Colorado Rockies: 4 things they can do to improve in August
By Kevin Henry
Consider swapping David Dahl and Charlie Blackmon in center field
There’s been something about Charlie Blackmon this season and center field that simply haven’t meshed as they have in previous years. Let’s face it: Blackmon’s defense in center field has never been stellar, but there have been some balls hit over Chuck Nazty’s head this season that have made us all wonder if perhaps he is losing a step and can’t cover the vast expanses of Coors Field as he has in years past. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why Blackmon had a -26 DRS heading into Sunday’s game. BaseballSavant.com has him as the eighth-worst outfielder in OAA (Outs Above Average) with at least five opportunities.
How about starting David Dahl in center field and moving Blackmon to left field? You would still keep Blackmon’s bat in the lineup and ensure Dahl’s offense and defense boost Colorado’s chances of winning as well.
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Dahl has played two games in center field this season and has held down center field in 292 of his 374 minor-league appearances. At the age of 24, he still has the quickness and defensive intellect to make a difference for the Rockies in center field.
This move would also bump Gerardo Parra out of the lineup and Ian Desmond back to first base the majority of the time. However, neither of those effects should be seen as a reason to not have the defensive switch made.
There was a time when it was said Charlie Blackmon would never bat anywhere in the Rockies lineup other than leadoff. That changed this season. The same could happen with the theory that Chuck Nazty will always play center field for the Rockies.