SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cindy Crawford has a mole. Troy Tulowitzki has the DL.
In an otherwise spectacular career, the Rockies’ all-star shortstop has a single blemish that lingers for critics: Can he stay healthy?
Since making his debut in 2006, Tulowitzki, 26, has landed on the disabled list three times. His size — 6-foot-3, 210 pounds — intensity and role (team leader, cleanup hitter) leave him vulnerable to injury.
That’s a chilling thought for the Rockies. During his career, the Rockies are 30 games over .500 when Tulowitzki plays, two games under when he doesn’t. He represents the line between contending and mediocrity.
“I understand why people talk about it. But I am not going to change the way I play,” Tulowitzki said. “It’s not something I think about.”
Tulowitzki’s injuries have ranged from severe to self-inflicted to fluky. He tore his left quadriceps tendon in 2008, which sidelined him for 46 games. Thirteen games later, he cut his right hand when he broke his bat in disgust after a bad at-bat. Last season, the Rockies went 17-16 after Minnesota Twins reliever Alex Burnett broke a bone in Tulowitzki’s left wrist with an errant pitch.
In 2007 and 2009, both Rockies playoff seasons, he averaged 153 games. The numbers suggest what Tulo is reluctant to say: The more he’s in the lineup the more the team wins.
“You are talking about one of the best players in the game,” closer Huston Street said of Tulowitzki, who set a franchise record with 40 RBIs in September. “We are a different team when he’s not out there.”
While adversity has created questions on how long Tulo can play shortstop, it also shaped his future. Following the quad injury, Tulowitzki completely changed his approach. He’s always been a baseball rat, eating and sleeping a game he learned from his father, Ken. But the length of the big-league season and his body type made Tulowitzki realize traditional exercise wouldn’t suffice.
That decision, coupled with his production and leadership, prompted the Rockies to reward him with a seven-year, $134.5 million contract extension. The franchise-changing kid was officially the face of the franchise.
“There is a risk given his position and how he plays. But more than me being aware of it, he’s conscious of it as it relates to taking care of his body,” general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “He’s taken the necessary steps with his diet, with his training, because he’s always thinking about the competitive edge.”
Tulowitzki has used a personal trainer for three years, grinding through muscle-confusion workouts. He also overhauled his meals, eating lean and healthy. In a typical day during the winter, he had oatmeal for breakfast, chicken breast or a turkey sandwich for lunch and fish for dinner. Protein shakes held him over when he craved fast food.
“Of course, I missed that stuff all the time. I really enjoyed eating chips and French fries,” Tulowitzki said. “I give myself a break once in a while. But it’s just not worth it. I want to be the best, so really it’s an easy sacrifice to make.”
Tulowitzki reported to spring training at 210 pounds. He usually finishes the season around 218, gaining weight from late-night meals.
“I am most comfortable coming into spring training lighter. During the season, I eat out more and I cut back on the cardio work to preserve my legs,” Tulowitzki said. “I feel strong as the season goes on.”
Tulowitzki fell to the Rockies in the 2005 draft when, most notably, the Mariners switched plans and passed on him, choosing USC catcher Jeff Clement. For O’Dowd, Tulowitzki was his shot at Cal Ripken Jr., a player he watched turn into a Hall of Fame shortstop while O’Dowd was working with the Orioles.
O’Dowd doesn’t dismiss the idea that Tulowitzki’s redline style and linebacker’s body put him in harm’s way. But he also knows how painful life is without him.
“I had the good fortune of being around Ripken. There are a lot of similarities in their athleticism, body movement and awareness of the game,” O’Dowd said. “They have tremendous grace for players their size. Tulo is big, but plays like he’s 5-foot-10. He’s put himself in position to succeed. If he gets hurt playing his style, it’s not because he didn’t put the work in on and off the field.”
Pain, no gain
Troy Tulowitzki has been on the disabled list three times in his career. National baseball writer Troy E. Renck looks at the Rockies’ record when Tulowitzki hasn’t played because of injury or rest:
2006: 3-3
2007: 3-5
2008: 29-32
2009: 6-5
2010: 21-19
Record w/o Tulo: 62-64
Record with Tulo: 292-262
