Coors Field’s wide-open spaces present ample landing areas for doubles and triples. The spacious outfield also provides an opportunity for Larry Bigbie.
“If I’m going to be part of this organization’s plans, I’m going to have to learn to play center field,” Bigbie said Saturday as he got his second consecutive start there. “I think this team is pretty well set in right and left field, so center is where there is a place for me. You can’t expect to go to the other spots.”
Matt Holliday is the Rockies’ left fielder for the present and future.
When Brad Hawpe returns from his hamstring injury – and that could happen in the next week or so – he’ll play right.
Bigbie, 27, came to Colorado in the July 29 trade than sent Eric Byrnes to Baltimore. Bigbie has made it clear he wants to be part of Colorado’s rebuilding blueprint. Manager Clint Hurdle said the final month of the season will provide Bigbie a chance to prove himself in an outfield that can look as big as Central Park to the uninitiated.
“Athletically, his build is what we are looking for,” Hurdle said. “He has speed, so he can get to the ball. We probably haven’t had a player here who has that kind of running stride since (Larry) Walker was here in his prime. Larry chews up ground.”
Bigbie made fast tracks in the fifth when he made a running, over-the-shoulder catch on a drive to deep right-center by Jose Guillen. Bigbie then wheeled and threw back into the infield, doubling-up Nick Johnson at first base.
Bigbie played some center field late last season for the Orioles, but he admits Coors Field provides a unique challenge.
“There aren’t many balls that are hit right at you, so it seems like you are always on the run,” Bigbie said. “The biggest thing is being in the right position. Moving a step in, or taking a step to the right or into the gap, that’s huge in this ballpark.”
Bigbie, hitting .249, also is getting a tryout as the Rockies’ leadoff man. Saturday, for the second straight game, he was at the top of the order, and he came through with a sharp single up the middle. Bigbie said he welcomes the chance to run and figures he could steal 15 to 20 bases a season. He has two since joining the Rockies.
“He’s a line-drive hitter and a double hitter and has the ability to ignite innings when he leads off,” Hurdle said. “I think he has those skills. Plus he’s a disciplined hitter. He’s not afraid to take a pitch, or to hit with two strikes on.”
As for utilizing Bigbie’s skills to create offense and play small ball, Hurdle said: “He’ll get more opportunity to run as we go forward. We’ll let this thing play itself out and give him the freedom to play and utilize those skills. We’ll give him a chance to show us what he can do.”
Sage advice
Hurdle has some Confucius-like advice for shortstop Omar Quintanilla: “It’s much easier to pull back a mustang than it is to kick a donkey.” Translation: Be aggressive at the plate and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Quintanilla, 23, made a big splash when he was called up by the Rockies. He hit 8-for-26 (.308), but headed into Saturday night’s game with just three hits in his last 24 at-bats. Pitchers already have figured Quintanilla out. Now it’s time to adjust.
