Durango53
10-02-2006, 12:33 PM
What an outstanding year for Garrett Atkins. While a few was questioning him even starting this year because of the GREAT spring training that up and coming Ian Stewart had Clint Hurdle said that Garrett is the man.
And boy was he ever. While he had the job wrapped up in spring training for this year many was looking to next year when they thought Ian Stewart would take over. But this is why they play the game.
There has aways been a question mark on Garretts glove over at 3rd after being drafted as a first baseman then making the move to third because of a guy named Todd Helton there has never been a question on his bat. A nice compact swing in an open stance has even given him some power. While always looked at as a high doubles hitter he didnt disappoint this year hitting 48 doubles along with a great avg of .329. These were the things expected from Garrett and he could have been doing this a couple of years ago for the Rockies.
But the shocking part of Garretts game was the most overlooked part and why he was in there so much this year. It was his glove and arm. He was a very solid 3rd baseman this year. Some just outstanding plays out there that when balls was hit to him there was no question about him eating it up and throwin out runners. So much improvement that he should see a very good raise to be part of this Rockies team for some time.
Second suprise to Garretts season was the homeruns. While I dont look at this to much just because I feel the homerun is so overrated you got to look at Garretts. This is the most he has EVER hit at any time. Little League, High School, College, minors to now. :clap: Then add in a Grand Slam that was about 4 rows away from me for added points. :D
But for all you Coors field haters or the ones who think Coors field hits homeruns and all that Garrett is doing it all over.
While the avg might be higher at home most players play better at home in the first place. It brings meaning to home field advantage. :hmm:
But still on the road he hit .313
Home-.342
Road HR 14
Home HR 15
102 hits at home
96 on the road
Runs 60 home 57 away
Doubles 23 home 25 away
A great year Garrett!!!! And look foward to next year!!!!
And boy was he ever. While he had the job wrapped up in spring training for this year many was looking to next year when they thought Ian Stewart would take over. But this is why they play the game.
There has aways been a question mark on Garretts glove over at 3rd after being drafted as a first baseman then making the move to third because of a guy named Todd Helton there has never been a question on his bat. A nice compact swing in an open stance has even given him some power. While always looked at as a high doubles hitter he didnt disappoint this year hitting 48 doubles along with a great avg of .329. These were the things expected from Garrett and he could have been doing this a couple of years ago for the Rockies.
But the shocking part of Garretts game was the most overlooked part and why he was in there so much this year. It was his glove and arm. He was a very solid 3rd baseman this year. Some just outstanding plays out there that when balls was hit to him there was no question about him eating it up and throwin out runners. So much improvement that he should see a very good raise to be part of this Rockies team for some time.
Second suprise to Garretts season was the homeruns. While I dont look at this to much just because I feel the homerun is so overrated you got to look at Garretts. This is the most he has EVER hit at any time. Little League, High School, College, minors to now. :clap: Then add in a Grand Slam that was about 4 rows away from me for added points. :D
But for all you Coors field haters or the ones who think Coors field hits homeruns and all that Garrett is doing it all over.
While the avg might be higher at home most players play better at home in the first place. It brings meaning to home field advantage. :hmm:
But still on the road he hit .313
Home-.342
Road HR 14
Home HR 15
102 hits at home
96 on the road
Runs 60 home 57 away
Doubles 23 home 25 away
A great year Garrett!!!! And look foward to next year!!!!