MLB Notes: Quirky Charlie Blackmon leads surprising Rockies

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DENVER -- The center fielder for the Colorado Rockies features a scraggly beard, impressive mullet -- pronounced "mu-lay," he proudly says -- and a personality that's as quirky as it is meticulous.

His teammates have favorite Charlie Blackmon stories -- how he misplaced his car after returning from a road trip only to realize he left it at the airport. Or how he knew a batting cage distance was off a smidge, and proved it by counting the steps.

"He's weird," fellow outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said. "He's doing weird (stuff) all the time. But that's Charlie Blackmon."

Idiosyncrasies and all, Blackmon's become one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball. He also has one of the catchiest walk-up songs in the game -- the `80s pop tune "Your Love," by The Outfield.

Blackmon was recently named the NL player of the month after hitting .359 with five triples, six homers and 22 RBIs. His 42 hits tied the team record for May held by Dante Bichette (1995) and Todd Helton (2000).

To think, Blackmon doesn't even feel locked in yet, either.

"If you're not bad, but you're better than bad -- that's where I'm at (hitting-wise)," said the 30-year-old Blackmon, whose team (36-23) has spent a majority of the season leading the NL West. "I'm just trying not to be bad."

He's known for being goofy, investigative and sometimes forgetful. He once tested the gas gauge on his Jeep Cherokee -- the one he's had forever -- and ran out of fuel in the process, leading teammate DJ LeMahieu to help him out. Third baseman Nolan Arenado recounted the time Blackmon carpooled back from the airport after returning from a road swing only to remember his car was still there.

"Charlie is a little bit different," Arenado said. "He has his own style to the game. That's also what makes him who he is. He's quirky. But when it comes time to lock in, and he puts on the uniform, he's a different animal" (see full story).

Cubs: Closer Davis placed on paternity leave
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have placed closer Wade Davis on paternity leave and recalled right-hander Dylan Floro from Triple-A Iowa.

Davis and his wife, Katelyn, are expecting their second child. The 31-year-old Davis is 2-0 with a microscopic 0.89 ERA and 12 saves in his first season with Chicago after he was acquired in an offseason trade with Kansas City.

Floro made two appearances with the Cubs last month, allowing six runs in 6 1/3 innings.

The team announced the moves before Monday night's game against Miami.

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