Coming off a 2009 season that saw him hit 30 HRs and steal 20 bases, Rockies SS Troy Tulowtizki was ranked as the second best fantasy SS for 2010 behind Hanley Ramirez. Some fantasy owners had high expectations for Tulo, including me, as I ranked him as my #2 shortstop heading into the 2010 season.
But injuries and high expectations have resulted in a good, but not great, season for Tulowitzki. To date, he is hitting .317-.380-.508 with 12 HRs, 51 RBIs, and just 8 SBs. The triple slash stats are very nice, but I was expecting a bit more in the power department. I did not think he could duplicate his SB total from 2009,.
His BABIP of .348 is slightly higher than his career BABIP of .321, so there could be some regression in his BA between now and the end of the season. He is striking out less this year-17% vs 21% in 2009, and walking less-9% vs almost 12% in 2009. Tulo is still getting on base at a good clip, and he is making more contact, which is a good sign.
What is not a good sign is that he is not hitting as many flyballs as last year-39% vs 40% in 2009, and is hitting more infield flyballs (IFFB) this season-16% vs 12% in 2009. As a result, he is also hitting more ground balls than in 2009-44% in 2010 vs 42% in 2009. All in all, I think Tulo's batted ball figures are not that bad, and could be a result of him being on the DL a few times this season. Players lose their timing at the plate when injured, and it takes awhile for it to come back.
Going into 2011 drafts, I think Tulowitzki will still be the 2nd ranked SS at a very thin position. He should be drafted in the early rounds of drafts unless you want to be stuck with Yunel Escobar at SS.