Don’t be shocked if Chris Nelson shows up next spring penciled in as the Rockies’ starting second baseman.
The injury to all-star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, which moved Marco Scutaro over from second to short, has given Nelson increased playing time at second, and he’s making the most of it.
“As devastating as Tulo’s injury is, it creates quite an opportunity for Chris Nelson to step up and show that he’s a lot more than just a role player,” general manager Dan O’Dowd said this week during a conference call with season-ticket holders.
While Nelson began the season as the Rockies’ starting third baseman, he could fit in well at second, making Double-A prospect Josh Rutledge wait a little longer.
“I would say at this point and time that Chris Nelson is ahead of Rutledge on the totem pole,” O’Dowd said. “He has earned that opportunity and taken advantage of the opportunity given to him.”
Nelson had three hits in Colorado’s 11-inning win over the Nationals on Thursday, tying a career high. He’s also driven in 13 runs over the past 13 games.
“I feel like I’m in a good place,” Nelson said. “I’m feeling confident, seeing the ball well.”
However, his big day at the plate was marred by a terrible throwing error in the fifth that ruined a probable double play and contributed to the Nationals’ game-tying, four-run inning.
Still, Rockies manager Jim Tracy said he is encouraged by Nelson’s growth at second.
“He’s emerging,” Tracy said. “The strength of his throwing arm on a double-play turn, there’s not too many baserunners that are going to outrun that arm strength. This guy has a bazooka.”
Footnotes: Rockies players were sporting purple T-shirts Thursday in support of two potential all-star teammates, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and reliever Matt Belisle. One T-shirt read: “Vote CarGo.” Another said, “Mr. La Russa, please pick Belisle.” La Russa is former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa who led the Cardinals to the World Series title last year and who will manage the National League squad and pick the pitchers for the All-Star Game on July 10. … Fans can make financial contributions to Colorado’s fire-relief efforts Friday and Saturday night as they enter Coors Field. Fans will be able to make cash, check or credit card donations.
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
Looking ahead
FRIDAY Padres at Rockies, 6:10 p.m., Root, 850 AM
Jason Marquis, an all-star for the Rockies in 2009, is the definitive big-league journeyman. The Padres’ 33-year-old right-hander is pitching for his eighth team in 13 major-league seasons. He opened the season in horrible fashion in Minnesota, going 2-4 with a 8.47 ERA before the Twins released him. He’s been better since joining the Padres, going 1-3 with a 2.05 ERA in four starts. In his last outing, Seattle reached him for five runs (two earned) on six hits in seven innings.
Say this for Marquis, he’s proven he can pitch effectively at Coors Field. In 21 games (20 starts) at Coors, both as a visitor and pitching for the Rockies, he’s 10-6 with a 3.62 ERA. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
Upcoming Pitching Matchups
Friday: Padres’ Jason Marquis (3-7, 5.67) at Rockies’ Jeff Francis (0-1, 7.23), 6:10 p.m., ROOT
Saturday: Padres’ Edinson Volquez (4-7, 3.82) at Rockies’ Christian Friedrich (4-5, 5.86), 5:15 p.m., KDVR-31
Sunday: Padres’ Ross Ohlendorf (1-0, 6.59) at Rockies’ Edwar Cabrera (0-1, 19.29), 1:10 p.m., ROOT
Monday: Rockies’ Josh Outman (0-3, 9.32) at Cardinals’ Kyle Lohse (7-2, 2.82), 6:15 p.m. ROOT
