Grading every Rockies’ first round pick in franchise history

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

2005 – Troy Tulowitzki SS (7th overall) Long Beach State University

Playing just 126 minor league games, Tulowitzki made his Major League debut on August 30, 2006. By 2007, Tulo was the Rockies’ starting shortstop, a void they had been trying to fill for years. In his rookie season Tulo shined, hitting .291 with 24 home runs and 99 RBIs and played in a career-high 155 games.

He finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Ryan Braun. In January of 2008, Tulowitzki signed a six-year, $31 million contract extension with the Rockies. At the time it was the largest contract ever given to a player with less than two years of Major League service.

Although his career has been riddled with injuries, Tulowitzki is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner (2010-2011), two-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2010-2011) and a four-time All-Star (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014). Considered by many as the best shortstop in baseball, injuries continue to haunt him.

Tulowitzki has averaged just 117 games per season in his career and for the first time since his arrival, the Rockies’ front office is listening to offers on him this offseason.

 Numbers with Rockies: .299, 176 HR, 604 RBIs, .517 SLG

Where Are They Now? Tulo is entering his 10^th season as the Rockies’ shortstop and franchise player. He continues to put up monstrous numbers when healthy, but underwent hip surgery on August 10, 2014.

Grade: A. The Rockies hit the jackpot with Tulowitzki. He is considered one of the best overall players in baseball. He is under team control for another six years and could go down as the best player in franchise history. If it weren’t for his track record of injuries, this pick would get an A++.