Troy Tulowitzki is preparing to write the next chapter of his career.
The Toronto Blue Jays unveiled the 30-year-old shortstop on Wednesday, two days after landing the five-time All-Star as part of a blockbuster deal.
Tulowitzki admitted that he was blindsided when the trade was officially announced and the surprise still hasn't worn off.
"Still shocked," Tulowitzki said. "When I walk into a clubhouse and it's not purple, it's different for me."
Selected with the seventh pick of the 2005 draft, Tulowitzki spent his entire 10-year career as a member of the Colorado Rockies but hasn't appeared in the postseason since 2009. While the change of address and uniform will take some getting used to, he did admit that it's fun to get back in the playoff hunt.
"To wake up and know these games are very meaningful, I think that'll bring me back to my younger days," he said.
"I come in this locker room expecting to win, not say, 'OK, next year is our year.' Right now, we can win."
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Armed with one of the most dangerous bats in baseball, Tulowitzki will hit lead-off for the first time in his career.
"If it becomes a problem that there are so many middle-of-the-order hitters, then that’s a good problem to have," he said.
Desperate to add help to their rotation, the Blue Jays surprised many by acquiring a shortstop - an area that hadn't been considered a team weakness. Though there have been some detractors of the deal, general manager Alex Anthopoulos argued that bringing in a player of Tulowitzki's magnitude was too good to pass up.
"We're getting the best shortstop in baseball in our minds," Anthopoulos said Tuesday. "Those opportunities don't present themselves."
Owners of the longest active postseason drought at 21 years, the Blue Jays enter Wednesday's game with the Philadelphia Phillies eight games back in the division and three behind the second wild card.
Tulowitzki is hoping his presence helps change that.
"I'm excited about being a Blue Jay, excited about the city, excited about bringing winning back here," he said.
"Its a huge opportunity. I know they embrace their sports teams and they embrace the Blue Jays."