Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
In case you haven’t noticed, the Colorado Rockies are still in first place in the National League West. What started as a nice part time stay, has resulted in the Rockies sticking around in the top spot and apparently they want to stay there long term. The way they are playing that might not be a problem. Game after game and series after series the Rockies continue to deliver good games and great efforts. One huge factor has been outfielder Dexter Fowler.
Thinking back to the series they just had with the Atlanta Braves, I immediately think of an example for the type of hitter Fowler has been this year. They were down by a couple of runs in the bottom of the ninth with the Braves world-class closer Craig Kimbrel on the mound. As soon as the Rockies had runners on first and third, I knew Kimbrel didn’t have his best stuff. That didn’t mean he wasn’t near unhittable though. A hitter struck out and that left two outs and the Rockies last hope: Dexter Fowler.
The moment I knew Fowler was up with the game on the line against a less than flawless Kimbrel, I knew the Braves were in trouble. He doubled in the tying runs and they won in extra innings. The point is that what I knew the Braves knew and other teams know as well. Fowler is more than a tough out for the Rockies. He is one of the toughest outs in Major League Baseball with the game on the line. That is the kind of player that should start the all-star game. The National League will be loaded with outfielders but it might be time for Fowler to show as a starter in that group.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
