The thing is, a lot of these story lines have little to do with actual performance on the field, except for that of Charlie Blackmon, the 27-year old Rockies outfielder. His quiet confidence and growth in the Rockies system has resulted in a starting spot for what is a very talented outfield. Flanked by Gold Glover and Silver Slugger Carlos Gonzalez and reigning batting champion Michael Cuddyer, Blackmon is no slouch. But how did he get here? Walk with me.
Blackmon was born July 1, 1986 in Texas, though he grew up in Georgia. After a few years at Young Harris College, Blackmon transferred to Georgia Tech and was a pitcher/outfielder, graduating in 2008. In his final year, he hit .396 in all 62 games for the Yellow Jackets, compiling 99 hits (including 8 home runs) as well as 25 steals in 30 attempts. After being named to the All-ACC team, the Rockies drafted him in the 2nd round of the amateur draft right after graduation, where he matriculated to the Northwest League with a $538,000 signing bonus (lucky dog).
This was not his first time around the block with being drafted, mind you. The Marlins drafted him in the 28th round directly out of high school (I think I would have gone in the first round but I don't like to give my cell phone number out so the scouts never called me) in 2004, and the Red Sox again in the 20th round in 2005 after his first year at junior college. It wasn't until 2008 when he finally graduated and his hitting ability stuck.
At the age of 22, Blackmon started his long and arduous climb towards the big leagues. In his 2008 season at Short Season A ball with Tri-City, he hit .338 in 68 games. The brass took notice of his pure lefty swing and each successive year after 2008, he moved up the ranks in the minors: 2009 found Blackmon in High A, 2010 in AA, and 2011 in AAA. Blackmon, true to form, is a .309 career hitter in the minors and has been a fan favorite at AAA Colorado Springs for the last three years.
Unfortunately for the Colorado Springs fans, Blackmon probably won't be seeing them too much anymore.
Blackmon's big league debut came in the 2011 season. The Rockies outfield boasted from left to right a trio of Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, and Seth Smith, a salty three-headed beast featuring speed, average, and power to all fields. On the bench were equally lethal backups Ryan Spilborghs (in competition with Mike Moustakas for the coolest baseball name in the 21st century) and Eric Young, Jr. However, when Dexter Fowler missed June 5 to July 14 due to injury, this opened the door for old Charlie: Blackmon debuted on June 7th against the Padres, going 0-3 and playing left field. Gonzalez moved to center for the rest of the Fowler's absence, and Blackmon actually played nearly every day until Fowler's return. In his first stint, Blackmon hit .255 with a home run and 5/6 steals.
Similar to his minor league progression, Blackmon saw more playing time in 2012 (.283 in 42 games) and even more in 2013 (.309 in 82 games). That leads us to where we are today. Now that speedster Fowler is in Houston, it seems as if the starting center job is his to lose. Drew Stubbs has traditionally been a centerfielder, coming off of a few decent seasons in Cleveland, but he is off to a wicked slow start in 2014. Must be the thin air. In 10 games (7 starts) this year, Blackmon is hitting an incredible .471.
He really stole the stage about a week ago against the Diamondbacks, when he went 6-6 with a home run, three doubles, and 5 RBI's. He was a triple short of the cycle in the 12-2 win. In an interview with MLB Network, Blackmon goodheartedly says he had never done that well since front yard whiffle ball where he went 7-7. As the year progresses, with CarGo in left and Cuddy in right, the Rockies outfield could potentially be the best offensive outfield in the National League. In a division where many picked the Dodgers to run away with the competition (including this guy), folks might want to hold off their predictions until later in the season.
Blackmon seems like a nice guy (he has an incredible beard). At the age of 27, soon to turn 28, he is entering his physical prime. I think he has the tools and the pretty lefty swing to make this a memorable year, not only for himself, but for the Rockies as well. It was a major vote of confidence by the Rockies to send Fowler away. Whether the plan was to have Blackmon start all along or not I do not know - Stubbs and Brandon Barnes are solid players, but Blackmon has the edge.
Best of luck to you, Charlie.
Thanks for reading.
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