Nolan Arenado optimistic Rockies will be better in 2016: 'We're tired of losing'
In his three seasons in Colorado, Nolan Arenado and the Rockies have been deprived of that which every player craves: Winning and contending.
Arenado has won three consecutive Gold Glove awards for his wizardry at third base, and tacked on a Silver Slugger award last year for a season in which he mashed 42 home runs and drove in 130 runs, yet his individual achievements have not been mirrored by team success.
The Rockies have tallied a 208-278 record (.423 winning percentage) since Arenado's debut season in 2013, finishing last place in the NL West in all but one of those years.
"We're tired of losing. Guys are tired of losing in general. It gets old," Arenado said recently at Rockies Fest. "Guys want to step up. Guys are getting better and the young guys are getting better. I think this team is going to be different than years past."
Now entering spring training for the first time in 10 years without Troy Tulowitzki as their starting shortstop and many years as the face of their franchise, the Rockies are in need of a rallying force to help them emerge from the futility of the past five years.
While outfielder Carlos Gonzalez has been a major contributor to the club for the past seven years, all indications point to Arenado becoming the team's new leader.
The 24-year-old infielder is prepared to embrace that role.
"There are going to be times when I'm going to need to let guys know how I feel and what we need to do," Arenado said. "I'm going to voice my opinion."
