Nolan Arenado, Future 3B and All-Star for the Colorado Rockies, But, When?

The minor league baseball leader in RBI’s with 112 in 123 games is Nolan Arenado, future third baseman for the Colorado Rockies. But, the question is, when? His minor league performance indicates that he may (or should) be called up in September 2011. Arenado (20 years old; 6’1, 205) was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2009 MLB draft, and is currently playing for the high A-level Modesto Nuts. Although Arenado is 2 levels (AA and AAA) from the major leagues, it is my opinion that his exceptionally low strike out rate (47K’s in 536 AB’s, 1K every 11.4 AB’s), his ridiculous ability to drive in runs, and, solid defense warrants at least a September call-up to the Rockies. There are 2 reasons for this decision. First, both the Rockies AA and AAA level teams are having poor seasons, meaning that they won’t make their respective playoffs, which would allow Arenado extra AB’s against upper level pitching. A September 2011 call-up to the Rockies would allow Arenado to keep playing. Second, the Rockies (with the exception of Ty Wiggington, who always seems to put up decent stats) have started the newly acquired Kevin Kouzmanoff, Jonathan Herrera and the recently demoted Chris Nelson at 3B. At his worst, Arenado is as good as each of these players, and his upside is far greater than each. In recent memory, I can think of only 1 position player who was able to jump from A-ball to the majors, Albert Pujols. In 2000, Pujols played in 109 games at A-ball (before being jumped to AA for 21 games, and, AAA for 3 games, essentially playing all of 2000 in A-ball). Pujols was starting 3B for the Cardinals in 2001. Pujols posted 84 RBI’s in A-ball, showed a low strike out rate (1K every 11.9 AB’s), and, was a solid defender at 3B, with 19 errors and a .948 fielding percentage. Arenado, like Pujols, is also a solid defender (with 17 errors and a .942 FP) is exceptionally tough to strike out, and, is an RBI machine. Arenado’s stats are similar to Pujols A-league performance, and, in my opinion, indicate a call-up to the Rockies, as soon as possible! Have a look at the attached table for the comparison between Arenado and Pujols.