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Shealy still upbeat despite bad timing
of latest injury Colorado Rockies first base prospect Ryan Shealy just can't buy a break this year. The 6'5", 250 pound right-handed hitter has always known that Todd Helton would be Colorado's first baseman for the foreseeable future.
"It's been kind of the deal here ever since I was drafted by the Rockies," said Shealy. "It's always been Todd Helton ... he's a great player and has been for a lot of years." Colorado's plan to try Shealy in the outfield during spring training was aborted due to an elbow injury he suffered in early March. The switch to a new position was hoped to be Shealy's path to a position on the Rockies roster. "The whole elbow thing set me back quite a bit," Shealy said in a recent interview when asked about his trial in the outfield. "I think my days are done out there." Shealy believes he could have made the switch. "I think I could have (played the outfield)," he said. "It was just for whatever reason my elbow wouldn't let me do it. I gave it a whirl, but couldn't get it done." The injury also denied Shealy another opportunity after Helton went on the disabled list on April 22nd with an intestinal problem. Instead of stepping into the Colorado lineup in place of Helton, Shealy was still in Tucson getting at bats in extended spring training. He expects to be able to return to game action around the same time Helton comes off the DL. But he's still upbeat about his chances for the rest of the season and is glad to be close to playing ball again. Shealy is obviously close to being ready. He was hitting one batting practice bomb after another when his Colorado Springs teammates visited Tucson for a recent series against the Diamondbacks AAA affiliate." Everything's going as well as I expected," said Shealy. "It's been good to get over here and work out with these guys. It just feels good to get out here again. I missed pretty much the whole spring training."
When healthy, Shealy deserves a chance to play somewhere. He's hit well at every level, including his brief stint with Colorado in 2005, since being selected by Colorado out of the University of Florida in the 11th round of the 2002 draft. His lowest OPS in four minor league seasons has been .910, posted in his second professional season for Visalia of the High A California League. In addition to his regular season exploits, Shealy was part of Team USA in last Fall's CONCEBE Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Phoenix. His 10 for 20 performance in five games earned Shealy the Most Valuable Player, as well as being named the tourney's outstanding hitter. "I had a blast," said Shealy about his experiences with Team USA. "Any time you can represent your country, it's a blessing." Shealy will likely return to Colorado Springs when ready for regular action. With a move to the outfield now out of the question, it may be that a trade to another organization will give Shealy his best chance for another shot at the big leagues. "All I can really control is getting healthy right now," replied Shealy when asked about the possibility of a trade. "That's what I plan on doing and just get back on the field. If it means getting traded, then that's fine. If not, I'll make the best of it here and do what I can." "I just want to put this whole elbow thing behind me and move forward." --- Bill Mitchell
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