Pittsburgh – Joe Koshansky is a first baseman in the Rockies’ organization. Not surprisingly, he’s open to a trade or shift to the outfield.
Such is life in the shadow of Todd Helton, who doesn’t just play every game, he plays every inning. If nothing else, Koshansky cemented his reputation as a slugger Sunday, blasting a home run off Blue Jays left-handed prospect Davis Romero in the United States’ 8-5 victory over the World in the Futures Game at PNC Park.
“I think of myself as a power hitter. That’s what everybody usually says about me,” said Koshansky, who is 6-feet-4, 235 pounds. “It meant a lot to hit one here. I had 15 text messages on my phone.”
Koshansky, a former college teammate of Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, has put thunder in his numbers for two consecutive seasons. After hitting 38 home runs in 132 minor-league games last year, the 24-year-old has blasted 20 this season for Double-A Tulsa. In most organizations, that would be grounds for promotion.
But Ryan Shealy is putting up similar statistics at Triple-A Colorado Springs, his path also blocked by Helton. The Rockies have listened to trade proposals for Shealy, but nothing has compelled them to make a deal.
“I just have to wait and see what happens. It’s out of my control,” said Koshansky, who went 1-for-3 with two RBIs.
Troy Tulowitzki isn’t changing positions anytime soon. The burly shortstop joined Koshansky on the U.S. club, walking in his only at-bat. Tulowitzki is batting .282 with nine home runs and 39 RBIs in Double-A.
“I haven’t heard anything yet, but my coaches have told me to be ready to go,” Tulowitzki said. “I am happy because I continue to take steps forward.”
