Take it easy, Champ. Why don't you sit this next one out...

Star of the Sports Illustrated baseball preview, Troy Tulowitzki is in a bit of a slump in Colorado, prompting the Rockies to sit him out tonight and possibly tomorrow.

In light of the SI piece, this is something worth keeping an eye on. Talent aside, baseball players are prone to odd slumps, especially when players start pressing. From the team's statements today, it seems like the Rockies are trying to head off a a prolonged slump from their young star.

With so much attention being paid to Tulowitzki for his ability to lead a team and motivate players who need an occasional fire lit under them, there's probably more pressure on him than on the other members of baseball's sophomore class.

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd dismissed the "sophomore slump" as a factor in Tulowitzki's play. O'Dowd said the shortstop's struggles mirror last April's.

"He's trying too hard again," O'Dowd said. "He's a very good player who is going to have to battle through this. It's a painful part of his maturation."

(Image from: SI.com)