Tulowitzki on the block?

[ThomasTomasz]

As recently as May 7, the Rockies were tied for first place in the NL West. Now, not even two months hence, they're 13 games out of first place and on pace for 95 losses. Such drain-circling once again raises the possibility that the Rockies will engage in the sell-off as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

Needless to say, the Rockies have no more valuable commodity than All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who's healthy and in vintage form thus far in 2014. Regarding that tantalizing possibility, Tulo himself sounds open to the idea of changing addresses at the deadline. Here's what he recently told Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post:

"In Todd Helton, there's someone who's easy to look at his career here and how it played out. I have the utmost respect for Todd, but at the same time, I don't want to be the next in line as somebody who was here for a long time and didn't have a chance to win every single year. He played in a couple postseason games and went to one World Series. But that's not me. I want to be somewhere where there's a chance to be in the playoffs every single year."

On the one hand, Tulowitzki is signed through 2020 and owed, after this season, a minimum of $118 million. As well, if Tulowitzki is traded while under his current contract, then he gets a $2-million assignment payout and a full no-trade clause.

All that said, we're talking about a plus-fielding shortstop who at the plate owns a career OPS+ of 125 and appears to be in his prime. The injury history can't be ignored, but Tulo is a frontline performer in every sense of the word. And frontline performers cost money, as they should.

While it's hard to imagine his playing in another uniform, Tulowitzki easily become the star of the deadline -- even a deadline that includes David Price -- if the Rockies decide it's time to tear it down.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on...s-troy-tulowitzki-sounds-open-to-being-traded

All teams need to do beside look at his salary is check his home/road splits, and that is all you need to know about Tulo. For better or for worse, he's with the Rockies for the duration of his contract I think.

 

[BiggaAdams]

All teams need to do beside look at his salary is check his home/road splits, and that is all you need to know about Tulo. For better or for worse, he's with the Rockies for the duration of his contract I think.

His splits over the last 3 aren't THAT different. Would be the best player to take a chance on with that type of salary.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

2014:

Away: .265/.367/.463
Home: .441/.522/.765

2013:

Away: .281/.352/.498
Home: .342/.427/.582

2012: I will omit since he missed most of the season.

2011:

Away: .292/.362/.519
Home: .310/.381/.567

What I am concerned about is the downward trend in his Away splits from 2011 to now. Clearly he's at his worst away from Coors, but also clearly at his best when at home this year. When you factor in Tulo is almost 30 and has only played over 150 games twice in his career, I don't really think trading for him is a good investment.

 

[MVPete]

If he is traded, it will be during the offseason, same with CarGo. Somebody wants this guys bat Thomas, gtfo with the splits lol.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

If he is traded, it will be during the offseason, same with CarGo. Somebody wants this guys bat Thomas, gtfo with the splits lol.

Right now it would be foolish to give up what the Rockies probably want for him. Splits aside, contract, age and injuries are against him. If a team like the Yankees or Dodgers want to make the move, that's fine, they can absorb the hit if Tulo gets hurt again or not being in Coors proves to be a detriment.

It's a huge risk either way, but it's not a risk I would take.

 

[MVPete]

Right now it would be foolish to give up what the Rockies probably want for him. Splits aside, contract, age and injuries are against him. If a team like the Yankees or Dodgers want to make the move, that's fine, they can absorb the hit if Tulo gets hurt again or not being in Coors proves to be a detriment.

It's a huge risk either way, but it's not a risk I would take.

Well I figured that was obvious that only a handful of teams would be making this move. These fragile guys can always prolong their career in the AL with the DH.

 

[Slateman]

Well I figured that was obvious that only a handful of teams would be making this move. These fragile guys can always prolong their career in the AL with the DH.

Are Tulo's away splits at DH worth that kind of money? A large part of his value is his defense. I mean, maybe a move to third? Try and cut down on pulled muscles and sprains associated with a middle infield position?

Realistically, what can Colorado be expecting to get in trade without eating a huge chunk of that salary?

 

[ThomasTomasz]

For a team like the Dodgers or Yankees who can afford it, Tulo is worth one top prospect. Depending on how much the Rockies are willing to cover of his salary opens up negotiations substantially.

 

[EmpireWF]

Yankees don't have the prospects to deal for Tulo. Colorado would be able to get a better package from several others regardless of how the money shakes out.

 

[Slateman]

I gotta think they want pitching. Coors field gives them offense but they've always struggled to get pitching.

Mariners should consider it. A middle of the order bat gives their offense a boost. They still have good pitching. Their payroll is under 100 million at this point. With Tulo in the lineup and that pitching, the Mariners could go deep in to the playoffs.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

I gotta think they want pitching. Coors field gives them offense but they've always struggled to get pitching.

Mariners should consider it. A middle of the order bat gives their offense a boost. They still have good pitching. Their payroll is under 100 million at this point. With Tulo in the lineup and that pitching, the Mariners could go deep in to the playoffs.

Not a bad thought.

The Rockies needing pitching is an age old issue. I know they spent big on Neagle and Hampton, but they even struggle with depth. Given the number of guys who are on the market every year, you think they would take some chances on some pitchers on one or two year deals.

 

[Slateman]

Not a bad thought.

The Rockies needing pitching is an age old issue. I know they spent big on Neagle and Hampton, but they even struggle with depth. Given the number of guys who are on the market every year, you think they would take some chances on some pitchers on one or two year deals.

I don't think they can spend money on free agent pitchers. They need to bring up young pitchers who learn how to pitch in Coors field. Maybe even calling up some guys before they're really ready, and putting them on strict pitch counts/inning limits in the regular season, simply so they learn. But if they can get young, cost controlled talent, they have a much better chance of becoming competitive.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

I don't think they can spend money on free agent pitchers. They need to bring up young pitchers who learn how to pitch in Coors field. Maybe even calling up some guys before they're really ready, and putting them on strict pitch counts/inning limits in the regular season, simply so they learn. But if they can get young, cost controlled talent, they have a much better chance of becoming competitive.

I'm not even talking high priced pitchers. I'm talking about not signing Jair Jurrjens in the middle of the summer to make a start. They do need to develop some pitchers, but at the same time, they've always had this deficiency and don't address it either way.

 

[MVPete]

They want to resign Cuddyer now too, idk what they're doing. They have too many outfielders and want to bring him back, maybe they move Morneau now?

 

[ThomasTomasz]

They want to resign Cuddyer now too, idk what they're doing. They have too many outfielders and want to bring him back, maybe they move Morneau now?

One thing is certain, their front office by committee approach doesn't work. I don't even understand what a director of major league operations does, and how they are over a general manager.

 

[Slateman]

Yea, no wonder Tulo wants to leave.