Colorado Rockies: Big Players that have to play big now

The Colorado Rockies have been falling back in the division and the Wild Card. They seem to be on a downward trend.

That being said they have their destiny in their own hands and we’ve been here before. After this weekend series with the Padres, they will start in the omni important stretch by facing the Giants six times, the Dodgers six times, and the Dbacks seven times in the next three weeks. The Rockies must have a winning streak right now. So who’s gonna do it?

Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado is in the midst of his biggest slump I can remember. He was 0 for 17 before having two hits last night, and he is hitting .261/.342/.391 since August 10 (20 games) but slumps aren’t like Nolan so last night’s performance could be a sign.

Nolan is not only due but I think he’s unwilling to contribute to the offense sinking this playoff run. Look for big things from Nolan.

Trevor Story

Trevor Story is playing his best season as a pro and really playing the part of a star. He’s more consistent at the plate, stealing bases and playing his reliably great defense.

In August, offensively, he hit .288/.328/.514 with seven doubles, six homers, and 16 RBI.

He’s tried to hold up the offense while Nolan has slumped, but he’d better suited adding dingers and RBI to an offense that’s working with him.

Carlos Gonzalez

Carlos Gonzalez knows what he’s doing here and he hit .355/.394/.548 in his last 7 games of August.

In July and August combined, he helped the Rockies offense out tremendously as he hit .317/.376/.544 with 8 home runs, 27 RBI, 15 doubles, and 57 hits.

So, unlike much of last season, he has given the Rockies quality at bats day in and day out.

Charlie Blackmon

Now is the time for Charlie Blackmon to return to all star form. He’s .276 on the season, but only .238 in the last week. Overall, the month of August wasn’t anything to write home about either as he only hit .226/.293/.358 with two homers and 7 RBI.

I think Chuck Nazty has the skill and competitive edge to go on a roll and now is the time that the Rockies need him to produce.

Jon Gray

Jon Gray needs to chase Freeland as the ace on this rotation and find ways to make sure the Rockies are in the game while he’s on the mound.

Some nights he’s nearly untouchable at times sometimes he’s fighting in there.

Since the All-Star break, he has been fairly consistent as he is 4-0 with a 3.08 ERA in nine starts. He had quality starts in seven of those nine starts so that is a step in the right direction for the right-hander.

Kyle Freeland

Kyle Freeland has been outstanding this season and all the Rockies need is more of the same.

Since June 16, he has an ERA of 2.20 in 16 starts and a record of 6-1. He has only allowed more than two runs in two of those starts and hasn’t allowed more than four runs in any of them. He is also averaging more than six innings per start in that span as well.

This is one of the Rockies best campaigns from a starting pitcher, but it isn’t over yet so the Rockies simply need him to keep it up.

Final Thoughts

I could only profile so many players and the Rockies need production from every man in the lineup. Not every player made the list, but they all have one thing in common it’s now or never. The next pitch or the next at bat could be the difference between making the playoffs and not.

I haven’t seen that sense of urgency from any player on the Rockies (batters especially) yet. It better show up now or nobody will care how much they wanted it come October if they’re not in the playoffs.