Tucson – Troy Tulowitzki’s youthful dream came true and bulldog right-hander Josh Fogg claimed the Rockies’ fifth starter job Friday.
Tulowitzki, 22, became the starting shortstop when Clint Barmes, the opening-day starter the past two years, was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Outfielder Cory Sullivan and right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez also were optioned to the Sky Sox.
Fogg clinched the last spot in the rotation when Byung- Hyun Kim was moved to the bullpen.
Tulowitzki reached the major leagues in a flash. When he was called up late last season, it had been just one year and 83 days since the Rockies drafted him out of Long Beach State. No drafted Rockies position player had moved up faster.
Now he’ll line up against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 2 when Coors Field is decked out in red, white and blue bunting. He’ll likely be teaming up with his good friend, 23-year-old catcher Chris Iannetta, giving the club talent, youth – and inexperience – up the middle.
“I’m excited, but I still have a job to do,” Tulowitzki said. “It’s a big step for me. As a kid, you dream about starting on opening day. For me, I’ve always wanted to be a shortstop in the majors. This is huge for me.”
Perhaps the best homegrown prospect in Rockies history, Tulowitzki beat out Barmes not only because of his terrific potential, but because he’s hitting the ball better this spring. Tulowitzki is batting .342 with five doubles and six RBIs. Barmes, still struggling to find his swing, is hitting .229 with three doubles and three RBIs.
Fogg, a battler who posted double-digit wins in four of his past five seasons, has been more consistent than Kim. Fogg joins Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, Rodrigo Lopez and rookie Jason Hirsh in the rotation.
Sullivan’s move to Triple-A virtually assures Steve Finley, 42, the role of backup center fielder to Willy Taveras.
The Rockies also reassigned right-handed reliever Matt Herges, left-handed reliever Mike Gallo, and infielder Erick Almonte to the minor-league camp. Right-handed reliever Danny Graves was released.
The moves leave the Rockies with 31 players on their spring roster, including right-handed pitchers Brian Lawrence and Dave Veres. Both are expected to open the season in extended spring training.
The Rockies still must decide which position player earns the final roster spot. The battle appears to be coming down to left-handed hitting John Mabry, who can play first, third and the outfield, or right-handed hitting outfielder Ryan Spilborghs.
Patrick Saunderscan be reached at 303-954-1428
