Monday Morning Rockpile:

by Rox Girl on Jan 21, 2008 9:13 AM MST in Rockpile

About the Tulo deal:

Similarly to the Aaron Cook deal, it's not necessarily a bargain. Looking at arbi-buyout contracts given out to young shortstops over the last few seasons (e.g. Jose Reyes, Johnny Peralta, Jack Wilson) shows that it's easily at the high end of them.
That certainly doesn't mean it's a bad deal for the Rockies, however, as Tulo's potential is still quite high. Looking over the comments at a couple of the Internet's more thoughtful baseball message boards shows that the consensus seems to be that the Rockies did well in this move.
For Rockies fans, especially the die-hard cynics as well as the casual fair-weather types that weren't paying close attention until late last season, this move -along with Cook's deal- quiets fears that the team will become a farm to big-market clubs. It remains to be seen how much good comes of this aspect to the franchise's ticket base, but considering the state the fanbase was in last May, the role these deals have in the turnaround shouldn't be overlooked. What's more, should the team decide it's in its best interest to trade away say Brian Fuentes or Garrett Atkins for unproven players or prospects, the backlash won't be nearly as fierce. I really like this part of the deal from a preemptive marketing standpoint. The team doesn't have to worry about damage control (as happened with the Jennings trade) as it's already bought and stored some added trust among the faithful.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

A Different View Point

I think the most important part of this deal is Tulo's attitude about spotrsmanship. His only real comment was "I only care about what this team does". Granted, this is his first contract negotiation but that doesnt discount the fact that he was already seen as a clubhouse leader early on in the season and his attitude and spirited play are a big reason the Rockies were so successful. I think his attitude is such that every contract negotiation he goes through in his career will be the same: team first.

That is what we are paying $30 million over the next 7 years for; not necessarily a young shortstop who will be with us through two years of his free agency availability.

This young team needs a consistent leader both on and off the field, and I think Tulo will be just that for years to come. His youth, talent and character are just what we need.

Well worth every penny!

Navy Chief- Best Job in the World

by DingeratSea on Jan 21, 2008 10:10 AM MST reply actions

Agreed

I agree with the above comments and more so, I think the Rox made a nice deal here. While it could be a pre-cursor for them to fall back on when/if we lost Matt Holliday, locking up Tulowitzki keeps one of the most exciting young players in baseball in Colorado for years to come. Given his attitude toward winning, I would imagine that he would not sign this deal unless he was reassured by management that they will make every effort possible to keep a winning team on the field.

Mike
www.themilehighbeat.com

Mike from The Mile High Beat. www.themilehighbeat.com

by Mike @ Purple Row on Jan 21, 2008 11:17 AM MST reply actions

also

i was thinking if tulo falls off the planet (knock on wood) this is a very tradeable contract down the road. which might be good down the road

At least the broncos dont totally suck

by roxfan4life on Jan 21, 2008 12:37 PM MST reply actions

I think it's great

not only for the team, but for myself as well. Don't remember when I've enjoyed watching a player more than I enjoy watching Tulo in action. The kid is amazing.

Also, i just ran into this piece about MLB rookies over at Yahoo sports.

Thought some of you might enjoy it if you haven't seen it already.

2007 NL Champions, baby!

by rockhead on Jan 21, 2008 12:59 PM MST reply actions

Thanks

Interesting look into the rookie development camp or whatever it is.

by MADness on Jan 21, 2008 3:46 PM MST up reply actions

Second that

Tulo's fresh, he's enthusiastic, he's got a catchy nickname, and at least in my D.C. neighborhood, he's the one Rockie all the kids know.

A friend in Denver (and now my personal hero) found a genuine Rockies Tulo jersey for my six-year old son, just in time for the holidays. Is there anything more magical than watching a kid's face light up when he's wearing his favorite player's jersey? It was especially sweet when he drew oohs and aahs from the three boys across the street ... all native sons of Massachusetts (which, I'm told, also has a baseball team). Speaking of looks, the bummed look on their father's face was truly classic!

by hobgoblin on Jan 22, 2008 7:03 PM MST up reply actions