TUCSON — There was growing evidence last week that Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins is becoming a big deal. He opened a box of Under Armour cleats, and they were personalized with his name and number on the back. One pair was outlined in purple, the other splashed in white.
“This looks like something (Matt) Holliday would have,” said outfielder Dexter Fowler in admiration.
If anyone can fill Holliday’s shoes, it is Atkins. With Todd Helton’s production unknown because of a balky back, Atkins is the Rockies’ most accomplished hitter.
“Nobody on the team has a better swing,” infielder Jeff Baker said.
Atkins remains critical to the Rockies’ offensive rebound. If he or the club fail, he likely won’t be around, and would be traded in July or the offseason. It’s against this backdrop that the 29-year-old opens his fifth full season in the major leagues.
No pressure or anything.
“My goal is to have a good year, and if we are in first place in July, I won’t have to even worry about it,” Atkins said. “That’s all I am thinking about, putting us in a position to make a playoff push. If that happens, I am going to be here. If not, who knows?”
Atkins’ situation is precarious because his production shrank as his salary spiked (he’s the team’s third-highest-paid player at $7.05 million).
With Ian Stewart a potential replacement at third base, Atkins could become expendable if right-handed hitters Troy Tulowitzki and Chris Iannetta evolve into middle-of-the order threats.
“I don’t worry about that; it’s out of my control,” Atkins said.
Atkins is a frequent target of fans and even his own front office, but the reality is this: Few players are more durable or consistent. He ranks seventh in innings played in the last three seasons, and seventh in RBIs in the National League since 2008.
“He thinks he had a down year last season (99 RBIs, .225 average with runners in scoring position), and you aren’t going to hear one guy in here say they are disappointed in him,” pitcher Aaron Cook said. “He’s so consistent.”
Too often last season, Atkins admitted, he lost his stable approach. The “turn-and-burn” at-bats, where too much emphasis is placed on pulling the ball, created issues with runners on base.
“Nobody wants to hit .200 in those situations. Everybody wants to be the man. But you have to focus on having a quality at-bat, being a tough out,” Atkins said. “If I focus on hitting line drives and using the big part of the field, it will lead to better numbers.”
While the Rockies have more MRIs than RBIs this spring, Atkins has two hits in his first six at-bats. He has played exclusively at third, but figures to soon get time at first base.
Manager Clint Hurdle called Atkins’ transition across the diamond in the middle of last season “professional.” It is with his personality that Atkins makes the biggest impact. He runs at the same, steady RPM, never requiring Dramamine during slumps.
“He’s the exact opposite of me. I will never be that way, but I look up to him, the way he handles adversity,” Tulowitzki said. “You hear a lot of things said about him, but he puts up numbers, makes the routine plays on defense. He’s a guy you want as a teammate.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
