The two camps in the “To trade or not to trade” Troy Tulowitzki drama both had reason to be concerned after Friday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Whether for or against the idea of moving the four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, there was cause for concern as the Rockies’ franchise shortstop left last night’s 6-4 loss in the third inning with tightness in his quad after a groundout to Clayton Kershaw, who recorded his 100th career victory with the win.
Tulowitzki pulled up short of first base on the play and did not return to the game. His status for Saturday night’s game remains in question.
“I’m going to come in and see how I feel,” Tulowitzki told mlb.com‘s Thomas Harding, who joined Mark Knudson and Michael Klahr on Mile High Sports Radio FM 94.1 | AM 1550 to discuss Tulo’s health and the trade rumors that surfaced in the New York Post earlier this week.
Leg injuries have plagued Tulowitzki since 2008 when he suffered a torn quadriceps tendon, potentially frightening off possible trade big-name partners.
Tulowitzki met with reporters on Thursday to dispel rumors that he and his agent are trying to force a trade, but the reality remains that he is one of the few high-value cards the Rockies have to play, leverage that surely doesn’t go unnoticed on either side.
Tulowitzki, who will turn 31 in October, has six-plus years (2015-2021) still on his contract, 2021 being a club option. With a remaining max value of $109 million (not including trade or performance incentives), the contract is relatively team-friendly given his career .298 average, .886 OPS and .985 fielding percentage.
For those who want to see Tulo traded in exchange for badly-needed pitching, keeping the star shortstop on the field is a must in 2015, considering his injury history. Those who believe he should remain the anchor of the infield and a key cog in the lineup know that in most seasons in which Tulo stays healthy, the Rockies win.
Both camps will be watching intently tonight.
