A Very Coors-y Christmas: Presents, Stocking Stuffers and Coal

The Colorado Rockies and Fielding: Present

If there’s something that you can run to the bank with when it comes to the Rockies, it’s the fact that you’re going to see generally strong fielding in the infield. It’s been a staple this decade that’s been headlined by Arenado, Tulowitzki, LeMahieu and Story. We’ve been spoiled with fantastic fielding and it’s something we need to appreciate.

Take this stat for instance: Nolan Arenado‘s Career DRS is at 117. He ranks 2nd among all Third Basemen behind only Adrian Beltre, who accumulated 222 DRS in 19,723 innings. Nolan’s more than halfway to Beltre’s DRS in less than half the amount of innings (8,807 innings for Nolan). And while his DRS numbers have tapered off the past two seasons, he still has a great shot to eventually catch up to Beltre given he stays healthy and that longevity is favorable to Arenado.

A couple other fielding presents? Why not.

Trevor Story has accumulated 33 DRS in his four seasons in the majors. That’s already 185 more DRS than eventual 1st Ballot Hall of Famer Derek Jeter accumulated in his career (who finished with a Total DRS of -152).

And this one’s just spectacular stat. A couple weeks ago on Twitter, I jokingly proposed that the Rockies should trade for Kris Bryant as the Cubs are aiming to shed payroll and that it’d also help improve the Rockies outfield. Here’s what I didn’t realize:

In 2019 Kris Bryant had a UZR/150 of -15.4 in Right Field. Charlie Blackmon, whose declining defense has been the subject of many discussions, had a UZR/150 of -10.7 in 2019.

That’s right! Not only is Nolan Arenado a better fielding Third Baseman than Kris Bryant, but Charlie Blackmon is also a better fielding Right Fielder than Kris Bryant. Merry Christmas!