Most Mets fans are currently dreaming about the possibility of the team acquiring Ian Desmond from the Nationals, but Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been a popular topic of conversation for most of the offseason. Regardless of the Mets’ financial situation, it takes two to tango to get a deal done and Rockies co-owner Charlie Monfort told Ken Davidoff of the New York Post that Tulowitzki isn’t coming to Queens.
“It’s not happening,” Monfort responded.
Even as Tulowitzki has sent passive-aggressive signs that he wouldn’t mind leaving the team that drafted and developed him, the Rockies’ leaders, with both their actions and their words, have displayed how reluctant they are to deal their franchise player. Monfort re-enforced that notion Thursday at the Major League Baseball owners’ meetings.
“I can’t speak for him, but yeah, we want him,” Monfort said. “I think he’s strong and he’s worked hard and he’ll be back. He’ll be Tulo of old.”
A cynical Mets fan might say something like, “Well, tell me something we don’t already know.” And I get that. The Mets don’t deserve the benefit of the doubt in matters of big spending, but this situation has never simply been about them. Tulowitzki is the face of the franchise with the Rockies and it would take a monster haul for them to justify a trade to their fanbase. Charlie’s brother, Dick Monfort, is reportedly very close with Tulowitzki and simply might not be willing to sign off on a trade or deal him to a team he’s not interested in going to. Barring something unexpected, it looks like he’ll begin the season with Colorado.
