Chipper Jones, who knows a little bit about moving from shortstop to third base, thinks it’s time for Troy Tulowitzki to make the move. At least that’s what he tweeted last night in defense of his selecting former teammate Andrelton Simmons as the NL’s best shortstop.
Y’all are watching the best all around shortstop in the big leagues! Andrelton Simmons.
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) May 7, 2013
Lots of Tulo fans tonite. No offense people. Tulo is a great player. If I was a GM I’d move him to third. Simba and Castro r true shortstops
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) May 7, 2013
Oh that’s right! I forgot all the ex big leaguers that r following me, that know better than me, who is a better shortstop. Please people…
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) May 7, 2013
The numbers, for what it’s worth, strongly disagree with Chipper’s assessment. He did grade out as a slightly below average shortstop during an injury-filled 2012 season in which he was limited to 47 games, but he always rated above average to exceptional before that. So far, this year, he’s back on the plus side, at least according to UZR.
Still, this isn’t the first time some have called for Tulo to move, and it’s possible playing a less demanding position would help him stay healthy. It’s not likely to happen anytime soon, though, as the Rockies are hoping rookie Nolan Arenado will prove to be their long-term third baseman.
