CHICAGO — April has been a month-long cringe for Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez.
He has one home run, and a single hit over the last week, dropping his average to .217. If anyone can relate, it’s all-star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. He spent his career flirting with a .200 average in the first month. Last season, he hit .304 in April but managed only one home run.
“I know what it’s like. He’s not alone. You look around the league and see a guy or two on every team that’s not performing like you’d expect,” Tulowitzki said. “Confidence-wise, he’s fine. He’s just trying to get two hits in every at-bat.”
Lost in Gonzalez’s smile and easy laugh is a near-unhealthy competitiveness. As a result, his slumps have a tendency to linger.
“He presses. It’s only natural,” Tulowitzki said. “You finally get to a point where you give up trying to hit every ball out and go back to what works.”
Gonzalez was relaxed before Monday’s game, admitting his health and outlook are improving. Hitting instructor Carney Lansford said the key is simple.
“He just needs to swing at strikes. When he’s disciplined, he’s one of the best hitters in the game,” Lansford said. “He’s gotten pull-happy. He needs to get back to going foul line to foul line.”
Welcome Matt.
Matt Reynolds’ first big-league memories were attending Cubs games as a kid. Returning to Chicago for the first time as a big-leaguer proved a bit overwhelming for the Rockies’ left-handed reliever.
Reynolds’ high school coach, pitching coach and godparents were among the crew with tickets near the Rockies’ bullpen.
“There were plenty of friends as well,” Reynolds said. “This is special.”
Footnotes.
Third baseman Ian Stewart has a grand slam and a double among his hits at Triple-A since his demotion. “I’ll be ready when they call,” Stewart said. . . . Chris Iannetta returned to the lineup after missing two games with a mild back strain. . . . Tulowitzki talks regularly with Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun. Tulo insisted, however, that he didn’t persuade him to sign a new long-term contract with the Brewers. “Sometimes you get in a situation and everything feels right. You don’t want to leave,” said Tulowitzki, who, like Braun, is signed through 2020 as the face of his franchise.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
