Walt Weiss: “I think the time is right for Tulowitzki”

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David Manning

-USA TODAY Sports

At the Winter Meetings in Orlando, FL Wednesday afternoon, Rockies skipper Walt Weiss addressed the media saying: “I think the time is right for Tulowitzki.”

The time is right indeed for the shortstop of the Colorado Rockies. The shortstop is in the prime of his career at 29-years-old and is labeled as one of the best shortstop’s in the game today, but just can’t seem to stay on the field. Over the past two seasons, Troy Tulowitzki has played in just 173 games out of 324, 53.4% percent.

Troy Tulowitzki will need to step up as a leader for the Rockies club, who finished last place in the National League West at 74-88. The Rockies would receive news that Todd Helton would announce his retirement following the 2013 campaign. Helton was a quiet leader for the Rockies, he wasn’t the most outgoing guy, but he led by example and that’s what Troy Tulowitzki hopes to do.

Tulowitzki has helped mentor the young third baseman Nolan Arenado in his rookie season. Nolan broke in with the club in late April and didn’t disappoint. He would end up winning a 2013 Rawlings Gold Glove after posting an impressive 97.3% fielding percentage by only committing 11 errors in 411 chances. Tulo would be nominated for a gold glove as well, but Andrelton Simmons of the Atlanta Braves would take home the gold.

Troy would have an impressive season nonetheless, appearing in 126 games while hitting at a line of .295/.367/.509. The slugger would collect 139 hits in 446 at-bats, while hitting 27 doubles, 25 home runs and driving in 82 runs. There is no doubt Troy Tulowitzki is the best shortstop in the game when healthy, but the question is and will always be, can he play close to a full season.

 Rockies Notes:

The Rockies plan on signing or trading for a left-handed relief pitcher in the upcoming week of the Winter Meetings. They have their eyes on Sean Marshall, who they have had trade discussions about with the Cincinnati Reds. Also, J.P. Howell‘s name has come up a few times as well.