LOS ANGELES — After a month as a spectator, the Rockies’ Troy Tulowitzki could soon become a player again. The shortstop will undergo a few more days of drills at Coors Field to test the strength in his torn left quadriceps tendon before beginning a rehab assignment.
“It’s getting really close if there are no setbacks,” Tulo- witzki said.
A decision prior to the season paid dividends during his idle time. Tulowitzki bought the DirecTV baseball package and has spent the last several weeks compiling scouting reports on opposing pitchers and hitters.
“I figured I would just watch the late games on the West Coast. But I have used it a lot more. Hopefully it will help when I get back,” Tulowitzki said.
Drafting board.
Though they have played this season as if they want the No. 1 pick in 2009, the Rockies own the 25th selection in today’s amateur draft, a reflection of their best finish ever.
Colorado has long been tracking Illinois high school pitcher Jake Odorizzi. Connecticut prep shortstop Anthony Hewitt has also been connected to the Rockies.
Torrealba waits.
History is no friend of Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba in his quest to avoid a suspension for Tuesday’s fight with Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp.
Only once in Major League Baseball discipline czar Bob Watson’s tenure has a player not been suspended for a fight — Angels pitcher John Lackey, who was charged by Athletics catcher Jason Kendall. Watson indicated Wednesday that different levels of punishment could be meted out based on culpability. Kemp, in a candid confession, admitted that his actions were “stupid.”
“I will look at it closely and if the other person is more of a instigator, that will be taken into consideration,” Watson said.
If Torrealba is suspended today or Friday, he can appeal. The Rockies must be prepared to call up a replacement catcher — Edwin Bellorin of Triple-A Colorado Springs would be a likely choice.
Footnotes.
Right fielder Brad Hawpe is eligible to come off the disabled list Friday. But it’s possible the Rockies could wait a few more days to make sure he’s regained his hitting stroke. That would allow them more time to evaluate Seth Smith. . . . Reliever Luis Vizcaino is close to rejoining the big-league squad. . . . Left fielder Matt Holliday, who begins a three-day rehab assignment tonight in Triple-A, ranks a distant fourth in the National League all-star outfield balloting behind Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and Ken Griffey Jr. Balloting closes July 2.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
