Cardinals' Nolan Arenado back at Coors Field as visiting player
Nolan Arenado admitted it was odd to be stationed in the visitor's clubhouse prior to his first game at Coors Field since he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason.
But the third baseman who represented the Colorado Rockies in five All-Star games said he harbors no resentment as he returned to Denver after a bitter split with the organization.
"I really feel like I could look at my past and have really no regrets when it comes to what I did here," Arenado said before Thursday night's opener of a four-game series between the Cardinals and Rockies. "I feel like I did some great things."
However, the eight-time Gold Glover and former face of the franchise had severe issues with ex-general manager Jeff Bridich despite signing an eight-year, $260 million extension prior to the 2019 season.
The rift led to Colorado's winter trade of Arenado to the Cardinals for five players.
Ironically, Bridich resigned in late April, less than three months after Arenado was traded.
Arenado said he has no idea what might have transpired if he was still with the Rockies.
"I don't know what the plan would have been regardless," Arenado said. "They could easily want to trade me still or I would have stayed. I don't know how it would have really turned out."
Regardless, the 30-year-old Arenado is happy to be with St. Louis and enters Thursday's game with 16 homers and 52 RBIs. He is batting .267 and slugging .513 through 79 games.
Arenado topped 40 homers three times and 100 RBIs five times during eight seasons with the Rockies. He had 251 homers and 812 RBIs in 1,158 games in a Colorado uniform.
Arenado found it strange to be spending the night in a Denver hotel room but he did find time Wednesday night to dine with Rockies shortstop Trevor Story.
"Just talking and reminiscing about things and how the season's going on," Arenado said. "It was just great to see him and the family. There won't be a whole lot of hugging. I'm trying to win a ballgame."
It also might not be Arenado's final visit to Coors Field this month. The All-Star Game will be held there on July 13.
--Field Level Media
