Stu Cole might have the best look at the future of the Rockies.
As manager of the Modesto Nuts, the Rockies’ affiliate in the Single-A California League, Cole’s view includes the work of two of the organization’s No. 1 selections from the annual June draft.
Third baseman Ian Stewart has worked his way up to the advanced Single-A league in three seasons, while shortstop Troy Tulowitzki – the top selection a month ago – is making his professional debut under Cole’s guidance.
But Cole’s view of Stewart and Tulowitzki is a little out of focus as the minor-league season heads into its last two months because neither has played enough to develop consistency on the field.
Stewart was slowed through much of the early part of the season with a hamstring injury and is just picking up the pace he displayed while hitting a combined 40 home runs in his first two minor-league seasons.
Tulowitzki hasn’t had enough time to adjust to the pro game from his playing days at Long Beach State.
“Stewart is just now starting to show us how he can swing the bat and play defense,” Cole said. “He essentially didn’t have a spring training because of the injury.
“It’s a different style of baseball, and you have to make the adjustments pretty quickly against some tough pitching,” Cole said. “Some of the players I’ve had before were a little more consistent with their play at this stage, but both Ian and Troy have given indications why they are No. 1 draft picks.”
Cole can make some tough comparisons. He underlined Brad Hawpe as the best position player he has managed.
Hawpe hit .347 with 22 home runs and 97 RBIs in 2002 while at Salem, the Rockies’ Single-A affiliate at the time.
Jeff Francis, who has seven victories in his rookie season with the Rockies, caught Cole’s eye with a 12-9, 3.47 ERA performance in 2003 while at Single-A Visalia.
And Ubaldo Jimenez, a right-hander on this year’s Modesto staff, is worthy of Cole’s mention. Jimenez has 78 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings.
If Stewart and Tulowitzki are the most watched players in the Rockies’ farm system, the comeback by right-hander Aaron Cook isn’t far behind.
Cook, whose season with the Rockies last summer was cut short by a serious blood clot situation that led to surgery, is on his way back after two rehab appearances with the Tri-City Dust Devils of the Single-A Northwest League.
Cook has allowed no runs and one hit in seven innings. His rehab time with Tri City could be completed this weekend after a throwing session on the side. Manager Ron Gideon said the Rockies will evaluate Cook after the session.
“He hasn’t had any setbacks here,” Gideon said. “He came back in four days after his first start and said he felt no discomfort. He feels strong, but we’re taking it one day at a time. Any timetable is up to the trainers.”
The Rockies hope Cook is ready to join their pitching staff after the all-star break.
Walk-off bunt
P.J. Carey has seen his share of strange happenings while managing the Casper Rockies of the Pioneer (Rookie) League.
Last year, the hot topic was a game suspended because of high winds.
A walk-off bunt June 23 takes the cake this season. The Rockies won 12-11 over Idaho Falls in the bottom of the ninth when baserunners Eric Young Jr. and Dexter Fowler scored on a bunt that turned into a comedy of errors instead of just a sacrifice.
Run burst
The Sky Sox have struggled at the plate this season, but there was plenty of offense Tuesday in a Sky Sox record 25-7 victory over Fresno.
Center fielder Choo Freeman had seven RBIs while hitting for the cycle, including a grand slam. First baseman Ryan Shealy, just back from the Rockies, drove in five runs.
