The Fascinating Race for the NL MVP | FanGraphs Baseball
Dave Cameron looks at the field of possible NL MVP candidates, and he's left overwhelmed. He identifies ten players who he believes have a legitimate argument for the award, and Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon are among them.
Cameron writes that "Arenado looks every bit Goldschmidt’s equal on offense and offers more value in the field. And he says this about Blackmon: "Of all the players playing an up-the-middle position this year, Blackmon has been the best hitter." Because the field is so crowded right now, the winner could be determined based on who has the best September. They’ll both get votes. But let’s hope that one or the other has a scorching hot September to make it easy on the voters.
Charlie Blackmon hitting opposite-field HRs | MLB.com
Charlie Blackmon is having one of the best offensive seasons in Rockies history, and he's doing it in a lot of little weird ways. A couple weeks ago, I wrote about his sudden triples outburst. Here, Thomas Harding writes that Blackmon has been hitting opposite field home runs lately. He has more opposite field home runs this season than he had in his career through 2016.
Groke: Rockies glancing toward September for call-ups and stretch-run preparation | The Denver Post
Nick Groke writes that Bud Black and Jeff Bridich discussing what to do come September, when rosters expand and the Rockies try to secure and set themselves up for a one-game playoff. Black expressed frustration about the way the game changes in September, although he likes the set-up for with the second Wild Card. Black also said that opposed to previous years, September won't be a time for young Rockies prospects to just get experience. This year, it's about winning.
Bud Black voices his his thoughts on a one-game Wild Card | BSN Rockies
Sarah Ford elaborates on why Bud Black likes the one-game playoff. Essentially, he maintains that baseball is a game that should be played every day, and that a three game series to determine the Wild Card winner could disadvantage the division winner waiting for a team to play. The 2007 Rockies would probably agree.