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Josh Rutledge came in Friday afternoon. He already had a spot on the lineup placed for him. His new teammates received him with open arms.
What he didn't know was he would get a dream-like Major League Baseball debut, going 2-for-2 with a double, driving in two runs and becoming a major factor for the Rockies win over the Phillies 6-2 at Coors Field.
It was an interesting move for Colorado. Troy Tulowitzki is currently on the disabled list, and there seems to be a possibility Marco Scutaro is also on the trading block.
Rutledge was saying things you would expect from a 23-year-old kid getting his first taste of life in the Big Show. "This is a dream come true," he would repeat often. Common words, true, but heartfelt.
His gear was a combination of current and past Rockies premiership: Rutledge wore Carlos Gonzalez's shoes and Troy Tulowitzki's batting glove. He wore number 14, the same one Blake Street Bomber Andres Galarraga used during his tenure with the Rockies starting in the franchise's first season in 1993.
Scutaro Consistent Along The Way
Infielder Marco Scutaro was acquired by the Rockies last January in a trade that sent RHP Clayton Mortensen to the Boston Red Sox, aspiring that the 36-year-old veteran infielder could become a second baseman and that his productive offense would contribute.
Scutaro has been so far a reason for debate due to a defense which has contrasted at times with his stellar career of 11 MLB seasons and with the credentials he has in his native Venezuela, where he is considered one of the most influential players currently in the Show.
However, manager Jim Tracy will tell you he's no reason for concern.
"Personally, I feel this way. If there's been a lot of adjusting he's having or difficulties he's had to face, I haven't seen any signs of that," Tracy said. "Through the first half, Marco Scutaro would be near the top of at the top" among the Rockies most consistent players, according to the skipper.
Lately, Scutaro has been involved in several trade rumors. He is currently batting. 273, with 90 hits in 330 at-bats, with 13 doubles, 24 RBI and 4 homers.
Ramon Hernandez "Not Paying Attention" to Rumors
Catcher Ramon Hernandez was back in the Rockies lineup Friday afternoon after being away for 42 games on the Disabled List. And he was the same Hernandez fans are used to see: his battery work was crucial during Christian Friedrich's solid performance during 6.0 innings. He communicated with Scutaro and was able to get John Mayberry out. He also drove in a run and scored one after a triple by Michael Cuddyer.
It has been said Hernandez is also raising interest for a trade. There have been reports the Mets are interested in his services. This is not uncommon for a guy who has been in the Majors since 1999.
"I don't really pay attention to any of that," Hernandez said. He was resting after the wear-and-tear of a demanding day behind the plate. "I don't think about it. I'm here today. If any of those things happen, that's a part of baseball ever since it exists. Nobody lasts forever anywhere, you can't take the fact you're at a certain team for granted. I love being here. Every organization makes a trade for the better. So if they trade me, it will be because the Rockies will improve because of that".
"So far, I'm happy to be here. I'd love to stay here. Great group of teammates and coaches and yeah, I would be delighted to remain a Rockie. But if they decide to trade me, I will accept it as part of this business," Hernandez said.