Gomez opens eyes, expands his chances

Shortstop prospect Hector Gomez took over Saturday’s game, hitting a run-scoring double in the seventh and a two-run, game inning triple in the eighth as the Rockies beat the Brewers, 8-6. Gomez also tripled in Friday’s 7-4 loss to the Giants.

His dynamic bat, tall frame and strong throwing arm have impressed Rockies manager Jim Tracy. Last year, Gomez was coming off elbow surgery, so all Tracy could recall watching was pop-up drills. Now he’s seeing why Gomez, who turned 22 on Friday, is considered a prospect.

Of course, the Rockies have a big, physical shortstop in Troy Tulowitzki, who is expected to be around for a long time. But Tracy said the Rockies might have to find a way to get Gomez a clearer shot at playing time.

“He goes to the [Arizona] Fall League [in 2009] and I take a couple phone calls from people not affiliated with the Rockies organization wanting to know about Hector Gomez,” Tracy said. “That immediately strikes a nerve. When somebody starts asking about players in your system, you feel good about that.

“I’ll see him wherever we can get him out there to play … third, short, second, I’ll play him.”