Story still the man despite Reyes’ potential return

DENVER — Six months ago, Trevor Story was the Rockies’ shortstop of the future.

Today?

Story is the Rockies’ shortstop. No ifs, no ands and no buts about it.

General manager Jeff Bridich is naturally careful with what he says, but when he was asked about how Story’s status could be influenced by a potential return of Jose Reyes sometime in June, Bridich was strong in his endorsement of the rookie.

“Trevor has done a great job,” Bridich said. “He has earned the role he plays on this club. So, as it relates to this situation specifically with Reyes, [Story] has earned all the playing time he has gotten. I think he handled himself well when faced with these sorts of questions in Spring Training. We expect him to continue to be a pro and to handle the whole situation with class and the strength that he has thus far.”

That’s no knock on Reyes. He’s a four-time All-Star and he won an NL batting title hitting .337 for the Marlins in 2011. Hey, he’s making $22 million a year for this year — minus the nearly $7.1 million he will lose for being suspended for the first 60 games of this season for domestic abuse.

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Be honest. Reyes was acquired along with three top-line pitching prospects from the Blue Jays last July in the Troy Tulowitzki trade because Toronto wanted Colorado to assume his salary to offset the $100 million deal they inherited with Tulowitzki.

The Rockies saw Reyes, who turns 33 on June 11, as a short-term way to fill the shortstop void until Story was …

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