Rockies activated Atkins

[Durango53]

The Colorado Rockies activated third baseman Garrett Atkins from the disabled list and optioned Jeff Baker to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday.

Atkins, a rookie, was slated to be Colorado's opening day starter, hasn't played this season since straining his hamstring in the Rockies' final exhibition game. He went 7-for-21 with a homer and three RBIs in five rehab games with the Sky Sox.

Baker, also a rookie, hit .211 with a homer and four RBIs in 12 games in his first action above Double-A.

[yagsy]

What kind of hitter is Atkins? Is he primarily a free swinger, is he a patient hitter, is he a power hitter or is he a slap hitter? Does he primarily go the other way or does he pull most of the time?

So many questions, I know. What can I say? I'm nosy. :D

[Durango53]

Bill would be a better guy to answer you on this.

So far his hitting is ready for MLB it has been his fielding that has held him back in the minors for the past two years. He is a first baseman that was moved to third. I wonder why? :D

He is a gap hitter that should get some power as time and experice goes on. He is a patient hitter I think he has won the batting title for the past few years in the AAA league he was in. He isnt a slap hitter at all but a guy that just can hit. I think he can go any way that he is pitched. I never got to see to many AB's for Atkins just because every time he gets called up Hurlde will give him about 6 AB's in 3 weeks and then send him down for "More work".

[yagsy]

Hurdle :barf:

Thanks and I'll wait for Bill's assessment.

[awefullspellare]

Let's hope he plays a lot. More young guys to watch and evaluate :).

[Durango53]

No other guy to put there so we will see him Jon. :D

[RockieBill]

Gee, I wish Clint would post on here and ask my assessment! :D

I can't add much to Shad's assessment - his bat is the real deal, able to hit for power and average. Last year at AAA, he and Barmes lit up the PCL, going head to head all season.

As a converted 1B, he'll always have room to improve defensively, but he seems to be becoming quite servicable.

Just for general information, he became the first 3-time All-American in UCLA's history in 2000. He also hit his first MLB home run off of some stiff named Steve Watkins of San Diego last September. ;)