There are some players that MLB fans just cannot imagine wearing another uniform. Colorado Rockies’ superstar shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is one of them. However, it is a possibility that suits “Tulo” himself.
Baseball insider Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that Tulowitzki has stated that he wants to play for a perennial contender, and as much as he loves playing for the Rockies and their fans, if the team sees the opportunity to trade him to a contender, he would accept it graciously.
In his July 9 report, Heyman stated that Tulowitzki “recently met with team brass and gave a subtle blessing” for them to trade him if it would improve both the team and Tulowitzki’s chances of winning a World Series. Heyman quoted the star shortstop discussing the matter with team management. Said Tulowitzki,
“I love it in Colorado. I’d like to be here. But if things (don’t improve), and you can (trade) me to a winning situation I’m OK with it.”
Heyman also says that Tulowitzki told the Denver Post that he wants to play on a team that has a chance to win every year.
Tulo has come very close to winning it all. The Rockies won the National League pennant in 2007, his first full season, but lost four straight to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. They won the National League Wild Card in 2009 but failed to advance.
Which team would suit Tulowitki’s wishes the best? Well, the New York Yankees will need a new shortstop in just a few months. Derek Jeter will retire after this season, and he already does not play every day. Having Tulo at short now would allow much more flexibility as both players could get significant rest in the field while serving as the DH. Then, when 2015 starts, the Yankees would have their shortstop for at least the next seven years as Tulowitzki’s contract runs through 2021 — the Yankees can afford to pay the $129 million. He would, though, have to wear another number; the Yankees will undoubtedly retire Jeter’s #2.
Two problems would hinder that trade possibility. First, the Rockies do not want to trade Tulowitzki. Heyman said a Rockies official stated that there is no chance of a trade of Tulowitzki or Carlos Gonzalez. Second, the Yankees have very little to give away in terms of prospects — hence their losing out on pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel. The Cubs liked the offer from the Oakland Athletics much better, so they sent the two starters to the Bay Area. It may take good young pitching to get Tulo, and the Yankees are struggling just to put pitchers on the mound themselves.
Heyman briefly discusses the possibility of sending Tulowitzki to the Los Angeles Dodgers if L.A. cannot re-sign Hanley Ramirez. The New York Mets need help at shortstop as well.
If there is a third reason not to trade him, the fans would make it up. Rockies fans may not like having their biggest star dealt while he is still very productive and has seven years left on his contract. They may hate it even more if Tulo went to another N.L. West team.
It does not appear likely that the Rockies will trade Tulowitzki, but the discussion has started. We hear often that “no trade will happen” only to see it happen soon afterward. Will Troy Tulowitzki find a new home? We will have to wait and see.
PHOTO CREDIT: USATSI