Trevor Story Reflects On His Historic First Week

Thanks to an off day on Monday, Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies finally got a chance to catch his breath and, as he said, “let the storm calm down a little bit.”

Story, Colorado’s record-setting shortstop, has indeed created a storm throughout the country. He finished the week by leading Major League Baseball in home runs (seven), RBI (12), total bases (30) and slugging percentage (1.111). His power surge allowed him to become the first MLB player to hit seven home runs in his first six career games as well as becoming just the fourth rookie in MLB history to win Player of the Week honors in his first week in the league.

Story’s impressive start has been compared to some of the greatest players in MLB history. He smiled when he was asked about seeing the comparisons.

“I try not to look at it, but it’s inevitable,” Story said. “I’ve heard the names and what more of an honor could there be than to be mentioned with those guys? That’s real special.”

Story attributes his early power to offseason workouts and the way his game has matured since being sent back to Class A Modesto (Calif.) in 2014. After struggling at Double-A Tulsa with a .200 average in 56 games, Story found himself back in Modesto. He took advantage of the opportunity, hitting .332 in 50 games with the Nuts. Story has never batted below .275 at any level since then.

“To go back (to Modesto) and perform well after not doing so well the first time was good for me and my confidence,” Story said. “I started using the field more, not really trying to hit the ball to a certain place but rather to where it was pitched. That helped me a lot confidence-wise.”

Story also talked about how his stance helps elevate the ball as well.

“A lot has to do with my legs. I think I stay in the ground really good and use them and my hands as well,” he said. “I’ve noticed some of the balls that didn’t get out last year are getting out this year. That’s an attribute to our offseason workouts and working out and staying dedicated to it.”

With his power, Rockies fans are wondering if Trevor Story will hit lower in the lineup than the second spot in upcoming games. Colorado manager Walt Weiss said to not expect a lineup move any time soon.

“I thought it (the second spot) was a good spot for him right out of the gate,” Weiss said. “It’s the most protected spot in the lineup. For a young kid, I thought it was ideal. He’s got power and I like thump in the two hole. I think it’s a perfect spot for him. I like when that lineup turns over. I like for it to be dangerous.”

Weiss said that he saw glimpses of greatness from Trevor Story in spring training and believed he would be ready for the limelight.

“That’s what we thought but you never know,” Weiss said. “You never know how a young player is going to respond when he gets up here. He passed all of the tests in spring training but we all know it’s different in the regular season. The makeup, the demeanor and the work ethic would lead you to believe he was going to be fine and obviously he has been. He’s been as good as anyone who’s ever broken into the league after a week. I think that’s pretty safe to say.”

Next: Is It Too Early to React to Colorado's Bullpen Woes?

Story said the past week has been amazing but he’s ready to move on to focus on the Rockies’ next 156 games.

“If I told you I expected to hit seven home runs, I’d be lying to you,” Story said. “I expected to come out and hit the ball hard and that’s what I’ve done so far. I never imagined my first week would be like this. It’s been nice to look back on this first week and get it out of the way. Now I can just get back to playing baseball.”