At issue
Rockies’ future with Atkins, Holliday and Stewart
What: The injury to shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has caused fans to call for Garrett Atkins to move to second base with Ian Stewart manning third. It was assumed that either Atkins or Stewart would be traded this offseason, but it’s becoming clear that both are linked to Matt Holliday’s future contract talks as well. General manager Dan O’Dowd told me as much last week when I relayed fans’ concerns about the future of Atkins and Stewart.
When: Talks with Holliday either late this season or this offseason will be critical in shaping the Rockies’ plans. Colorado needs to get serious in its negotiations.
Background: The Rockies have Holliday signed through next year at $13.5 million, but that doesn’t guarantee that he will be back in 2009. He can become a free agent after the 2009 season. If Holliday and the team cannot bridge financial gaps and it becomes obvious they won’t, he could be a candidate to be traded. The mere idea is chilling given Holliday’s presence in the lineup and the community. If Holliday is traded, Stewart could be shifted to left field.
Renck’s take: Nearly everyone has conceded that the Rockies won’t pony up for Holliday — even O’Dowd acknowledged that $100 million is the jumping-off point. The terms of the contract could be the killer given ownership’s reluctance to commit more than five years to a 28-year-old player. To me, Holliday should be viewed as the exception given his remarkable physical condition. He said that he would be “disgusted with himself” if he wasn’t in great shape at age 35. I am not ready to say a long-term deal won’t happen for two reasons: both Holliday and O’Dowd’s creativity. Holliday has shown a willingness to work with the Rockies — he isn’t looking for top dollar and loves his teammates. If escape clauses can be written in to protect the player and team after five years, there’s more than a puncher’s chance he stays.
THREE UP
1. Diamondbacks:They have gone 17-5 against the NL West.2. Tigers:First sweep at Yankee Stadium since 1966.3. Rays:Posted first winning April in franchise history.THREE DOWN
1. Rockies:Tulo hurt, Morales demoted, Corpas slumping, what next?
2. Yankees:A-Rod, Posada and Hughes all land on the DL.
3. Blue Jays:Went 7-for-66 with RISP during forgettable road trip.
