The Colorado Rockies will welcome in the American League East Toronto Blue Jays Monday, but most importantly, they’ll meet the former face of the franchise, Troy Tulowitziki.
The Rockies traded the beloved Tulo last summer in exchange for Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro, Jose Reyes and Jesus Tinoco.
Emotions were high and no one really knew what to expect at the shortstop position for the foreseeable future. When Jose Reyes got into legal trouble, though, it opened the door for one of the Rockies top prospects, Trevor Story.
During spring training, Story impressed manager Walt Weiss enough to earn a spot on the 40-man roster come opening day, and he’s made the most of it and then some.
His opening day extravaganza was no fluke, as Story went on to have a historic month of April, matching Jose Abreu‘s record for most homeruns hit by a rookie in the opening month of a season.
Story mania was great, and it gave Rox fans hope about the future of the shortstop position.
Now, it’s time for the former cornerstone player and the new kid on the block to square off against one another.
This matchup is a special one due to the fact that Tulo and Story were close during their time in the Rox organization together. Tulo took Story under his wing, nurturing and guiding him through the team’s minor league system.
“It’s going to be cool. I have a lot of respect for Tulo,” Story said. “He’s been a mentor to me, and I got nothing but good things to say about him.”
Story went on to say that because both he and Tulo have big frames, which is uncommon for shortstops, that he “idolized” him during his journey.
Already faced with the national spotlight ,because of the Jose Reyes domestic violence issue and historic start, Story will be thrown into the fire yet again this week.
Manager Walt Weiss says Story is ready for it.
“There’s been a lot thrown at this kid, and he hasn’t blinked,” Weiss said. “I’m sure it will be business as usual.”
Story has done an impressive job filling the hole left by Tulo, batting .271 compared to Tulo’s .211 average, and has 19 homeruns which is good for a five-way tie for second in the league.
All eyes will be on the shortstop position come Monday night.
