Nolan Arenado saves Rockies again with two defensive gems

If the Gold Glove at third base in the National League is Nolan Arenado’s to lose, all the other candidates might as well change positions or find a new goal for the year. Arenado has done nothing but add highlight reel plays to his already impressive resume, and the work he’s currently doing could easily cement him as the man to beat for years to come.

For example, take Friday night’s defensive exhibition in the Colorado’s 6-4 win against the San Francisco Giants. At two key points in the game, Arenado stepped up to make exceptional defensive plays. The first saved Colorado at least one run, while getting them two outs. The second killed a rally before it could even get started, which helped Colorado hold on.

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Arenado’s big defensive night started in the fourth inning. With runners at first and second, no outs and the game still tied, Casey McGehee hit a sharp one-hopper down the third-base line that seemed ticketed for the left-field corner. Arenado dived to his right, full extension, to flag the ball down, which alone was very impressive.

He quickly got to his feet and without hesitation ran three steps to third for the first out. That, also, was quite impressive.

Amazingly, he still had time to throw across the diamond to double up McGehee. In one fluid motion, he tagged third with his foot, and then fired across with a jump throw to nab McGehee by less than a step.

Simply amazing athleticism coupled with razor sharp awareness.

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But that was only one of his gems. In the seventh, Arenado was in on the grass for Gregor Blanco while the rest of Colorado’s defense was shifted to the right side. Blanco hit a soft chopper where the shortstop usually is, but Arenado ranged to his left, and with a scoop, spin and throw, got Blanco at first. 

It’s a play not many third baseman can make at all. Arenado made it look effortless, proving once again that he’s the new measuring stick defensively at the hot corner.  

Along with Troy Tulowitzki and D.J. LeMahieu, who are also Gold Glove winners, it’s no wonder people are calling Colorado’s infield Coors Shield. The Leather Daddies has been coined in their honor as well, so Rockies fans are obviously having fun with their exceptional infield defense. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813