Ryan Shealy is back in the lineup in Colorado Springs and already the Sky Sox offense has some punch because of it.
After playing just 14 games since returning from the disabled list, Shealy already had tied the team high in home runs with four. He was hitting .309 with 13 RBIs, and eight of his first 17 hits were for extra bases.
For those who remember Shealy’s 29 home runs in 2004 while at Tulsa and his 26 home runs last year at Colorado Springs while sharing time with the Sky Sox and the Rockies, there won’t be any surprise when he takes over the organizational lead in home runs. As the season nears the two-month mark, outfielder Matt Miller at Single-A Modesto has shown the most power with eight homers.
But even with hitting ability that makes the job of filling out a lineup card easier for any manager, Shealy presents a problem, albeit a nice problem, for the Rockies organization.
What to do with him?
“We’ve had more conversations internally about him than almost anyone else,” Rockies baseball operations director Bill Geivett said of the 6-foot-5, 26-year-old Triple-A first baseman. “He has complete minor-league credentials, and we like to believe that he’s a major-league player.”
Geivett conceded Shealy probably isn’t quite 100 percent from the time off while recovering from an elbow injury. He was on the disabled list throughout April and early this month.
An attempt to convert Shealy to an outfielder resulted in his right elbow injury.
“I’m afraid the experimenting days are over,” Shealy said. “My arm didn’t hold up throwing from the outfield. I think it’s first base for me.”
Shealy is nearing 70 at-bats for the Sky Sox after missing spring training.
“I feel really good,” he said. “I haven’t had any pain in several weeks. My strength and timing are coming back.”
Even with the positives, Shealy is waiting in the wings. With Todd Helton a fixture at first base for the Rockies, there is no place yet for Shealy.
“The facts are facts,” Shealy said. “Todd Helton is and has been a great player, and he’s going to be a great player for a long time.”
There’s a lot of baseball to be played, and Shealy could leave the organization by trade.
Geivett isn’t predicting anything but noted things are up in the air.
Shealy had an answer.
“You never know what might go on in this game,” Shealy said. “I’m staying positive and taking care of Colorado Springs right now.”
Speeding up
Eric Young Jr. and the Asheville Tourists remain the fastest things in professional baseball. Young’s 30 stolen bases are the most for any minor- or major-league player. Asheville’s team total of 92 also leads professional baseball.
The Running Tourists have manager Joe Mikulik jumping for joy. Geivett proclaimed Mikulik the best baserunning coach in the organization.
Irv Moss can be reached on 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
