MIAMI — Zero.
The number explains Troy Tulowitzki’s resurgence under manager Jim Tracy as well as any of his gaudy statistics. That’s how many times the shortstop has been out of the lineup in 70 games with Tracy in charge.
Tracy hinted that could change Friday, saying the feedback he’s getting from trainers suggests the Rockies’ shortstop needs a breather. Tulowitzki reluctantly conceded that his legs are tired, but he’s not ready to come out of the lineup.
“I would never go to him and ask for a day. That would have to be his decision,” Tulowitzki said.
Friday, Tracy sat first baseman Todd Helton, citing the long road trip and 1:15 a.m. arrival here Friday as reasons to give his back a break.
Helton has responded to five breaks under Tracy, going 11-for-18 in the following games.
Splashing with Dolphins.
Big Tuna, meet Large Tulo.
Dolphins vice president Bill Parcells came away impressed with Tulowitzki during the shortstop’s visit to the Dolphins’ training camp Friday. The two talked for 40 minutes about everything from minor-league options to the Dolphins’ roster. Tulowitzki has been a Dolphins fan since he was a kid.
“I didn’t take a roster when they were handing them out. So he started quizzing me on guys,” Tulowitzki said. “After I got the questions right, he walked over to the GM and said he should consider putting me in their war room during the draft.”
Feeling a draft.
There are growing indications the Rockies will not be able to sign first-round pick Tyler Matzek by Monday’s 10 p.m. deadline. Oregon coach George Horton told The (Eugene, Ore.) Register-Guard on Friday that Matzek is heading to Eugene to enroll in classes. Matzek is seeking well above the recommended $1.8 million slot money. The Rockies have shown signs they will go to $2 million, which would still be well short of Matzek’s reported demands.
