Scott Rolen’s Top 10 Defensive Gems
Even though he only spent a season and a half with the Toronto Blue Jays, Scott Rolen made a lasting impression with this team thanks to his constant dazzling plays on the third base side.
It’s a shame that Rolen wasn’t able to finish his tenure with the Blue Jays, but he will always be appreciated and remembered for his knack for timely hitting and incredible Gold Glove defense. As a tribute to the GBOAT, let’s take a look at Scott Rolen’s Top 10 Defensive Gems during his time with the Blue Jays.
10.) June 29th, 2008 vs. Atlanta Braves
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With the Blue Jays protecting a slim 1-0 lead and a runner on, Rolen makes easy work of a short hop infield ball and gets the out.
9.) May 21st, 2008 vs. Los Angeles Angels
Occasionally, Scott Rolen didn’t even need to rely on a glove to make the play. Rolen hustles and barehands an infield grounder to get his pitcher out of a jam.
8.) July 26th, 2009 vs. Tampa Bay Rays
An ordinary man might be disoriented after spinning around, but Scott Rolen twists and makes the throw from his knees for another highlight reel play.
7.) June 25th, 2009 vs. Cincinnati Reds
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It’s rumoured that the Tomahawk cruise missiles were designed after the accuracy of Scott Rolen’s throwing arm. In this defensive gem, Rolen tosses to Overbay from one knee and still makes the play.
6.) July 10th, 2008 vs. Baltimore Orioles
In this dazzler from 2008, Rolen dives over the third base line stealing extra bases away from Nick Markakis while throwing him out from his knees across the diamond.
5.) May 18th, 2009 vs. Chicago White Sox
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Scott Rolen showed that he was deadly from his feet and his knees, reaching across the line and tossing this one-hopper to get the out.
4.) May 14th, 2009 vs. New York Yankees
Perfectly positioned on this play, Rolen tracks down this ball just inches above the ground to steal a double away from Alex Rodriguez.
3.) May 3rd, 2009 vs. Baltimore Orioles
At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Rolen displays he is one of the most agile “big men” of the infield as he leaps across the grass to snag this liner.
2.) June 24th, 2009 vs. Cincinnati Reds
This is the infamous “climbing the ladder” play where Scott leapt to unreachable heights to pull down a line drive.
1.) July 18th, 2009 vs. Boston Red Sox
Although Rolen’s position is third base, there is no territory that is unfamiliar to him on the field. With the defensive shift on, Rolen basically positioned at shortstop and makes the diving stab.
Thank you, Ian.
The only thing missing (and it's not your fault, it's because MLB.com doesn't have it up) is a couple of double plays he started. No team in the league was turning DPs like that because no other third basemen were scooping balls and then throwing rockets at the chest of the 2nd baseman like Scott was.
I miss him already.
You're right, I vaguely remember a few that weren't on the site. There was a point there during one week where it was highlight reel after highlight reel play – Scoots, Rolen and Hill were all in on it.
Watching these videos makes me truly appreciate how blessed the Blue Jays were.
*Single tear
He is truly a human highlight reel. All class. Viva la Vida
Rolen was simply a pleasure to watch night in and night out. I loved his blue collar approach and the impact he had on youngsters like Snider. Long live the GBOAT!
It will be interesting to see how quickly the Reds come around on their W-L record without the daily error from EE. Imagine switching from 28 or 29 outs per game to 27, and with a few of those being hits with any other fielder — oops, we're gonna do that in reverse aren't we?
Thank you for this. His defense is nothing less than thrilling. I love the Blue Jay fans' appreciation of him.
Those were nice. Reminds me of his tenure in St Louis (seems like ages ago). I wonder if we will see ONE similar play from EE the rest of the season…
I imagine that EE won't be many any Gold Glove calibre plays any time soon. He's never really been known to be a great defensive third baseman, but he does have a bit of pop. For the time being, I think Bautista will be fine at 3B.
Great post, Ian. A fitting tribute to the departed Rolen.
Hey Dude your on ESPN
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=neyer_rob&id=4761290
Thanks for the heads up man, that's pretty sweet. I appreciate the link!
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