Colorado Rockies' All-Time Greatest Position Players
Here's my attempt to list the greatest Colorado Rockies players of all-time by position. I took into consideration a player's offensive production, defensive capabilities, and tenure with the Rockies. Let's get this Blake Street party started!
C, Chris Iannetta
Colorado hasn't had a premier Catcher for more than a season or two at a time, but Chris Iannetta finds himself as the Rockies' All-Time greatest catcher based off of his tenure and semi-decent productivity. He leads all Rockies catchers in Hits (336), Home Runs (63), RBI (236), Walks (241), and he's 10th All-Time (any position) in Rockies' history with a .357 OBP. His high On-Base% is due to him being a magnet for pitches, being hit by 40 pitches while with the Rockies. He never blossomed into the catcher the Rockies hoped for, but hopefully he'll find more success with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Runner-Up:
Yorvit Torrealba
Torrealba brought a contagious energy to the Rockies' clubhouse when they went to the World Series in 2007. His defense and ability to call games were crucial to the Rockies' success from 2006-2009.
1B, Todd Helton (The Toddfather)
Of course it's Todd Helton. He's been the face and goatee of the Rockies for 15 seasons. Helton's been the Rockies' quiet leader since he took over at first base in 1998, and he is the epitome of Denver athletes. Well rounded would be putting it lightly. He's a 5-time All-Star, 3-time Gold Glover, and has won the Silver Slugger four times. He's the Rockies' record holder for Hits (2363), Home Runs (347), Doubles (554), Walks (1,256), and many, many more. Hopefully, the Rockies will be able to put a ring on his finger before his time is up in the Mile High City.
Runner-Up:
Andres Galarraga (Big Cat)
The original first baseman with the Colorado Rockies in 1993. He was a 2-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger winner while with the Rockies. He's in the top ten in pretty much all of the major offensive categories in Rockies' history. He also had one of the greatest stances to emulate.
2B, Eric Young Sr. (E.Y.)
The original EY! He quickly became a fan favorite in 1993 when he hit a leadoff home run in the first ever home at-bat in Rockies' history. Even though he showed a hint of power in that at-bat, E.Y. was known for his speed. In 1996, he won the Silver Slugger award and was selected to the All-Star team. He's the Rockies' all-time leader in steals (180), eighth in Batting Average (.295), fourth in On-Base% (.378), and tenth in Runs Scored (378). His son, Eric Young Jr., is currently in the Rockies' organization and continues to try to break into the big league club. Sorry E.Y.2, but your Dad's shoes are little in size, but big ones to fill.
Runner-Up:
Clint Barmes
He was with the Rockies through thick and thin, and was as consistent as any player on the Rockies during his tenure. His consistency might not have always been great, but he was stellar defensively, and he provided undeniable leadership. He might have been Rookie of the Year in 2005 if he hadn't broken his collarbone while carrying deer meat up a flight of stairs.
3B, Vinny Castilla
Vinny! Vinny! Vinny! He's easily the best player the Rockies have ever had at the hot corner. He was a 2-time All-Star ('95, '98) and 3-time Silver Slugger winner ('95, '97, '98) while with the Rockies. He was a member of the "Blake St. Bombers" and proved to be a worthy member with three seasons of 40+ home runs and five seasons of 100+ RBI. After leaving the Rockies in 1999, he found his way back to the team twice, once in 2004 where he had a wonderful come-back season, and again in 2006 for his final MLB season. He will always be a fan favorite, and he continues to be dearly missed at third base.
Runner-Up:
Garrett Atkins
Atkins had four productive seasons with the Rockies from 2005-2008. He was fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2005 and followed that up by being 15th in voting for NL MVP in 2006. His career line while with the Rockies for a little over five full seasons was a respectable .289/.354/.457 with 98 home runs and 479 RBI.
SS, Troy Tulowitzki (Tulo)
Dun-Dun-DunDunDun-DunDunDunDun-TULO! It's not too early in his career to proclaim him the greatest shortstop in Colorado Rockies' history. He already has two Gold Gloves, which is one more than Neifi Perez, and one fewer than Todd Helton. No other Rockies' shortstop has ever made an All-Star appearance, but Tulo has already made two appearances. No other Rockies' shortstop has ever won a Silver Slugger award, but Tulo already has two of those as well. Not bad for only being in the league for a little over five seasons. He's currently one of the best players in Major League Baseball, and he will continue to dominate his position and the game as a Colorado Rockie for the rest of his career.
Runner-Up:
Neifi Perez
Perez was a solid defender, with a career fielding percentage of .997 and a Gold Glove award in 2000. He was a free swinger with the ability to slap the ball all over the field. He will mostly be remembered for not being able to leave his cup alone during the games.
LF, Dante Bichette
Somehow, Dante Bichette was the sex symbol of the Rockies in the 90s. Was it the Mullet? Maybe. Was it his unorthodox fielding in left field? Possibly. Was it his ability to hit the long ball and then follow it up with an epic fist pump? Most likely. He was a four-time All-Star with the Rockies ('94, '95, '96, '98) and won a Silver Slugger award in 1995. He became a member of the 30/30 club in 1996 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases. He holds the single season hits record for the Rockies with 219 hits, and he's third all-time in hits for the club with 1278. He was definitely the life of the party in the 90s, and he brought an energy to Coors Field that will not soon be forgotten. Bichette does happen.
Runner-Up:
Matt Holliday
Holliday was a three-time All-Star with the Rockies and won a Silver Slugger three times. He was robbed of the NL MVP by Jimmy Rollins in 2007, the same season he led the Rockies to their first ever World Series appearance. Rockies' fans will always remember his game winning slide into home against the San Diego Padres in the 2007 Wild Card game as one of the greatest moments in Rockies' history. If Holliday would have had one more season with the Rockies, then he would have found himself at the top of the left fielders list.
CF, Ellis Burks
He had one season that catapulted him to the top of the list of Rockies' center fielders. In 1996, Burks led the league in Runs(142), SLG%(.639), and Total Bases(392). He finished third in NL MVP voting that season and won a silver slugger award. He also became the first Rockies' player to hit over 40 home runs and have over 30 stolen bases in a single season. His other seasons with the Rockies were decent, and he was a quiet leader and overall great teammate for the Rockies while he played in Colorado. He's still in the top ten of Rockies' career leaders in Batting Average(.306), On-Base%(.378), and Slugging%(.579). Burks went on to have a wonderful career after leaving Colorado, proving that he wasn't a product of the "Coors Field Factor".
Runner-Up:
Juan Pierre
If there was an award to go to the guy with the greatest work ethic, then Juan Pierre would have won that award every season he was with the Rockies. Even Todd Helton said that Pierre's work ethic put his to shame. In the little over two seasons Pierre was a Rockie, he accumulated 434 hits and 100 stolen bases. He's sixth on the Rockies' career leaders batting average list with a .308 average. Pierre is another ex-Rockies' center fielder that went on to have a very productive career.
RF, Larry Walker
Larrrrrrrrrrry Walk-er! If Todd Helton is the face of the franchise, then Larry Walker is the neck. He was the first Rockies' player to win a Gold Glove, and he's also the first, and only Rockie to win the National League MVP. He is the Rockies' all-time leader in Batting Average(.334), On-Base%(.426), and Slugging%(.618). He ranks second in pretty much every other offensive category, including Games Played, Hits, Runs Scored, RBI, Walks, Total Bases, Doubles, Triples and even Stolen Bases. He's the definition of a five-tools player, and he has the hardware to prove it, with five Gold Gloves and two Silver Slugger awards while with the Rockies. He made four All-Star appearances, and he was the National League batting champion three times during his time in Colorado. He's one unforgettable player with one unforgettable walk-up song...All aboard! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Haaaa! Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay!
Runner-Up:
Brad Hawpe
Another home-grown product of the Rockies, Hawpe had a sneaky good career while he was with the Rockies. He clubbed 118 home runs, drove in 464 runs, and had a respectable .280 average while playing in Colorado. He made one All-Star appearance and had his best season in 2007, which helped propel the Rockies to their first and only World Series. He had his troubles defensively in right field, but he did have a knack for getting on base and is ranked 7th All-Time on the Rockies' career leaders in On-Base% (.374).
Honorable Mentions:
C. Joe Girardi
1B. ...Jason Giambi?
2B. Kaz Matsui
3B. Jeff Cirillo
SS. Walt Weiss
LF. Carlos Gonzalez
CF. Dexter Fowler
RF. Seth Smith
Any snubs? Anybody you think should be ranked higher or lower? Start the debate below in the comments section.
The most difficult position I had to decide on was left field, so I ask you, who do you choose as the Rockies' best left fielder of All-Time?
C, Chris Iannetta
Colorado hasn't had a premier Catcher for more than a season or two at a time, but Chris Iannetta finds himself as the Rockies' All-Time greatest catcher based off of his tenure and semi-decent productivity. He leads all Rockies catchers in Hits (336), Home Runs (63), RBI (236), Walks (241), and he's 10th All-Time (any position) in Rockies' history with a .357 OBP. His high On-Base% is due to him being a magnet for pitches, being hit by 40 pitches while with the Rockies. He never blossomed into the catcher the Rockies hoped for, but hopefully he'll find more success with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Runner-Up:
Yorvit Torrealba
Torrealba brought a contagious energy to the Rockies' clubhouse when they went to the World Series in 2007. His defense and ability to call games were crucial to the Rockies' success from 2006-2009.
1B, Todd Helton (The Toddfather)
Of course it's Todd Helton. He's been the face and goatee of the Rockies for 15 seasons. Helton's been the Rockies' quiet leader since he took over at first base in 1998, and he is the epitome of Denver athletes. Well rounded would be putting it lightly. He's a 5-time All-Star, 3-time Gold Glover, and has won the Silver Slugger four times. He's the Rockies' record holder for Hits (2363), Home Runs (347), Doubles (554), Walks (1,256), and many, many more. Hopefully, the Rockies will be able to put a ring on his finger before his time is up in the Mile High City.
Runner-Up:
Andres Galarraga (Big Cat)
The original first baseman with the Colorado Rockies in 1993. He was a 2-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger winner while with the Rockies. He's in the top ten in pretty much all of the major offensive categories in Rockies' history. He also had one of the greatest stances to emulate.
2B, Eric Young Sr. (E.Y.)
Runner-Up:
Clint Barmes
He was with the Rockies through thick and thin, and was as consistent as any player on the Rockies during his tenure. His consistency might not have always been great, but he was stellar defensively, and he provided undeniable leadership. He might have been Rookie of the Year in 2005 if he hadn't broken his collarbone while carrying deer meat up a flight of stairs.
3B, Vinny Castilla
Runner-Up:
Garrett Atkins
Atkins had four productive seasons with the Rockies from 2005-2008. He was fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2005 and followed that up by being 15th in voting for NL MVP in 2006. His career line while with the Rockies for a little over five full seasons was a respectable .289/.354/.457 with 98 home runs and 479 RBI.
SS, Troy Tulowitzki (Tulo)
Runner-Up:
Neifi Perez
Perez was a solid defender, with a career fielding percentage of .997 and a Gold Glove award in 2000. He was a free swinger with the ability to slap the ball all over the field. He will mostly be remembered for not being able to leave his cup alone during the games.
LF, Dante Bichette
Runner-Up:
Matt Holliday
Holliday was a three-time All-Star with the Rockies and won a Silver Slugger three times. He was robbed of the NL MVP by Jimmy Rollins in 2007, the same season he led the Rockies to their first ever World Series appearance. Rockies' fans will always remember his game winning slide into home against the San Diego Padres in the 2007 Wild Card game as one of the greatest moments in Rockies' history. If Holliday would have had one more season with the Rockies, then he would have found himself at the top of the left fielders list.
CF, Ellis Burks
Runner-Up:
Juan Pierre
If there was an award to go to the guy with the greatest work ethic, then Juan Pierre would have won that award every season he was with the Rockies. Even Todd Helton said that Pierre's work ethic put his to shame. In the little over two seasons Pierre was a Rockie, he accumulated 434 hits and 100 stolen bases. He's sixth on the Rockies' career leaders batting average list with a .308 average. Pierre is another ex-Rockies' center fielder that went on to have a very productive career.
RF, Larry Walker
Runner-Up:
Brad Hawpe
Another home-grown product of the Rockies, Hawpe had a sneaky good career while he was with the Rockies. He clubbed 118 home runs, drove in 464 runs, and had a respectable .280 average while playing in Colorado. He made one All-Star appearance and had his best season in 2007, which helped propel the Rockies to their first and only World Series. He had his troubles defensively in right field, but he did have a knack for getting on base and is ranked 7th All-Time on the Rockies' career leaders in On-Base% (.374).
Honorable Mentions:
C. Joe Girardi
1B. ...Jason Giambi?
2B. Kaz Matsui
3B. Jeff Cirillo
SS. Walt Weiss
LF. Carlos Gonzalez
CF. Dexter Fowler
RF. Seth Smith
Any snubs? Anybody you think should be ranked higher or lower? Start the debate below in the comments section.
The most difficult position I had to decide on was left field, so I ask you, who do you choose as the Rockies' best left fielder of All-Time?
1. Olivo
ReplyDelete2. Willie Bloomquist
3. Coco Crisp
ReplyDelete4. Michael Jordan