Background: Drafted by the Rockies in 2002 out of the University of Florida, Ryan Shealy began a slow-speed pursuit to the major leagues. On first glance, he looks a bit like Meatloaf. Rockies manager Clint Hurdle nicknamed him “Sully” for the lovable brute in “Monsters Inc.” Shealy became a frightening proposition for minor-league pitchers the past two years, hitting for average while displaying power. But as a first baseman, there was no room for advancement with the Rockies, so Colorado shipped him off to Kansas City on July 31 in exchange for pitchers Jeremy Affeldt and Denny Bautista.
What’s up: To the surprise of no one, Shealy has carried a big stick for the Royals. In his first 23 games, he hit .297 with four home runs and 23 RBIs. Third baseman Mark Teahen said Shealy’s arrival solidified the lineup. He’s been so good that Mark Sweeney has become a full-time designated hitter. Shealy’s ability to hit to all fields and show patience with two strikes has impressed manager Buddy Bell.
What’s next: At 27, Shealy is finally starting in the big leagues, two years later than he would have scripted. Shealy had grown frustrated in Colorado this season after seeing so many players his age already well into their big-league careers. “I just want an opportunity,” he said, knowing that playing behind Todd Helton is like backing up Brett Favre. After a failed outfield experiment in spring training – he injured his elbow making a throw – and the emergence of Joe Koshansky in Double-A, the Rockies reluctantly moved Shealy.
Renck’s take: Most trades are best analyzed in the long view. In the short term, the Royals have the edge because Shealy has outhomered Helton (4 to 3) and driven in more runs (23 to 15). Affeldt has been roughed up in his last few outings. However, if Affeldt develops into a seventh-inning reliever or starter next season and Helton rebounds, the deal makes sense – with Bautista the wild card because of his potential. Fact is, there wasn’t much more available for Shealy because of his age. Though the Rockies knew he would likely blossom elsewhere, the industry viewed Shealy as an old Triple-A first baseman. The market wasn’t going to get any better this winter. Moving him was prudent when Koshansky – potentially minor-league baseball’s player of the year – began putting up similar numbers.
