Trevor Story’s splendid spring training launched Rockies shortstop to stardom | The Denver Post ($)
Looking back at 2016, did you expect Trevor Story to become the Rockies’ starting shortstop? When he went into spring training, he wasn’t entirely sure, he thought he had a 50/50 shot. Story knew he had to prove he had the caliber to become an everyday player at the big league level.
“My season started Day 1 of spring training,” he said. “I was riding the momentum all spring and it was going well for me. So I didn’t want to interrupt any of those feelings. I wanted to take all of that into the regular season. I wanted to win the job and I felt like I could, but there was no ‘just getting ready’ for me.”
In 2016 he walked away from camp with the Abby Greer award, the MVP of spring training, and earned his spot on the 25-man roster. Story’s start to the regular season was historic. He was riding the momentum he gained in the spring. He became the fifth player to ever hit home runs in the first four games of the season. I remember watching Story wondering what he could contribute to the Rockies with such a great start early on. His 2016 season was cut short due to injury, but in the past few seasons Story has produced at the plate and has become a defensive asset to the team.
It’s always so interesting to watch players during spring training, especially those young prospects trying to earn their spot on the roster. You can see so much potential in the spring only to see lack of production during the season, or in Story’s case, you might be pleasantly surprised by what they can contribute. As we are gearing up for the players to report to camp, do you have high hopes for any of the prospects? Will any of them have a magnificent spring? Will they make a splash like Story did in 2016?
Caution: reading this article made me sad. It’s just a reminder of how many moves the front office made this offseason — none. Sure, there were some minor league signings, but the front office is fully relying on players to either bounce back or finally find their groove. It’s also a reminder that so many believe a Nolan Arenado trade is possible before the end of the season.
Are you planning a trip to spring training this year? It’s one of my favorite trips to take. While I wasn’t able to watch Story tear it up in 2016, I have really enjoyed watching prospects and taking notes on players that you might get to see at Coors Field (or wherever you might watch the Rockies on the road) after the September call-ups. If you are planning on going and watching the Rockies, or any other team in the Cactus League, this is a must read. I haven’t been to all of the ballparks, but Sam has. This is a great breakdown and helped me decide which games to buy tickets for so I can see some new ballparks this year.
All this talk of spring training reminds me... pitchers and catchers report tomorrow and position players report on Sunday. Do you know what that means? Baseball is back, and I couldn’t be more excited, even if I’m nervous for how the season will go. .
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We are saddened by the sudden passing of Angel Echevarria.
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) February 9, 2020
Echevarria, 48, was drafted by the Rockies in 1992 and made 172 appearances over parts of five seasons (1996-2000). Our sincere condolences are with Angel's family and friends. He will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/HlAuiwkxEh
In sad news, former Rockie Angel Echevarria passed away suddenly at the age of 48. Our condolences to his friends and family.