Thread: The Official Colorado Rockies thread--Now with extra awesome!!

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=85020

It's official: Tulo signs 6-year deal

DENVER – A deal that was rumored to be in the works all week is finally official.

The Colorado Rockies announced Wednesday that shortstop Troy Tulowitzki inked a deal to keep him in purple pinstripes through 2013, with a club option for 2014.

"This team's success is a big part of why I signed," said Tulowitzki at a news conference on Wednesday. "If I didn't think we could win here, I wouldn't have done this deal."

Tulowitzki helped lead the Rockies to their first National League pennant in team history in 2007 while hitting .291 with 24 homers and 99 RBI. The home run and RBI totals were both NL rookie shortstop records.

The 23-year-old also led all major league shortstops in fielding percentage (.987), total chances (834), assists (561), putouts (262) and double plays (114). The Rockies shortstop finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, losing out to Milwaukee's Ryan Braun by a slim two votes. It was the closest vote since 1980.

The Rockies did not disclose financial details of the agreement, but the Denver Post reports the deal was worth a record $31 million – the most ever for a player with less than two years of Major League service time. If the club exercises its option for 2014, Tulowitzki will make $15 million that season, which would make the contract worth $46 million.

The deal eclipses the previous record for players with less than two years of big league experience, held by Grady Sizemore of the Cleveland Indians, who signed a 6-year $23.5 million deal in March 2006.

"Troy brings leadership and toughness to our club, and, most importantly, he's a winning player," stated Rockies VP General Manager Dan O'Dowd in a news release.

Tulowitzki thanked his parents, teammates and the Rockies organization at the news conference at Coors Field on Wednesday.

The slick-fielding shortstop showed up for his news conference wearing a black suit, white shirt and purple tie, and was flanked by teammates Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins.

Tulowitzki said he's just getting over the sting of being swept by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. However, the team's success played a big role in committing to a long-term deal.

"The guys on this team are great baseball players, but more than that they are great guys, great people," Tulowitzki said. "I took that into consideration. I looked at that and said, 'Wow, if we can keep the core guys together, we have the makings to be something special."'

Holliday agreed last week to a $23 million, two-year contract. Tulowitzki is hopeful that deal gets lengthened.

"He can make tons of money if he tests the free agent market," Tulowitzki said. "We know that, the organization knows that, everybody in baseball knows that. I'm going to be here for the next six years, I hope he wants to join me."

DENVER -- Troy Tulowitzki went into spring training last year just hoping to secure a spot on the Colorado Rockies' roster. That won't be a concern this season.

Tulowitzki and the NL champions finalized a $31 million, six-year contract on Wednesday that includes a club option for 2014.

"It's surreal," Tulowitzki said. "It's awesome."

The 23-year-old slick-fielding shortstop showed up for his news conference wearing a black suit, white shirt and purple tie, and was flanked by teammates Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins. watch Snapp swoon!

Runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year last season, Tulowitzki said he's just getting over the sting of being swept by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series.

However, the team's success played a big role in committing to a long-term deal.

"The guys on this team are great baseball players, but more than that they are great guys, great people," Tulowitzki said. "I took that into consideration. I looked at that and said, 'Wow, if we can keep the core guys together, we have the makings to be something special."'

Holliday agreed last week to a $23 million, two-year contract. Tulowitzki is hopeful that deal gets lengthened.

"He can make tons of money if he tests the free-agent market," Tulowitzki said. "We know that, the organization knows that, everybody in baseball knows that. I'm going to be here for the next six years. I hope he wants to join me."

Tulowitzki gets $750,000 in each of the next two seasons, $3.5 million in 2010, $5.5 million in 2011, $8.5 million in 2012 and $10 million in 2013. The Rockies have a $15 million option for 2014 with a $2 million buyout.

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd was pleased to strike a deal with Tulowitzki, who hit .291 with 24 home runs and 99 RBI last season.

"We knew we've got a very special player here," O'Dowd said. "In my career, they come along very rare."

Tulowitzki has spent the offseason in California, working out while living with his parents. Asked if he pays them rent, Tulowitzki grinned and said, "I'm proud to say that it's my place. They're paying me rent."

The fact the season didn't culminate in a World Series title is fueling Tulowitzki's drive.

"I took it hard," he said. "The fact we didn't win, that affected me for a while. If I was in the cage, or lifting, I used that as motivation."

Tulowitzki's life hasn't changed much since his breakout season. He can still go pretty much anywhere without being recognized, though he always seems to get noticed at 7-11.

"Someone might say something to me. But it's cool," he said. "I don't get as much attention as maybe (Todd) Helton and Holliday when I'm with those guys. They don't even know who I am. That's why I like being around Atkins, because nobody knows Garrett. I'm the guy when I'm around him." swoon, Garrett!

He's now the guy with a lot of money. Yet Tulowitzki said the big paycheck won't increase the pressure on him. He's always expected big things from himself.

"I go into the year saying I don't want to make one error," said Tulowitzki, who led all qualifying shortstops in fielding percentage last season by committing only 11 errors in 834 chances. "You've got to strive for perfection. That's how you become better. I want to hit 1.000, I want to make no errors, never strike out. Obviously, it's not going to happen. But if you strive for perfection, you're going to be a better player."

Although Tulowitzki finished a close second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, two points behind Milwaukee third baseman Ryan Braun, he wasn't disappointed. Colorado's long postseason run meant more to him than awards.

"Braun had an excellent (season). His offensive numbers were unbelievable," Tulowitzki said. "But the Rockies made it farther than the Brewers. I'm sure he would've traded in his Rookie of the Year trophy to get into the playoffs."

Tulowitzki has always had confidence in his skills on the diamond. That's why he went into spring training last season believing he could win the shortstop job from Clint Barmes, which he eventually did.

"I didn't go in timid or scared," Tulowitzki said. "I had a goal in mind and I achieved that goal."

Yet his confidence wavered a little bit because of a slump in late April that dropped his average to .185.

He was benched for a game against the New York Mets, and the break helped. He began to find his rhythm at the plate, collecting at least one hit in 12 of his next 13 games.

"It wakes you up," he said of the slump. "As soon as I relaxed and played my game, and had fun out there, it really turned around."

Tulowitzki has grown close to Holliday, even crediting him with the fast start to his career. He's hoping Holliday stays around as long as he does.

"I pray that there's more years because he helped me so much last year to become a better baseball player and become a better person," Tulowitzki said. "I hope that he's around me for my whole career."

I couldnt be happier about this! Yey Tulo!

Gotta keep the core. Blend the young with the old and those about to hit their peak.

Atkins article

The ache of Garrett Atkins' slumps, both with a glove and a bat, was numbed by two words: low and short.

Atkins, known for his pulseless poise, was hitting .220 on May 27, his skid growing more perplexing with each swing. In the field, his range became limited. Anger mounted. This was going to be the year Atkins threatened to win his first batting title and established himself as one of baseball's most productive third basemen.

And now this?

"It bothered me. You find that you are thinking about it all the time away from the field," Atkins said from his living room. "I knew I was a better player than that."

Atkins, in many ways, mirrored the path of the Rockies, exorcising frustration, while earning redemption few thought possible. It centered on low and short. He regained traction defensively by lowering his stance, giving him a better read off the bat. Offensively, he shortened his swing, hitting .322 with 22 home runs and 92 RBIs from May 28 on.

"I started using my hands more. I covered the zone better and some of those line drives became home runs," Atkins said. "Defensively, I am 6-foot-3 and not terribly flexible, so sometimes I am not as low as I think I am. Once I improved my stance, it helped."

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle provided a specific example when asked about Atkins' defensive rebound.

"With Garrett, you take a tape of him playing defense the first three weeks of the season versus the last three weeks of the season. He could flat-out play third base. Right, left, hard, slow rollers, he made the plays. Same guy," Hurdle said.

The key was low and short. It was like one of his dry quips, this third baseman who reminds teammates of actor Larry David. When fans look at his statistics, they don't have to curb their enthusiasm.

For all the knocks he absorbs, Atkins is a proven run producer. His 231 RBIs over the past two seasons rank sixth in the National League, his .315 batting average eighth. And only Miguel Cabrera has more hits among big-league third basemen.
"His swing never changes. He's so consistent," shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said.

Added Matt Holliday: "Every year he's good for .300, 25 home runs and 100 RBIs. It's just a matter of how high he will go over those numbers."

Holliday's and Tulowitzki's praise goes beyond endorsement to friendship. Tulowitzki signed a long-term contract in part because of how well he gets along with Atkins. And Holliday repeatedly has pointed out Atkins' future will directly influence his own free-agent decision.

It begs the question: Why haven't the Rockies tried to lock up Atkins long-term? They proposed a deal after the 2006 season that would have covered Atkins' arbitration years, plus a club option for his first year of free agency. The option, in particular, was not to Atkins' liking. He rejected the contract, and explained why last week.

"I am extremely hopeful I can be here long-term. Obviously, I like the Denver area, otherwise I wouldn't have bought a house here. The city, the field, the guys on the team, all those things are appealing to me," Atkins said.

"The (Rockies) obviously made me an offer last year, but it was probably more in line with the (Jeff) Francis contract, and less in line with what they have done with (Aaron) Cook and Tulo. The owners seem to be more willing to pay more money this off-season and pay the fair market value."

That the Rockies have not revisited talks also is linked to the presence of Ian Stewart in the minor-league system. Regardless, Atkins stands to receive a huge raise in arbitration — he has submitted $4.65 million, the club $4.125 million. The amount will be decided during a mid-February hearing if an agreement isn't reached.

"Maybe I will speak my mind, say how great I am. That won't take more than 10, 15 minutes," Atkins said laughing. "It won't be a distraction to our team. Our expectations haven't changed. We believe in ourselves and want to keep the excitement going."

The 2008 projected lineup then:
C - Torrealba/Iannetta
1B - Helton
2B - Nix
SS - Tulo
3B - Atkins
LF - Holliday
CF - Taveras/Spillborghs
RF - Hawpe

Rotation
Francis
Cook
Jimenez
Morales
Hirsh/Redman

Should compete again...

The Padres are close to signing a 2 year deal with Khalil Greene....dammit I hate him.

12 days til pitchers and catchers report!!!!!!!!

Can the Rockies repeat at National League champions in 2008, or will they fall back to their non-contending status? Tim Kurkjian made the cases for and against the reigning NL champs and he stops by Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET to talk about this and more.

The case for the Rockies

They were stunningly good down the stretch and through the first two rounds of the playoffs, winning 21 of 22 games during one stretch. That was no fluke.

During that stretch, they posted an ERA of 2.80. After finishing the first half of the season with an ERA 43 points above the league average, the Rockies led the league in ERA in the second half of the season, an amazing turnaround. And their pitching staff at least appears as if it should be better in '08. Jeff Francis (17 wins, tied for the most in a season ever by a Rockie) was terrific once he became the ace after Aaron Cook got injured. Now Cook is healthy. The Rockies have have Ubaldo Jimenez (''hardest throwing young pitcher we saw all year,'' one Dodger said) for the whole season, and they added veterans Josh Towers, Mark Redman and Kip Wells to compete with Franklin Morales (another hard thrower) for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. And maybe Greg Reynolds, their No. 1 selection in the 2006 draft, will be ready by late in 2008. Plus, Manny Corpas, who had 19 saves last year, will be the closer on Opening Day.

The Rockies have a dynamic offensive team (''they won't have an out in the lineup, one through eight,'' one scout said), led by left fielder Matt Holliday, who finished second in the NL MVP voting last season. Holliday, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, third baseman Garrett Atkins and outfielder Brad Hawpe received multi-year contracts, another sign that this team plans on being together, and winning together, for a long time. But the biggest reason they can repeat is their defense, which set the NL record last year for the highest fielding percentage. It will miss second baseman Kaz Matsui, who signed with Houston, but it still has Tulowitzki, who was the best defensive shortstop in the league last year as a rookie.

The case against the Rockies

Seasons such as last year happen once in a lifetime. The Rockies were the fifth team ever to go from last place to the World Series, and the sixth team ever to go from nine games under .500 to the World Series. It was the first time in their history that they'd won more than 84 games in a season. Maybe 2007 was the start of something great, but they will miss Matsui's defense, and his speed at the top of the order. And is that rotation good enough to win again? The Diamondbacks, who finished in first place in the NL West last year, added Dan Haren to go along with Brandon Webb. If Randy Johnson makes a comeback, Arizona's rotation will be much better.

The verdict

The National League isn't very good right now, but it's also very hard to repeat these days. The Mets, with Johan Santana, are the best team in the league. The Rockies are a contender. They may not return to the World Series, but they're closer to getting there again than to falling back to the 75-win level.

Just ran across this, chat starts in a few mins, I will try and post most of it. ESPN.com in the MLB section.

Can not leave Wells out of that rotation, Reddman/Wells will most likely get spot starts with Kip proabably getting the majority. Still have to see how Morales and Jeminez respond to a whole season, shoulder/arm wise. Ubaldo added 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season so I think he will be good to go, just have to see how Morales handeled the off-season.

Tim Kurkjian: (1:08 PM ET ) I leave for spring training a week from today, and I can't wait.




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Thomas (Ossining, NY): I feel that the became weaker in the bullpen. Although the team is young, I think if the bulpen gets hit by injuries they could be out especially with the competition in the NL West

Tim Kurkjian: (1:10 PM ET ) There's no doubt, injuries to any part of their staff will put them in big trouble. They had an historic collapse of their bullpen when Brian Fuentes blew several saves in a row. I don't have the exact history, but the series of events had not happened in a long time. If that happens again, it will be difficult to recover from. But we can't forget how good that bullpen was down the stretch. If Manny Corpas is that good again, the Rockies' bullpen is in good shape.


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Andrew (Philadelphia, PA): Who would you say is the better team, the Rox or the Phils?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:12 PM ET ) That's a tough one, but I would take the Phillies because I think they turned the corner last year, as far as figuring out how to win. They have some real star power, and I think they've addressed some major issues by acquiring Brad Lidge and moving Brett Myers back to the rotation. I also think Pedro Feliz is an upgrade, especially defensively, at third. There are so many closely-bunched defending teams in the NL, including the Phillies and Rockies, but I'll take the Phillies because of the good moves they made in the offseason.


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Rob, Baltimore: Tim, it's hard to see their rotation performing as well, especially down the stretch. Do you see them bringing in a veteran FA to help sure up the rotation...maybe a Sele, Trachsel or Benson?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:13 PM ET ) I agree, it will be hard for them to pitch as well as they did the last month. But they have brought in veterans in this offseason to shore up the back end; be it Josh Towers, Mark Redman, or Kip Wells. They're going about it the right way, adding as much depth as they can, which is something they haven't had for the majority of their existence.


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Josh (Los Angeles, CA): Who is the frontrunner to replace Kaz at second base?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:15 PM ET ) There are several options at second. They have a kid named Jason Nix, they have Marcus Giles, Clint Barmes, and some others. People forget how well Matsui played for that team last year, but offensively and defensively. I think they'd be taking a minor step backwards, and it will be real interesting to see how well they fill in for Matsui.


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Chris, New York: I think they will content but will fall short of reaching the post-season, the NL has improved from last season, especially their division. I believe that they're about a 83-86 win team. Your thoughts?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:17 PM ET ) You may be exactly right. The Diamondbacks are better with the acquisition of Danny Haren, and the probable return of Randy Johnson. The Dodgers, I have to think, are going to get better with Joe Torre there. I can see the Rockies winning the division, but they could also finish in third. But 85 wins sounds about right to me.


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J. Milwaukee, WI: Outside of the Rockies hot streak, Matt Holliday and Tulowitzki, what really is there that is consistent enough to make them a real contender in the National League?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:19 PM ET ) I think Jeff Francis proved to be a well-above average starting pitcher, and the emergence of Ubaldo Jimenez gave them another power arm in the rotation, Again, Manny Corpas' work as a closer made that bullpen deeper. Let's not forget that Todd Helton., Atkins, and Brad Hawpe can all hit.


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Chad (MN): I keep hearing about this 3B prospect Ian Stewart and how he's just about ready. What does this do for Atkins. Atkins has been quite solid for the past few years. Is there a position change in the next year for one of them or do the Rox make a trade?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:21 PM ET ) There was a chance that Atkins would be traded in the offseason, because he is a good hitter and several teams were looking for third basemen, but it appears he's going to stay, and if he has a big year, Stewart certainly is going to have to wait another year. But if he falters in any way, maybe Stewart gets a shot to play everyday next year. It's a good problem to have a good hitter at third and a potentially good young backup.


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John McKenney (Albuquerque, NM): Tim - there seems to be this perception that pitching at the highest elevation in MLB seriously impacts the level of pitching, but outside of Mike Hampton and the current roster of young guns, the Rockies haven't seemed to have had high level pitching. What's your take on the Rockies ability to ever have a sustained elite pitching staff because of their geography?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:23 PM ET ) I don't think they'll ever have a sustained elite pitching staff because of the geography and the ballpark. Humidor or not, it is still the best hitter's park in America, and it is still harder to pitch in that elevation than anywhere else in the majors. That's what made the Rockies' second half pitching improvement so remarkable. The thought of being an elite staff for a while is an awful lot to ask at that elevation.


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Eddie (Denver): DE-FENSE! DE-FENSE! Just the fact that they are the best defensive team in baseball stengthens their chances or remaining strong. And they have to remain strong at defense too when they're playing half their games in a park the size of Yellowstone.

Tim Kurkjian: (1:24 PM ET ) I think they'll still be a good defensive team this year, but they won't be as good as last year without Matsui. He has made such progress defensively at that position from three years ago, and now he is very good on the double play. They may lead the league in fielding again, but I don't think they will be as good as last year.


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Gray (Chicago): After looking at Tulo's splits from 2007, I am curious to know which of the Rockies are solely products of Coors Field.

Tim Kurkjian: (1:26 PM ET ) In a way, they're all products of Coors Field. Matt Holliday would be a really good player no matter where he played, but he did slug almost 250 points higher at home than he did on the road. Tulowitzki's numbers were demonstrably better at home than on the road. But to say they are only good players because they played at Coors just isn't fair.


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Justin SD: Where does Scott Podsednik fit into the scheme of things in Colorado?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:30 PM ET ) If it's the Podsednik of a few years ago, then it will be a great addition to the Rockies, but we haven't seen that guy since the 2005 World Series. He's been injured several times, especially in his legs, and his speed is what he must have if he's going to be a good player. Chances are, if he makes the team, it'll just be as a fifth outfielder. I can't see him starting in center.


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Tim (Denver,CO): Has the gold glove become obsolete? How is it that the Rockies failed to recieve a single award after posting the best fielding % in baseball history?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:32 PM ET ) That's a good question. I've never truly followed the Gold Glove voting. I think managers and coaches sometimes do a good job, but sometimes they miss badly, or sometimes they just don't do their homework. Someone from the Rockies should have been a Gold Glover this year, and I think you can make the statistical case that Tulowitzki was the best shortstop in the NL.


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Kelton (Boise): What are one or two moves the Rockies could make to turn them into on of the elite teams of the NL?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:34 PM ET ) Like almost every other team, they need another frontline starting pitcher, but that pitcher was not available in free agency, and the two best available in trade (Santana and Bedard) have either been traded or are going to be traded. As much as the Rockies need a starting pitcher, being able to get one is another story.


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Randy (Albuquerque, NM): Tim...Brad Hawpe is a good ball player and has a cannon. He really struggled in the playoffs last year, and does strike out a lot. Any chance he becomes a star?

Tim Kurkjian: (1:35 PM ET ) He took a major step forward last year to becoming something real close to a star. Forget what you saw during the World Series and remember what you saw during the regular season...a 30-homer, 100-RBI guy who can really play right field. Now we'll see if he can do it two years in a row. My guess is, he can.


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Brett (Utah): How good is Ubaldo Jimenez going to be? He seems like he could end up like Ramon Ortiz, or he could blow up and end up like Pedro.

Tim Kurkjian: (1:37 PM ET ) I think it'll certainly be somewhere between Ortiz and Pedro. Pedro is a Hall of Famer. Jimenez will never be as good as Pedro. But I can tell you, a whole bunch of players and scouts talked about him last year in glowing terms. He just needs to throw more strikes, which often comes with maturity.

Tim Kurkjian: (1:37 PM ET ) Thanks everyone, I'll see you at a spring training park in Florida or Arizona in a few weeks!

Pair signed to Minor League deals; club finalizes list of invitees
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com

DENVER -- Seeking depth and speed, the Rockies have signed outfielder Scott Podsednik -- leadoff man for the 2005 World Series champion White Sox -- and also inked veteran right-hander Victor Zambrano. Both have Minor League contracts with invitations to Major League camp.

In addition, the club released its full list of 22 non-roster invitees. It includes three recent top Draft picks: shortstop Chris Nelson (2004), right-handed pitcher Greg Reynolds (2006) and right-handed reliever Casey Weathers (2007). Of the 61 players who will be in camp, 41 were developed by the Rockies organization.

Podsednik, 31, had 40 or more steals each season from 2003 to 2006. But adductor and rib cage muscle injuries limited him to 62 games for the White Sox last season. He finished with a .243 batting average and .299 on-base percentage, and was 13-for-18 on steal attempts.

The spot Podsednik seeks would be a backup who can play center and hit leadoff on days Willy Taveras rests. But Podsednik is competing with Ryan Spilborghs, who performed solidly in 97 games (.299, 11 home runs, 51 RBIs) and Cory Sullivan, the 2006 starter in center who had his moments (.286, two homers, 14 RBIs) in 76 games. Spilborghs and Sullivan also are considered strong defensive outfielders.

Podsednik will make $700,000 if he makes the club and $13,000 a month in Triple-A.

"We were near the end of putting our roster together, and the Major League staff wanted to take a look at a guy that can run a little bit," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "We didn't guarantee anything."

Zambrano, 32, has made 187 career appearances (100 starts) in his career. In 2007, two seasons removed from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery, he went 0-3 with a 10.17 ERA in 13 games, including four starts, with the Blue Jays and Orioles. He also pitched in the Minors with the Blue Jays and the Pirates.

It will be the second Major League camp for Reynolds, who attended last season, and the first for Weathers and Nelson.

Nelson, 21, battled injury early in his career, but last season played in 133 games with Class A Modesto and hit .289 with 19 home runs and 99 RBIs, all career highs. Although the Rockies have Troy Tulowitzki (the top 2005 pick), who had a strong rookie year in 2007 and signed a six-year contract, Rockies assistant general manager Bill Geivett said Nelson will continue to develop as a shortstop.

"Shortstop is his best position, and we want to see him develop there some more," Geivett said. "Last year, he took some steps forward offensively and defensively and we'd like to see that continue.

"He's a good enough athlete to where if he got closer to the Majors and we wanted to move him, he could make the move. Our philosophy is to develop Major League players first, then worry about their position. I think you can run into trouble moving guys too early in their careers, because you never know what can happen."

Also invited are right-hander Brandon Hynick, the Class A California League 2007 pitcher of the year, and outfielder Dexter Fowler, chose to the all-prospect team after his performance in the Arizona Fall League.

No chances for Barmes ever again....

With the talent and depth we are starting to get Barmes is going to have to work his butt off. I really hope that Zambrono does not get past Triple-A if he does and gets a roster spot and or spot in the rotation that is a bad sign. Most likely its just for a vetern to compete in camp and pitch in the Springs.

Originally Posted by BroncoAV06

With the talent and depth we are starting to get Barmes is going to have to work his butt off. I really hope that Zambrono does not get past Triple-A if he does and gets a roster spot and or spot in the rotation that is a bad sign. Most likely its just for a vetern to compete in camp and pitch in the Springs.

I really want Barmes to be a utility guy. He has great abilities in the infield and most people dont know that he is a quality outfielder as well.