Another Troy Tulowitzki rumor swirling today. First Dan O’Dowd speculated a possible trade to the New York Mets, and now the New York Post is reporting that Tulowitzki will meet with his agent this week in Los Angeles to discuss asking the Colorado Rockies for a trade.
One of the most vital moments of this season will occur Thursday at a breakfast meeting in Los Angeles between Troy Tulowitzki and his longtime agent, Paul Cohen.
The two will decide whether it is time to ask Rockies management for a trade.
“To say that it is not a possibility would be silly,” Cohen told The Post by phone.
Cohen said he “spent a tremendous amount of time” on this topic with Tulowitzki in the offseason. He explained “it doesn’t take a rocket scientist” to see why the subject will be renewed now – the Rockies are miserable again (they had a nine-game losing streak going into Tuesday) and the likelihood of being a contender any time soon is not strong.
Tulowitzki was described as frustrated with four straight losing seasons and wants out, according to two people who know him well. Cohen would not describe Tulowitzki’s mindset, but it was clear in a 15-minute conversation Cohen clearly sees the value of his client moving to a better place for his mind and body (not playing in high altitude any longer).
The Rockies could hasten their rebuilding by dealing their star shortstop at a time when the Mets, Pirates, Mariners and Padres all have needs at the position. Tulowitzki wears No. 2 in honor of Derek Jeter, but I have been told the Yankees are emphasizing defense and limiting long-term risk and are unlikely to play for Tulowitzki.
“It could get to the point for [owner] Dick Monfort and GM Jeff [Bridich] that the storyline every day with the team is when is Tulowitzki being traded,” Cohen said. “That is negative for the franchise as the idea of trading the face of the franchise. They are smart enough to recognize they don’t want that going forward.”
You can read the full story here. Tulowitzki said at the beginning of the season that he could see himself in a different uniform if “things don’t get right in that locker room.”
As the article points out, the talk of trading Tulo could really form a dark cloud around the clubhouse as Colorado sports fans are all too familiar with. It happened with Matt Holliday in 2008 and also happened to the Denver Nuggets before they dealt their star Carmelo Anthony in 2010. If Tulo really wants out, it may be time to grant him his wish and start the rebuild that seems more and more inevitable each season.
