Clint Barmes returns to the Rockies tonight, releasing the 11-week pause button on what was the most magical rookie season in team history. He arrived, however, last week in Double-A Tulsa.
That’s when the shortstop rounded third base, fleeing as if running from a crime, and dived headfirst across the plate.
“I probably shouldn’t have done that,” Barmes admitted Thursday.
Barmes broke his collarbone June 5 while carrying deer meat to his upstairs apartment in Denver.
He feels fine, even after his headfirst dive. “There was no hesitation. No pain. No problems.”
Barmes promised he wouldn’t alter his energetic style as a concession to the titanium plate sealing together his clavicle. He estimated he dived four times in eight games with the Drillers, in the field and on offense. Not once did he think about his injury.
He batted .324, with 11 hits in 34 at-bats with Tulsa. Before his surgery, Barmes – who will start and hit leadoff tonight against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field – was the Rockies’ best player, owning a .329 average with eight home runs and 34 RBIs.
“This is all new to me. I don’t expect to pick right up where I left off,” said Barmes, whose return will turn Omar Quintanilla into a utility player at short and second base. “I have to get my timing back. But I feel strong. I am certainly well-rested.”
FOOTNOTES: Major League Baseball has launched a relief plan that is expected to generate $3 million for Hurricane Katrina victims. The Rockies have partnered with the McCormick Tribune Foundation to raise money for the relief campaign, matching 50 cents on the dollar for the first $1 million raised. Information can be found on the team’s website. The Rockies will promote where to donate on the scoreboard this weekend, and donation envelopes will be available behind section 127 at guest relations. …
With Quintanilla serving as a utility player, Aaron Miles continues taking groundballs at third base, where he might be used occasionally to spell Garrett Atkins.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
