.
Next: If you want the Rockies to win now, here is the plan and the consequences
It takes a truly special set of circumstances to win the World Series that go beyond what can be measured on a stat sheet. The 2015 Kansas City Royals showed grit, determination, and cold-bloodedness when it mattered most. I go back to the quote earlier in this piece: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” There will never be another team like the 2015 Royals. However, in comparison on paper, the Rockies have what it takes to navigate the regular season and win it all. It should be exciting to see what kind of grit and determination the Rockies play with in 2018.