That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Colorado Rockies

By Mike Azzalina

May 20, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) is greeted crossing home plate to score a run by pinch hitter Brock Stassi (41) during the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) is greeted crossing home plate to score a run by pinch hitter Brock Stassi (41) during the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
May 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

The Position Player: Mark Reynolds

It is interesting to look at the Colorado stats because they have four players that have already eclipsed 100 at bats and are hitting above .290, which made this choice a bit more difficult. Do I choose last year’s batting champion, D.J. LeMahieu? How about Mr. Consistent, Charlie Blackmon? What about All-Star third baseman, Nolan Arenado? There is the guy who will not go away in Mark Reynolds too.

Apr 25, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) at bat in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) at bat in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

For me, I thought I could not lose anyway I went, so I decided to go a bit off the grid on this one and chose Reynolds. He has been their best offensive player to this point in the season. He has had 155 at bats, which is fourth most on the team and leads them in average (.323), homers (12), RBIs (39), and OBP (.401).

He is 6-20 over the last seven days with three walks and six runs batted in as well. In the month of May? Glad you asked. He is hitting .361 with 4 dingers and 16 RBI. And the ever-so-popular question whenever the Rockies come to town. How are his numbers away from Coors Field? They are very good as a matter of fact. He is hitting .312/.379/.468 with three of his homers, 17 of his runs knocked in, and eight walks away from his hitter-friendly home.

Live Feed

NL East Power Rankings: Where Mets stand after signing Carlos Correa
NL East Power Rankings: Where Mets stand after signing Carlos Correa /

FanSided

  • Built to contend, could Philadelphia Phillies subtract Aaron Nola soon? Call to the Pen
  • Noah Syndergaard has ultimate compliment for Phillies after leaving for LA FanSided
  • 3 Phillies trades to make up ground on the Braves after losing Dansby Swanson FanSided
  • Sandy Alcantara's cryptic tweet is leaving fans guessing FanSided
  • On This Day: The Blue Jays ship an all-time great to the Phillies Jays Journal

    • In his career, Reynolds has 169 plate appearances against the Phils. In those opportunities, he has not been a world-beater by any stretch. His average is down around .240, but his OPS is an impressive .859 in those chances. He has 11 home runs (four at CBP) and 39 RBI to go along with 16 walks. However, the big number is the 54 strikeouts he shows up to the stadium with tonight.

    Reynolds is having a field day early this season with fastballs that find themselves up in the zone. It seems as though challenging him in with the hard stuff is what is going to get him out at this point. Interestingly enough, it appears as though Reynolds has been able to get his arms extended much more this season. He is showing plenty of red on his cold/hot zone with breaking balls away too.

    Hopefully, the game plan is to challenge him in this week or otherwise the Phillies could find themselves struggling with another rejuvenated veteran this season.

    Home/Phillies News