Not in Little League. Not in college. Not in pro ball.
Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki had never played on a losing team until now. Tulowitzki took blame for the failure, disappointed in his lack of impact on the field and in the clubhouse.
“I definitely think I let the team down this year, not only in my performance, but from the standpoint of being upbeat,” Tulowitzki said. “I wasn’t the same guy.”
It was easy to understand why. Tulowitzki had never dealt with such adversity. He was hitting .152 in April when he landed on the disabled list with a left quadriceps tear that still hasn’t fully healed. His return two months later was interrupted when he cut his right hand on a broken bat.
Without his traditional numbers, Tulowitzki lost his swagger.
“I had success last year, so it was a lot easier to say things to people. This year it was hard to be that way because I was so down at times,” Tulowitzki said. “I have learned that even if I am slumping, I can still provide energy on defense. I know the guys in the locker room feed off my personality, and I have to a do a better job when things aren’t going well.”
Tulowitzki’s finish has given him confidence going into the offseason. He’s regained his range defensively, while hitting .320 with 25 RBIs during the past two months.
“I put pressure of myself after the slow start, and my average got so low I was struggling to get some playing time. I had to put together quality at-bats. You can’t be swinging for the fences when you’re hitting .150,” Tulowitzki said.
Helton looks for answers.
Unlikely to play again this season, Todd Helton will visit back specialist Robert Watkins on Wednesday in Southern California. Helton admitted that surgery on his irritated disc is an option, but he said he would be ready for spring training.
Footnotes.
Matt Holliday’s pursuit of a 30-home run, 30-stolen base season took a hit Saturday because of a stiff back. He’s not expected to play again until Tuesday. . . . An MRI of Taylor Buchholz’s shoulder showed a mild rotator cuff strain. “It’s the best news possible,” he said.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
