The Rockies on Tuesday promoted top prospect Trevor Story, 22, who they hope will one day replace star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki — but general manager Jeff Bridich insists "this is a Story story," the Denver Post reported.
Translation: Rumors to the contrary, the Rockies aren't ready to push Tulo out the door.
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It's just that Story had "earned the opportunity for a greater challenge," Bridich said of his promotion from Double-A New Britain, where he was batting .281/.373/.523 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 69 games, to Triple-A Albuquerque for the first time.
Drafted as a shortstop with the 45th pick in the 2011 draft, Story still plays shortstop as his primary position but has played some second base and third, too.
"Some of that remains to be seen. You don't truly know until you see the guy do it at this level," Bridich said. "But we drafted him as a shortstop and he's continued to play shortstop in the minor leagues. ... At this point, we absolutely believe he can be a major-league shortstop."
According to the Post, rumors and reports about Tulowitzki — especially out of New York — continue to swirl. The Rockies, in last place in the NL West, likely see him as one of their most valuable trade assets, despite his being owed $20 million this season as part of a multiyear contract through 2020.
