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Tulowitzki is Proud to be a Dirtbag
by Sean McNeal, The Sporting News
September 20, 2007
With the season Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun is having, it's easy
to get overshadowed in the N.L. rookie class. But don't forget about the
Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki. He has set the N.L. rookie record for shortstops
with 21 home runs, and he leads N.L. rookies in games, runs and hits.
He does not consider offense to be his strong suit. Tulowitzki
has made only 11 errors -- 11 fewer than Braun has made at third.
"If you ask anyone else, they'll probably say I'm an offensive
shortstop, but I take more pride in my defense. I would rather save a
run than drive in a run."
He took advantage of the opportunity to meet his idol, Derek Jeter,
when the Yankees came to Coors Field in June.
"I went up to him in batting practice and told him how much
I respected him and how he plays the game. He talked to me for a while,
told me to keep working and I'd be a good player."
The visit prompted a purchase for his teammates.
"I bought a bunch of bottles of his cologne and handed it
out to the guys. We had some fun with it. A bunch of us still keep it
in our lockers, and we'll wear it sometimes. It's not the best-smelling
cologne ever, but it's OK."
He believes in rookie calls.
"You have to earn the umpires' respect in the league, and
I think that's the way it should be. These guys have played for a long
time, and they definitely should get the benefit of the doubt on close
calls."
He has already been involved in two triple plays. He turned an
unassisted triple play against the Braves in April and was on base when
Matt Holliday lined into a triple play at Philadelphia last week.
"I'd never been in even one before this year. Both were
over with so quickly, it was like no one knew what to do. I kept tagging
guys to make sure I had three outs, and in the other one Chase Utley threw
the ball to third when he didn't need to just to make sure."
He is proud to have been a Dirtbag.
"I went to Long Beach State because I wanted to go to a
college to improve my skills. The head coach, Mike Weathers, is known
for having a good rapport with infielders, especially shortstops. The
program is known for working hard and playing the game the right way.
It was the best decision of my life."
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