Defense will do for now.
I love to watch Troy Tulowitzki play shortstop. He is a witch with the leather. What are the chances the Rockies send him down, either to Triple-A or to eighth in the lineup, or just sit him down for a while? I think the guy is a superstar in the making, but right now he would not be our best-hitting pitcher.
Gary, Guam
Troy E. Renck: Nothing symbolizes how a slump can take on added concern when Tulowitzki’s batting average has reached Guam.
Tulowitzki is struggling, and he didn’t help himself with a double- play ball with the bases loaded in the eighth inning of Sunday’s loss to the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
Tulowitzki has shown signs of emerging from his rut before slipping back in. The reality is that he needs to make some adjustments. He is no longer a secret to anyone. Teams are attacking him aggressively, making him expand his zone. When he settles back in and starts hitting strikes, he will be fine.
He has too much talent not to hit. I don’t see Colorado Springs as an option as long as he continues to flash Rawlings Gold Glove-caliber leather.
Don’t forget Baker.
Clint Hurdle says he “owes” Jayson Nix the opportunity to get back in the lineup, but no mention of Jeff Baker. Hurdle has his favorites, but Baker should also get an opportunity.
Ethel, Lancaster, Pa.
Troy: Hurdle’s patience with Jayson Nix expired last weekend. Nix was the victim of the Rockies’ poor start and his own offensive issues. Had the Rockies begun the season raking, and sat five games over .500, Nix is probably still on the team. As it is, he couldn’t capitalize on a quick cameo. It’s possible he will wind up back in Triple-A Colorado Springs if he clears waivers.
As for Baker, he always seems like the guy who slips between the cracks. He backs up corner infield and outfield positions that almost never require reserve assistance. And Clint Barmes has taken over at second base.
Keep an eye on Baker over the next few weeks. Barmes has cooled, so Hurdle could look to find matchups for Baker. The key is for Baker to remain functional defensively. He could be a nice asset to maximize that position.
First things first.
What’s the deal with the Rockies in the first inning? It seems like they always give up at least one run in the first. Has there been a game where the other team put up a zero in the first?
Joey, Dixon, Ill.
Troy: There have been a handful, but you have successfully identified a trend. The Rockies have been outscored 25-14 in the first inning this season. That number is a bit deceiving, given the 10-spot the Dodgers put on Mark Redman on Saturday. But the reality is the Rockies are at their best when they start fast. That was the key when the offense took off last May. The dynamic that created that, however, no longer exists.
I talked to someone in the organization who I trust about the lineup move of Todd Helton to No. 2. He agreed Helton is not a typical No. 2 hitter, because he’s not a situational hitter and doesn’t run well. But he will get on base, and that alone should give Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins more RBI opportunities.
Center fielder of attention.
Any chance of the Rockies trading one of their young middle infielders to get a solid center fielder?
Ken, Rochester, N.Y.
Troy: The Rockies consider center field a position of depth, with Willy Taveras, Scott Podsednik and Ryan Spilborghs. Dexter Fowler is considered the center fielder of the future. He is lurking in Double-A.
Run for Roberts.
Can the Rockies make a run for Brian Roberts, and how much of the farm would we have to give up? Would it be similar to how much Seattle gave up for pitcher Erik Bedard?
Baker, Fort Collins
Troy: Roberts could help the offense, given his speed and ability to put the ball in play consistently. It’s still my belief that the Cubs are eventually going to get their hands on Roberts. Lou Piniella would love to have another left-handed bat.
To your question, it wouldn’t take as much as Seattle gave up for Bedard, who is a potential Cy Young winner. Roberts is a nice second baseman with modest power.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
