Write On Sports LLC - "Rockies’ Rookie" by Ahmed Javaid

Rockies’ Rookie

2007-10-02 06:49:47 | By: Ahmed Javaid

The Colorado Rockies are headed to Philadelphia after completing an amazing comeback against the Padres on Monday night. After Jorge Julio was not able to record a single out due to his ninety five mile per hour straight fastball or what major league players like to call a beach ball, the young Rockies found themselves down to their last three outs with the season on the line. The heart of the lineup stepped up as Matt Holliday was able to smack a triple off the right field wall.

Then the scrappiest player on the roster named Jamey Carroll was able to drive the ball out to right fielder Brian Giles and the winning run scored as Holliday planted his face into the dirt around home plate. The celebration began and Coors Field was in a state of utter pandemonium.

After the playoff spot was finally secured it is quite easy to overlook the heart and soul of this team. Rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been a force in the National League the entire season not only with his bat but also his superb play in the field. The twenty two year old has had the pleasure of participating in two triple plays in his short career. He turned an amazing unassisted triple play against the Braves but he has also been on the wrong end of a triple play. Tulowitzki relentlessly stresses that he believed the ball hit the ground or else he would have never made such a foolish baserunning mistake. The star shortstop does not need to worry because Rockies fans have jumped on his bandwagon and now they find themselves in the postseason. The Rockies were always in the wildcard picture but never really taken seriously. The country was able to witness the magic of this group through the headlines as they went on an amazing 14-1 run to finish out the season and become part of the final eight.

The rookie never gave up along with his teammates as he found his stroke when it counted by driving in fifty one runs during the last two months. Many people are already content with handing Ryan Braun of Milwaukee the National League Rookie of the Year Award but they might want to reconsider. Braun has been receiving all the coverage for hitting the long ball as his team broke franchise records in that department. But any student of the game will tell you that homeruns do not always win more games. Braun has struggled with his glove countless time and committed twenty six errors this season. On the other hand Tulowitzki has provided great offensive output but also plays with fire on the defensive side. By using his amazing range and soft hands Troy makes it tough for hitters to find a hit through the left side. Rockies pitchers greatly appreciate his defense because he has bailed them out with his effort and ability to turn double plays with quick feet and a cannon attached to his right shoulder.

So as we head into the postseason and the Rockies are placed on the national stage fans should look for Tulowitzki to continue to dominate with his style of play. His team shares his attitude because they have rallied around each other and shocked the baseball world as well. The toughest teams to beat are always those that have nothing to lose. Nobody expected the Rockies to be here but now that they are they pose a threat to everyone. They may not have the experience but under manager Clint Hurdle they play hard and they never quit. The roster may not have all the big names but these players have big hearts. The work ethic that has been installed among the group has proved to be tremendously effective and lethal down the stretch as National League teams have fallen prey to this relentlessly aggressive squad. So as we all watch October baseball lets try not to overlook the unheralded guys. But the Rockies wouldn’t mind sneaking by a few more teams. They don’t mind the lack of attention. After all that is how they got here.