by Steve Nitz

You would think it’s September 2007 the way the Rockies have been playing. Colorado has taken off ever since it fired Clint Hurdle on May 29, going 18-5 under new manager Jim Tracy.

With the hot streak, many Rockies have provided huge boosts for fantasy players. Troy Tulowitzki, Ian Stewart, Clint Barmes, and Ubaldo Jimenez have each had great months after struggling in April and May.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been red hot in June. Tulowitzki is currently hitting .346 with five homers, 11 RBIs, and five stolen bases this month. Players who stuck with Tulo through his struggles are finally getting rewarded.

Another Rockie playing much better in June is Ian Stewart. Stewart, once a prized prospect in Denver, will give you average (.299 in June) and power (six homers, 17 RBIs this month). He also has four stolen bases on the year. He’s been a good-looking young player for awhile, and it finally looks like he’s coming into his own. As an added bonus, he’s eligible at 2B and 3B, and has played six games in left field and three in right meaning he could gain eligibility at those spots later in the year.

Barmes hit .259 in April and .253 in May, but has made up for it by hitting .349 in June. He’ll give fantasy owners some pop (eight homers, 37 RBIs on the season) as well as some speed (five steals).

On the mound, Ubaldo Jimenez has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this month. Jimenez, one of the hardest throwers in the game, has three wins while sporting a 2.43 ERA and has 23 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings.
Steve Nitz