Fowler On the Run
Eighteen games into the season and there is only question remaining to be answered about Dexter Fowler.
Why was there ever any doubt about his ability to make the jump from Double-A last year to the big leagues this year?
Fowler added an exclamation point to the positive answers he has provided to any questions about whether he was ready for the big leagues with his record-tying performance in the Rockies 12-7 victory against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on Monday night.
The fellow who hit a home run in the first pitch he was thrown this season, leading off the third game of the season in Arizona, Fowler was what Fowler is this time. He stole five bases, equaling the most ever for a rookie, scored three runs and went 2-for-4 with two walks. The only thing that stood between Fowler and the Rockies single-game record of six thefts set by Eric Young against the Dodgers back on June 30, 1996 was reliever Glendon Rusch.
That’s right, Rockies reliever Glendon Rusch. It’s like this. Leading off the bottom of the first, Fowler led off with a single, stole second, and after Ryan Spilborghs drew a walk, the two combined on a double steal to set up a two-run first.
In the third, Fowler again led off with a walk, and again stole second, while Spilborghs struck out, and then stole third, ahead of Todd Helton’s strike out, scoring on a Garrett Atkins single in what became a four-run rally.
In the fourth, Fowler again led off, this time with a single, and he stole second, scoring the first of the four runs the Rockies scored in that inning.
And then came the fifth. Rusch led off with a single and Fowler walked. Fowler wasn’t going anywhere in a hurry that time around.
That, however, is okay. Time, after all, is on Fowler’s side.
The kid who had overtures from Harvard about playing basketball and was set to go to Miami (Fla.) to play baseball until the Rockies dealt Larry Walker, and the money saved on his salary was provided to scouting director Bill Schmidt to sign Fowler, is only 23.
“He’s a learner,’’ said manager Clint Hurdle. “He pays attention. His skill set is unique. He has every opportunity to be (a star).’’
He stands 6-foot-4 tall, tipping the scale at 195 pounds, give or take a few. The arguments about him are over whether he’s more like a young Devon White or a young Garry Maddox.
No argument over what he brings to the game.
“The style of player he is is fun to watch,’’ said Ryan Spilborghs, who benefited from hitting behind Fowler on Monday.
He certainly got to the big leagues quicker than expected. The assumption at the start of spring was Fowler would open at Triple-A Colorado Springs, and once he showed he could handle the pitching at that level he would be called up.
Fowler skipped Triple-A. He was too good during the spring to leave off the big-league roster. He’s the one speed threat on an otherwise pedestrian team. Fowler put together a quality spring training, which led the Rockies to say he was headed to the big leagues as a fourth outfielder.
That, however, appears to have underestimated what Fowler can do. And so three weeks into the season, it seems obvious that Hurdle is going to have to do some ego massaging and commit to more regular playing time for Fowler.
Face it, the highlights of his game are the first-pitch home run or the baserunning havoc, but rather the sleek defense underscored by a quality throwing arm.
And of course, there is his ability to digest information quickly, like the Rockies feeling that if they could get on base against Padres right-hander Chris Young, normally a challenge for them, then they could steal bases because Young is so slow to the plate.
“He is pretty slow to the plate and so I took off,’’ said Fowler.
Just like the doctor – or at least Hurdle – ordered.
“This was a special night for him,’’ said Hurdle.
There will be more of those kind of nights for Fowler, particularly if Ryan Spilborhgs, who hit behind Fowler on Wednesday, has his way.
“Before the game I told him if he get on to be ready to go,’’ said Spilborghs. “I told him to keep running until the guy stops him. I think he’s still running.’’
Thanks for the recap Cowboy, insightful as always. Great game for the Rox, look like they could be getting their groove back.
And I am excited, to what Fowler is bringing to the club.
Starting to turn it around;no reason they can’t sweep the Padres. Hopefully, Hawpe is only out a couple of days. I think Hurdle has to play his best lineup, which includes Fowler in CF and Stewart playing somewhere. Interesting that Tulo sat out and Barmes had a good night. They need Tulo to play well, but how will he handle sitting on the bench for a couple of games? My guess is, not well.
Yes this was an entertaining game. Great offense by the Rox. But I’m still really concerned about the lack of pitching for the Rox. Giving up 7 runs will lose you more games than you will win. We need our starters to be better, hopefully De la Rosa will be good tonight.
The only problem with Fowler starting is that it makes it that much harder for the Rox to find at bats for Stewart. I think it might be time to deal Atkins, as I think Stewart is our next Holliday-caliber talent (I think that makes more sense than cramming him into second base, where Barmes is a natural – and productive). Is there enough interest in Atkins to make this possible?
Will–interesting thoughts. What would you hope to receive in return for Atkins? Assuming Atkins rebounds, he’s a quality hitter for a 3B, but has poor range. 2 yrs left before FA.
A good middle reliever? That would be my guess on his value even though it doesn’t seem like much. A decent starter would seem to be worth more, and the Rockies don’t really need other position players.
Fowler has been the bright spot in a thus far frustrating season. I assume Tulo and Ianetta will rebound from their early troubles, which would give the Rockies a very strong up-the-middle nucleus. That’s a lot of offense out of the defensive spots.
I would hope the Rox can get more for Atkins than a middle reliever. Especially considering they were wanting a 5th starter for Jeff Baker. I agree though that Stewart needs to be in the lineup everyday. The only problem I see with trading Atkins is Helton still seems to be bothered by the back. He has no power left(even though he did in the spring)and it just seems that he is going to aggravate that anyday and be out for awhile! When that happens, I hope Atkins is still here to play 1st and Stewart can go to 3rd!
Ughh..do not trade Atkins!!! He’s going to produce and we need him. In my opinion he’s a more crucial piece to this team than Todd Helton.
Tulo and Ianetta are toast. This is the second season with expectations and no delivery. We do better without them.
Seems it always comes back to Atkins and wanting to trade him. I would prefer they keep both of them this year. Both of them this year as in Baker and Atkins. I don’t think they are going to get good value out of Baker for his potential bat this year and then for Atkins, his defense isnt on par with Stewart, but his hitting is better. Stewart is developing and will continue to find time into the lineup daily whether it be starting in LF, 2B or breathers at 3B.
Having depth is a good thing, the team will have injuries, they are inevitable.
I would like them to ride this out for the next 60 days and see where they are then. The hitting is coming around as a team and the tough decisions are being made, i.e. Tulo sitting for a couple days potentially, but once/if the pitching comes around there is just more experience in the bullpen to prove that this team is better than it has started.
I think the Rockies need to be open to deals when they have a surplus of corner IF and OF types around (if one of the OF’s go, Matt Murton is off to a hot start at CSprings). We all know Helton is unmovable. IMO the only untouchables are Ianetta, Tulo and Fowler.
That they didn’t move Baker must mean they didn’t get any offers to their liking. Although it’s true “you can never have too much pitching,” they are loaded with back of the rotation types, and no one’s going to offer a front-end rotation guy for any regular you’d be willing to move. (It would be interesting to know if Stewart’s stock has fallen, or might he still be tradeable for good pitcher.)
Scary thing is it’s not really a young team anymore–Hawpe and Barmes are in their age 30 seasons, Atkins and Spilly are in their age 29, Baker is 28. This is about as good as these guys will be.
Derrek – Helton isn’t going anywhere with his contract
Karl – I think if you give Atkins and Stewart equal at bats, Stewart is more productive.
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