Rockies Do Things Differently Than Twins
Rochester's Michael Restovich has had markedly different experiences with Minnesota and Colorado. Although he can't know what will happen next, Michael has to be encouraged by what has taken place in Denver so far.
While with the Twins, Restovich proved himself at the AAA level but wasn't brought up to the majors. Team officials admitted he was "ready" but said there just wasn't room. For the next three years Restovich was brought up only to be sent back down, despite playing well enough to stay. He felt the pressure of putting up power numbers and impressing someone enough to stay up, but found out later that there was virtually nothing he could have done to remain on the team. It just wasn't in the cards. He could play well in the major leagues and not be rewarded for it. I don't know if the Twins are to blame, but in the end his experience there proved to be unfair.
His experience in Colorado, so far, has followed a path that makes a little more sense. He was basically given a two week tryout and played well. Resto is hitting .346 with a home run and 3 RBI, seeing action only against left-handers. As a result, he's staying up in the majors while the Rockies sent a couple pitchers down because they didn't do as well.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle seems to have a pretty good philosophy when it comes to who stays and who gets sent down. While talking about backup outfielder Cory Sullivan, Hurdle said, "He's done nothing to warrant being moved." That type of thinking makes a lot of sense.
I know there are always tough choices that have to be made. I know Restovich still may not get a fair shake. He was in the line-up a few days ago when snow started to fall and the game was postponed. Resto lost out on a chance to get some at-bats. Now Dustin Mohr is back from the disabled list and, although he's certainly no All-Star, he will move into the starting rightfield spot automatically. The bad break is typical to what Restovich has had to deal with in his fight to become a full-time major leaguer. But don't expect to see him pout. Restovich will continue to fight for playing time.
Hopefully the Rockies continue to make logical choices.
While with the Twins, Restovich proved himself at the AAA level but wasn't brought up to the majors. Team officials admitted he was "ready" but said there just wasn't room. For the next three years Restovich was brought up only to be sent back down, despite playing well enough to stay. He felt the pressure of putting up power numbers and impressing someone enough to stay up, but found out later that there was virtually nothing he could have done to remain on the team. It just wasn't in the cards. He could play well in the major leagues and not be rewarded for it. I don't know if the Twins are to blame, but in the end his experience there proved to be unfair.
His experience in Colorado, so far, has followed a path that makes a little more sense. He was basically given a two week tryout and played well. Resto is hitting .346 with a home run and 3 RBI, seeing action only against left-handers. As a result, he's staying up in the majors while the Rockies sent a couple pitchers down because they didn't do as well.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle seems to have a pretty good philosophy when it comes to who stays and who gets sent down. While talking about backup outfielder Cory Sullivan, Hurdle said, "He's done nothing to warrant being moved." That type of thinking makes a lot of sense.
I know there are always tough choices that have to be made. I know Restovich still may not get a fair shake. He was in the line-up a few days ago when snow started to fall and the game was postponed. Resto lost out on a chance to get some at-bats. Now Dustin Mohr is back from the disabled list and, although he's certainly no All-Star, he will move into the starting rightfield spot automatically. The bad break is typical to what Restovich has had to deal with in his fight to become a full-time major leaguer. But don't expect to see him pout. Restovich will continue to fight for playing time.
Hopefully the Rockies continue to make logical choices.
posted by Joe Siple | 7:39 PM
1 Comments:
I think you are letting your personal relationship with Restovich get in the way. Do you really think he played well enough to bump Jacque Jones, Shannon Stewart, or Torii Hunter; of course not. In Colorado he has Preston Wilson and a bunch of youngsters. Yes Holliday and Hawpe have things almost locked up but they still have time to falter. Remember, the Devil Rays released him as well, not just the Twins.
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