Tucson – It wasn’t fire and brimstone, but before the Rockies held their first full-squad workouts of spring training Friday, manager Clint Hurdle gathered his players and made it clear he expects a lot from his young club.
“I told them that there is too much talent in that room to dream small,” Hurdle said. “We feel like our team is in a good place, and the next step will be a lot about how they go about their work, what they believe and the confidence level they bring to the park every day.”
First baseman Todd Helton, the team’s one established star, liked what he heard. He said he also believes Hurdle’s message got across to the team.
“I think they got it and bought it,” Helton said. “And they’d better buy into it because I think we have something to play for this year.”
The Rockies are coming off a 67-95 season, tying the 1993 inaugural season for the worst in franchise history. But second-year right fielder Brad Hawpe said Hurdle’s optimism is well founded.
“He had a lot of enthusiasm in his speech, which fits well because I think the team does, too,” Hawpe said. “He’s got a ton of enthusiasm and I’m not sure if we don’t have just as much, or more. We’re excited. We can’t wait to get started.”
Buck’s take
Buck Martinez, manager for Team USA, said he believes American players are just as jazzed for the upcoming World Baseball Classic as players from other countries.
“I know this personally because we have been touring camps and the players have told me so,” said Martinez, who attended the Rockies’ practice. “I know our players are pumped up about it. It was talked about how it was talked about in Latin America. It might be more important to the fans in general, but it’s certainly not any more important to the players.”
Martinez also said he’s received nothing but positive feedback from managers.
