PHOENIX — Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado celebrated his first anniversary in the major leagues Monday by extending his hitting streak to 18 games, the longest in the majors this season.
Arenado is hitting .306 with seven doubles, four home runs and 14 RBIs this season after hitting .267 with 29 doubles in 2013, when he was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs on April 28. That promotion also came when Colorado was in Arizona.
Arenado also won the National League Gold Glove last season, and his defense is what sets him apart, Rockies manager Walt Weiss said.
“I’m careful to make comments as strong as this one, but he’s the best I’ve ever seen at third base,” said Weiss, who had a 14-year major league career as a shortstop. “He changes a lot of games with his defense. I have never seen anybody like him. I am careful not to overstate things. He’s an amazing third baseman.”
Arenado’s range to both sides and his strong arm make him special, said Weiss, who played alongside Vinny Castilla in Colorado, Carney Lansford in Oakland and Chipper Jones in Atlanta.
“His ability to range left and right and finish plays … is unlike anybody else I’ve ever seen. Ranging far left and far right, or straight up on a charge play. Guys may catch the ball, but to get the out, that’s another level, and that’s what he does. He’s got tremendous hands. He’s got great feet. He’s special.”
Arenado, who turned 23 on April 16, has 36 doubles in his first 160 games in the majors.
“The offense is coming. He has always hit. He’s going to hit here. He’s a talented kid,” said Weiss, whose team beat Arizona 8-5 Monday.