Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Rockies have not had a lot of success at 2nd base. Players have tried to play the position and have flamed out.
Josh Rutledge is in the process of changing all of that.
Players like Roberto Mejia, Mike Lansing and Jose Ortiz have tried their hand at playing 2nd base for the Rockies. None of them really did anything. Kaz Matsui had a great year with the Rockies in 2007 and was a huge part of their run to the World Series. After that season, Matsui bolted for the Houston Astros in free agency. He was never the same.
Having a strong double play partner for star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is key for the Rockies. Colorado wants a strong defense up the middle. Rutledge is a strong fielder who committed his first error of the season in Wednesday’s extra inning win over the Atlanta Braves. The Rockies lost two of three to the Braves the last two days.
Rutledge does not have a high average at the moment. He is only hitting .230 but has three home runs and has driven in seven in 18 games. His speed has become a big aspect to the Rockies. Rutledge has five stolen bases on the season. Combining him and Dexter Fowler at the top of the lineup gives Colorado a strong 1-2 punch of speed.
The second baseman has started to turn it around at the plate recently. He has recorded a hit in seven of his eight games. Before that stretch he was hitting under .200.
Manager Walt Weiss and the Rockies seem to be comfortable sticking with Rutledge. He has shown the team he can play strong defense and hit the ball despite his slow start.
Rutledge and Tulowitzki could be the Rockies’ double play combo for the next 10 years.
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