The Colorado Rockies are filled with young talent which is finally graduating from a rich farm system. No young player is more important in that organization than rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Tulowitzki, drafted 7th overall in 2005 out of Long Beach State, has been in the middle of Colorado's emergence in the National League West.
The Rockies only sit 5 1/2 games behind the San Diego Padres, and much of that is attributed to the young core which is about all the city can hang onto now as Todd Helton is really the only meaningful veteran. But that is great news for Rockies fans. Tulowitzki is a leader and will be the face of the organization for many years to come. When you think of Colorado, Helton still is the first one to come to mind, but he really is not the core of this team any longer. That belongs to Tulowitzki, Matt Holliday, and Catcher Chris Iannetta.
The Rockies have usually been deep into the loss column by now and are often overlooked since they haven't made a difference in any playoff race in recent years. The West Coast teams already struggle to get their attention on a national scale, but there is something to be excited about in Colorado that has not yet been brought to the surface. The Rockies are for real, and they are run by the young, energetic blood in the organization.
Tulowirtzki is quietly batting .286 at the all-star break after overcoming some early season struggles. His 9 homeruns and 38 rbi are more than Ichiro Suzuki can show for, and that is a man who is about to sign a 9-figure contract. Granted the batting average doesn't match up, but Tulowitzki's 50 runs are not too shabby either. This guy is not a burner and will be asked to drive in runs more than score them.
The reality is that the rookie will hit .300, hit 25-30 homeruns, drive in and score over 100 runs a year. That is all on the offensive side without even mentioning his glove.
Tulowitzki does not have the range as, say, Derek Jeter, but he makes all routine plays with ease and has a cannon. Balls in the hole and up the middle will not be difficult for him to catch, plant, and gun down runners at first. There hasn't been much talk about this guy in the rookie of the year race for the NL, but I will venture to say that he will bring home the award this year.
If Colorado can add some pitching depth behind Jeff Francis, this team would have the makings to be very good and young for quite a few years. We all know about the pitching staff in San Diego, and the Russell Martin-led attack in Los Angeles, but don't close the books on this ballclub in Denver just yet. Their shortstop won't let it happen.
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