Colorado Rockies: Trevor Story talks defense, walk-up music and more

Trevor Story may have burst into the league with a historic home run tear, but the Colorado Rockies shortstop is using his defense as part of his motivation heading into the 2018 season.

In an exclusive interview with Rox Pile during the Rockies Caravan stop at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley on Saturday afternoon, Story said that his play in the field is one of the things he prides himself in the most. And that showed in a big way last season.

Story took big steps in his defensive play in his first full Major League season (remember his 2016 campaign was cut short by a thumb injury). His .982 fielding percentage tied for second among National League shortstops and his 11 Defensive Runs Saved led all National League shortstops. His overall defensive rating of 7.6 was fifth in the National League, something that Story says he is working to improve in 2018.

“I really pride myself on defense,” Story said. “Playing shortstop, I try to be more consistent even more so than last year. That’s one of those things that you’re always working to get better and it’s fun. I love doing that.”

Take a look at one of Story’s most impressive plays from last season below. It was named one of the top 100 plays of the season from throughout Major League Baseball.

Story struggled some at the plate last season but came through in September when the Rockies needed his bat most. His 22 September RBI were the most of any month and his .551 slugging percentage in the regular season’s final month were also a season-high.

However, dropping out of the playoffs after losing to Arizona in the Wild Card game is still a thought that lingers in his mind. He went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in the postseason loss but that was little consolation.

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I asked Story how soon he “got the itch” to get back out on the field after the loss in Arizona.

“It doesn’t really stop, honestly. Our season ended early and we had to watch from the couch. When you’re watching, that’s where you want to be so that itch really never stops for me,” Story said. “We got that little taste of the postseason. It was a goal but it wasn’t the final goal. We’re looking forward to that next year.”

The 25-year-old Story, who got engaged in the offseason, has been watching how Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich has been putting together a team to get the Rockies back to the playoffs. So far, he likes what he has seen.

“It’s exciting. We have some young stars who did really well last year and hopefully they can build on that,” Story said. “Having guys like (Mike) Dunn, (Jake) McGee, and Otto (Adam Ottavino) with the additions of (Bryan) Shaw and (Wade) Davis, it’s going to be fun. I’m excited I don’t have to face those guys. They’re a great addition for sure.”

One thing Story isn’t looking to improve upon in 2018 is his walk-up music. Last season, he went with “Thief” from Ookay and it became one of the more recognizable walk-up songs of any Rockies player. I asked him if he might be looking to change his song up next season.

“I’m really thinking about keeping it because a lot of people love it,” Story smiled. “I think the fans loved it.”

Next: Story's maturation is one of 18 Rockies things we are looking forward to in 2018

And where did he first find the music?

“Tyler Anderson (Rockies starting pitcher) actually showed it to me and I’ve loved it ever since.”