MLB teams
Jesse Rogers, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Walt Weiss says Rockies 'too talented' to be entering rebuilding mode

MLB, Colorado Rockies

CHICAGO -- Despite the trade of star Troy Tulowitzki late Monday night, Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss doesn't believe his team is entering rebuilding mode.

"I'm sure that's what people are thinking," Weiss said Tuesday before the Rockies played the Chicago Cubs. "I don't think we're in a situation where we're blowing this thing up. We're too talented at too many positions to do something like that."

His players weren't as sure, with several admitting they were "shocked" by the trade of Tulowitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins to the Toronto Blue Jays for shortstop Jose Reyes and three minor league pitchers. Some weren't sure what to think of the direction of the team.

"No one thought Tulo was going to leave this club," right fielder Carlos Gonzalez said. "Now that he's gone, anything is possible. Whatever it is, I'm ready for the challenge."

Third baseman Nolan Arenado added: "We didn't get a big league pitcher, but they could be the future for us. Hopefully the future is bright."

After Tulowitzki was moved, Gonzalez was thrust into the spotlight as a potential trade target. Could he be next? Gonzalez has been on a tear at the plate, with multiple-homer games in three of his past four.

"It's tough," Gonzalez said. "It's sad. I played with Tulo for seven years. ... I don't feel any pressure. I'm just trying to play baseball. Whatever happens in the future is up to them, not up to me."

The trade caught everyone off guard. Tulowitzki was pulled in the ninth inning of Monday's game after the Rockies scored four runs to take a 8-7 lead before losing 9-8 in the bottom of the inning. Weiss had to move quickly to double switch Tulowitzki -- he actually thought Tulowitzki was injured -- as there was no time to process the trade until after the game. The two spent an hour together in the manager's office.

"We were all in a bit of shock last night," Weiss said. "Our heads are still spinning a little bit. It's a big deal.

"I'm sure he's not used to getting doubled switched for in the ninth inning."

Other players confirmed that Tulowitzki, who decided to leave Wrigley Field without talking to reporters, was caught off guard.

"He was shocked," second baseman DJ LeMahieu said. "He didn't see it coming. I think he was disappointed in that. He was definitely shocked yesterday."

Weiss said Reyes could be in the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs but would not make it for Tuesday's game.

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