Arenado: 'An amazing feeling' to be back playing

DENVER -- When Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado comes out of a backhand pick, leaps, twists and whips a throw across the diamond, there’s nothing wrong with feeling romantic for baseball.

Sure, the world is upside down. We get to see Arenado hit and field and smile. But we also have shots of him and his teammates showing not much more than their eyes as a mask covers their faces, to help Colorado Gov. Jared Polis remind us all. But to see Arenado, winner of Gold Glove Awards all seven of his seasons, flying around on a green field … man, we missed it.

No one missed baseball more than Arenado -- the game’s preeminent third baseman. Even beyond the Spring Training shutdown, it has felt like a long time between smiles for Arenado, who over the winter expressed disgruntlement with the Rockies heading into the second year of an eight-year, $260 million contract.

“It's an amazing feeling. It's always been a great feeling but especially after what's going on in our country, it feels even better,” Arenado said Sunday. “Putting pants on ... hitting pearls ... it's awesome.

“This has changed my [perspective], especially because it makes me appreciate being on the field, and I would like to do it for a very long time if I can. I would love to have a career like [Adrián] Beltré, [Todd] Helton, [Matt] Holliday. God willing, my body holds up, but I would like to do this for a long time. Because when it's over, it's over. I guess this has been a taste of retirement and it's not very good. I don’t like it."

Everybody needs a little bit of that. Manager Bud Black got his fix Saturday watching the team take infield practice during the first official Summer Camp workout. Arenado and his mates were scheduled to face German Márquez, Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela in live batting practice Sunday at Coors Field.

“Nolan continues to work, continues to get better in just so many areas,” Black said. “And Trevor [Story, the shortstop] is right there, side by side. Yesterday was a standard of practice that we all like to see. It’s really, really cool. I’m glad we were able to witness that.”

Arenado touched on several subjects with reporters on Sunday:

His desire to play, versus health concerns: “Everyone has a choice to make during these times and it must be respected,” he said. “Everyone [else] has the answers nowadays, even when not knowing who they are or what they are going through. So, respect their choice.

“As far as playing, yes, I want to play. I'm 29 once in my life; I'm never going to get this time back ever again. So I'm going to go as hard as I can. God has blessed me to play and that's what I'm going to do. My family supports me and that's all that matters."

Where clearing the air with general manager Jeff Bridich falls on his priority list: “The offseason was a little different than usual,” he said. “During this time being away, we just feel like that's the least of our worries. Let's get back to work and enjoy what we are doing.

"All that other stuff can be for another time. Right now, let's focus on the team and being positive because there is so much negativity surrounding our game and our country. I'm just thankful to be back on a field."

Whether he can endure every game of the 60-game schedule: “God willing,” said Arenado, who has played 155 or more games every year since 2015. “I feel good. Staying away from getting sick, all 60 is what I need to do. And what I want. The more games you play, the more comfortable you'll feel."

The Rockies’ 2020 chances: "What we need is confidence, especially after last year,” he said. “It won't be easy by any means because there's a lot of teams that have gotten good and it will be tough -- especially being in the West, facing [American League West] teams we usually never face. But I do believe guys have something to prove."