Drafted seventh overall in the 2005 MLB Draft, Troy Tulowitzki (hence forth known as Tulo because spelling his last name is bothersome) was a can’t miss prospect with spectacular defense and a well-developed bat. He made his major league debut August 30, 2006. As soon as he hit the big show, he was a sensation. Cal Ripken, Jr. has been quoted as saying, “He has a strong offensive game, but defensively, he’s unbelievable. He really thinks about the position, all aspects of the game. I love that about him” (USA Today). There appeared to be no doubt Tulo would be a future star.
Born in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, Justin Bieber became a YouTube sensation overnight. At fourteen, he was recognized by manager Scooter Braun and soon signed to a deal that involved a joint venture with Usher. It was then only a matter of time before his face was on everything from paper plates to backpacks. His every word made teenage girls swoon and Tina Fey lustfully stated in an SNL skit, “His smile is like watching a baby bunny sniff a tiny flower.”
You can tell that the metaphor is pretty obvious. JB makes girls scream almost as much as Tulo makes baseball writers drool. Tulo is currently the Justin Bieber of baseball. He has youth (the parallel there is fairly obvious), transcendent defense (Bieber’s image), and an ability to carry a team (Bieber has the ability to carry the ratings of anything, such as the NBA Celebrity game).
When trouble struck Tulo’s 2010 season in the form of a fractured wrist, the Rockies and much of baseball held their collective breath. Meanwhile, Bieber fans shuttered at the thought of his voice changing destroying his angelic range and heart-melting high notes. Both, however, came back with a vengeance. Tulo in the form of a September with the following stats: 15 HRs, 40 RBIs, 30 runs scored, and a .800 slugging percentage. Bieber recovered by dominating the pop landscape with My World 2.0 including the single “Baby” which is now the highest viewed clip on YouTube. Ever. (Of course, Carlos Gonzalez was the Ludacris to Tulo’s Justin.)
Why make such a ridiculous metaphor? Because in this day and age of Twitter, Facebook, and instant access to all kinds of media, people are hyped like never before. Those of us lucky enough to have spectacular skills (in one form or another) are glorified beyond belief. The parallels don’t stop in that regard. Tulo is already being hailed as the “best player in baseball” even though his current average WAR per season is 3.3. JB is being hailed as a global icon and superstar even though 85% of the population probably thinks he is incredibly annoying and talentless. While both have done so much, there is still so much to do. After an unbelievable start to the season, Tulo has cooled off offensively. And while Bieber’s concert movie out-did box office projections, critics about his actual talent still remain.
As any of my close friends and fantasy baseball compatriots would tell you, I am incredibly skeptic when it comes to young MLB talent. I need proof before I trust someone to put up above average stats. And Tulo really needs to prove it to me. Two great seasons doesn’t make you a hall of famer, let alone the best player in the league. No, I am not skeptical of Tulo’s talent but I question his ability to sustain success in the show.
From what I have read, Tulo is not only talented on the field but a great addition to the clubhouse and strongly symbolizes what the Rockies are currently trying to achieve: gutsy play and success through youth. Troy has the tools to get the job done but I will wait to pass judgment. Best shortstop since A-Rod or Ripken? We’ll see.
But I’m sure Tulo (as well as Justin) will tell you, “I will never say never.”
But I’m sure Tulo (as well as Justin) will tell you, “I will never say never.”
Bonus MLB player/Pop artist comparisons
Jose Bautista as Lady Gaga because he busted on the scene with such random fashion much in the same way as Gaga. His power display last year is similar to Gaga’s release of her album, The Fame. Jose was born this way.
Roy Halladay as Rihanna because he consistently has put out incredible statistics for years now just as Rihanna has continued to put out number one singles. Sadly, I don't think Halladay is an S & M type.
Miguel Cabrera as Chris Brown because he has a sweet swing (Brown’s voice) and has a tendency of being suspected of domestic violence.
Andre Ethier as Katy Perry because he is hot and so is she. And his last name starts with ET.
Albert Pujols as the Black Eyed Peas because he is always at or near the top of the MVP voting and the BEPs are always at or near the top of the Billboard Hot 100. I gotta feeling... Albert might break out of his current slump.
Ryan Braun as Ke$ha because he is youthful, just got a ton of money, and seems like he loves to party. And we know that’s the only thing Ke$ha does.
Last but not least…
Lance Berkman as Doctor Dre (Yes, I know he’s a rapper) because he looked left for dead at the end of last season but must have had a doctor bring him back to life. But he won't crack a bottle just yet.
