When he was signed to a one-year deal, worth $900,000 during last spring, many D’Backs fans didn’t expect much out of veteran Willie Bloomquist. Little did those fans know, Bloomquist would become a crucial part to Arizona making their first postseason appearance since 2007.
After starting shortstop Stephen Drew went down with a season-ending ankle on a collision at home plate against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 20, Bloomquist stepped in and did an extremely good job considering that he wasn’t expected to be the Diamondbacks starter at short at the beginning of the season and strictly a depth guy.
In receiving his most at-bats since the 2009 season with Kansas City, Bloomquist hit .266; his best batting average since 2008. The former ASU product also hit four long balls and drove in 26 runs. His 44 runs was the second highest total of his 10-year big league career.
Bloomy also did a wonderful job on the basepaths. Never known to have great speed, Bloomquist still...
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