Ian Stewart- Rockies star 3B of the future? In '06?

[The Loveable Losers]

Everything I've seen says opening day 2007.

[HOOTIE]

Everything I've seen says opening day 2007.

This is correct. There is a slight chance on a late call up this year, but they are gearing for him to be their 3b in 07. Atkins will move to the OF, where he has been playing some this spring.

[Havok1517]

Don't foget about Jeff Baker, Colo is stacked at 3B. They're going to have to trade or move these guys or they're not going to fully develop.

[Music2004Man]

Don't foget about Jeff Baker, Colo is stacked at 3B. They're going to have to trade or move these guys or they're not going to fully develop.

I thought I remember seeing somewhere that Baker was trying to convert into an OF to clear up some of the logjam at 3rd.

[acsguitar]

Atkins is their 3B .. Ian is supposed to play 1B ...Actually the rockies have lots of good young players.

Anyways Atkins led the rockies in RBI's last season. In a little over 616 AB's Atkins has 101 rbi's

Not bad

[The Loveable Losers]

In everything I've looked through I hadn't seen any references to a position change for Stewart? Is this something they're definitely considering or just kicking around. I was considering trading for Stewart in a keeper league with minor leaguers but I have Pujols as a keeper which would seriously lower Stewart's value to me.

[Subversive]

In everything I've looked through I hadn't seen any references to a position change for Stewart? Is this something they're definitely considering or just kicking around. I was considering trading for Stewart in a keeper league with minor leaguers but I have Pujols as a keeper which would seriously lower Stewart's value to me.

From what I understand, he's not a great defender at 3rd base, but he's not terrible, so he could likely stay there for a few years. I think a lot depends on how Atkins hits. If he turns into a star, then Stewart becomes trade bait or Helton's heir apparent. If Atkins is merely average or below, then Stewart takes over at 3B when he's ready.

[warrick95]

He improved enough last year that it seems as if Atkins will be moved off 3B to the OF. Stewart has very good power potential and good hitting ability. He compares favorably to Todd Helton, in fact, and could get close to his numbers at Coors Field. Stewart was hurt last season and bothered, which is why his numbers were pretty low.

Looks like the plan is to have Tulo at SS and Nelson at either 2B or CF, while we're talking about positional changes.

I would say that the ETA for him is 2007. Most prospects don't spend much time at AAA at all, so a near-season at AA should be enough if he plays up to par.