Charlie Blackmon can see a game unfold in front of him. And not just from his perch in deep center field.
The Rockies’ leadoff hitter stole second base in the third inning Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was his 41st stolen base of the season.
On Monday, he swiped second and third, back to back, to become just the fourth Rockies player to reach 40 stolen bases in a season. Willy Taveras (who stole a Colorado-record 68 in 2008), Eric Young (twice) and Juan Pierre (twice) also reached the mark.
“I was able to get comfortable at a large lead and have the ability to get back if I need to or steal the base,” said Blackmon, who has made a big jump from his 28 steals last year. “Most of that is a mind-set.”
Blackmon was a National League all-star last season. But he’s a better player this year. His on-base percentage (.349) and slugging percentage (.451) are both improved.
But his steals, he said, were a mental adjustment.
“Some of it is preparation. But most of it really is being in the right mind-set,” Blackmon said. “Being aggressive — but not reckless. Not second-guessing yourself. Not being doubtful. If I can get in that mind-set, base-stealing is much easier.”
Blackmon’s steal of third Monday went against wisdom. With some base hits, it’s nearly as easy to score from second as it is from third.
But Blackmon saw more than a base. He saw Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett throwing off-speed pitches in the dirt. And Blackmon wanted to force Burnett into safer pitches up in the zone — easier pitches for Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez behind him.
Colorado manager Walt Weiss — who said he “had a discussion” with Blackmon after the game about taking that risk — said he likes Blackmon’s awareness.
“He’s always looking for opportunities,” Weiss said. “He processes it right when he gets to first base.”
Pitching plans. The Rockies will replace injured left-hander Yohan Flande (bruised knee) with David Hale on Friday against the Dodgers. And Christian Bergman replaces Jorge De La Rosa (Achilles tendinitis) for Wednesday’s start. … Tyler Chatwood will pitch in the Arizona and Dominican instructional leagues this winter as part of his return from Tommy John surgery, Weiss said.
Looking ahead
Pirates’ Charlie Morton (9-8, 4.26 ERA) at Rockies’ Christian Bergman (3-0, 3.81), 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, ROOT; 850 AM
Bergman pitched 3 innings of relief Saturday after Yohan Flande left with an bruised ankle from a line drive. Bergman allowed one run on three hits against the San Diego Padres. He has been Colorado’s go-to long reliever this season because “he’s been too good at that job,” manager Walt Weiss said. But Bergman has starter stuff. His role in the bullpen was one of necessity. The Rockies, more than other teams, need a long reliever to mop up middle innings. Bergman’s move to the rotation was also a need — he replaces Jorge De La Rosa, who has right Achilles tendinitis.
Thursday: Pirates’ Jeff Locke (8-11, 4.48 ERA) at Rockies’ Chad Bettis (8-5, 4.46), 1:10 p.m., ROOT
Friday: Dodgers’ Mike Bolsinger (6-4, 3.26) at Rockies’ David Hale (4-5, 6.32), 6:10 p.m., ROOT
Saturday: Dodgers’ Brett Anderson (9-9, 3.52) at Rockies’ Kyle Kendrick (6-13, 6.37), 6:10 p.m., ROOT
Sunday: Dodgers’ Alex Wood (11-10, 3.63) at Rockies’ Jon Gray (0-2, 5.53), 2:10 p.m., ROOT
Monday: Off
Nick Groke, The Denver Post
