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2016 MLB All-Star festivities full of highs and lows for Rockies

Nolan Arenado was 0-for-3 in the 2016 MLB All-Star Game, including a GIDP (grounded into double play) to end the game; he also made a spectacular defensive play that showed why he’s the best defender at his position. It was that kind of an All-Star break for the players representing the Colorado Rockies organization.

Let’s start with the actual game

Carlos Gonzalez wasted no time and earned his first All-Star Game hit off the first pitch he saw from Cole Hamels. It was his first hit in five Midsummer Classic at-bats. His second plate appearance lined a 112 mph rocket, but fellow Venezuelan Jose Altuve snared it for an out. It wasn’t the first time though that CarGo beat up his friend.

In the third inning the Rockies All-Star outfielder slid jovially into second base in a force out play. CarGo showed off his sweet neon green and purple kicks while looking like he was practicing a yoga move. The two got into a friendly spat that shows just how much No. 5 loves playing this game. It was the best moment for the Rockies in the All-Star break.

https://twitter.com/Ben_Macaluso/status/753034512037126144

Nolan Arenado showed why he is the best defensive third baseman in baseball, making a tremendous short-hop play in the seventh inning.

Unfortunately, his bat wasn’t on display this night as he went 0-for-3. Arenado grounded into a game-ending double play. The AL won 4-2 and have won 11 of the 14 All-Star games that have since MLB decided the winning league earns home-field advantage in the World Series. Commentators said he wasn’t running out the play. Arenado’s dedication to this game should never be a topic for conversation. Neither should his foot speed to first.

Former Rockies pitcher Drew Pomeranz provided a painful reminder of Colorado’s inability to develop pitchers, making his first All-Star appearance via the Padres.

Let’s watch guys hit some dingers

CarGo represented the Rockies in a home run derby that Giancarlo Stanton didn’t even make a competition. The Marlins slugger belted a record 61 home runs. Gonzalez hit 12 but that wasn’t enough to make it out of the first round as Todd Frazier, last year’s champ, hit 13. Frazier made it to the final round but lost to the eventual champ, Stanton. It was CarGo’s second derby and first since 2012.

One of CarGo’s most memorable bombs went off the right field porch at Petco completely shattering a fan’s beer cup. The fan tragically lost all of his beer and the ball.

Let’s talk about the future

This game was arguably the most exciting for the Rockies organization. Top prospects Jeff Hoffman, Raimel Tapia and David Dahl got everyone salivating more than Pavlov’s dog.

Hoffman, who is the most promising piece of the Tulowitzki trade, notched a strikeout in a scoreless appearance. He even got Tapia to ground out. Tapia only went 1-for-5, but he made that one count as he hit a two-run double for the World team who won 11-3. David Dahl made an immaculate play of his own, throwing out a runner at home plate to preserve a one-run lead at the time.

There is definitely a lot to look forward to with this organization.

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