Tucson – An announced crowd of 2,290 baked in the sun Thursday afternoon at Hi Corbett Field, watching Choo Freeman put his spring training philosophy into action.
“I’m just out here having fun. I can’t worry about the other stuff,” the Rockies center fielder said. “I just have to let things take care of themselves.”
That “other stuff” is the fact Freeman is down to his final chance to make the 25-man roster. He’s out of minor-league options, and if he’s sent to the minors this year, another team could claim him off waivers.
So far, Freeman’s laissez faire attitude is paying off. In Colorado’s 8-1 thumping of the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, Freeman went 2-for-3, drove in two runs, stole a base and scored a run.
“He was borderline skittish when he didn’t get a bunt down,” manager Clint Hurdle said, “but then he singles through the right side, steals a base and has another base hit. So it was a good day for Choo.”
Though Cory Sullivan has been tabbed starting center fielder, Hurdle has made it clear the speedy Freeman will be given every chance to compete for a job.
“I think I’m making the most of it,” Freeman said. “I’m just going out there and taking advantage of the chance. I think I bring a lot of things to this team. Speed, defense and whatever they ask me to do offensively, I’ll do it.”
Chacon revisited
Rockies owner Charlie Monfort admitted Thursday that pitcher Shawn Chacon’s one- year contract with the New York Yankees came in lower than expected. Chacon will make $3.6 million, while the Rockies thought he might go for as much as $5 million in avoiding salary arbitration.
Footnotes
Rockies pitchers have allowed only two walks in two games this spring. … Outfielder/catcher Eli Marrero was added to the 40-man roster. To make room, right-handed pitcher Chin-hui Tsao (shoulder surgery) was placed on the 60-day disabled list. Marrero had signed a $750,000 minor-league contract, but the Rockies will be on the hook for only about $82,000 in termination pay if he fails to make the team. … The Rockies have signed all their players, including infielder Garrett Atkins, whose contract was renewed Thursday at the team’s discretion. … Third-base prospect Ian Stewart got his first two big-league exhibition hits, including a double, but he also committed an error. … The Rockies have no game today, but will hold an intrasquad scrimmage. Saturday, in Tempe against the Los Angeles Angels, the Rockies will throw Zach Day and Josh Fogg, who are battling for the fifth spot in the rotation. … During spring training, Coors Light is sponsoring “Home runs for the Home Team.” For each home run hit by a Rockie, $500 will be donated to the Mile High United Way.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
