Tucson – Like a versatile journeyman actor, Eli Marrero is auditioning for any part that comes his way.
Sunday, he started at catcher for the Rockies and was one of the few bright spots in a 13-8 loss to the Kansas City Royals, going 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Marrero also has been roaming the outfield, and manager Clint Hurdle said Sunday he’ll soon give Marrero playing time at first base.
Clearly, Marrero’s versatility is his best asset for making the 25-man roster. Friday, he played eight innings in the outfield during the Rockies’ intrasquad game. But with catcher Yorvit Torrealba nursing a sore throwing shoulder, Marrero is getting extra work behind the plate.
“We told him that for him to make this club, he’s going to have to catch, too,” Hurdle said. “He’s gone ahead and shown the ability to go back there and do the job. There comes a point and time in your career where you realize that whatever you are asked to do, you need to do.”
Marrero, 32, is making the most of his chances. In three games, Marrero is batting 1.000 (6-for-6). Sunday, he threw out a would-be base-stealer and looked good behind the plate.
“I think people have forgotten that I am pretty good back there,” said Marrero, who came up in the Cardinals organization as a catcher. “I think that has been lost because I’ve been playing mostly outfield for the last three years.”
Mound of trouble
It was a Charlie Brown kind of day for Rockies pitchers, as the Royals knocked their socks off with 23 hits. After giving up five runs and seven hits in three innings, starter Jason Jennings got some strong words of advice from Hurdle.
“Hopefully there is going to be a day when Jason Jennings realizes he’s a sinkerball pitcher,” Hurdle said. “He pitched way too much at the belt and over the plate.”
Jennings, already tabbed the opening-day starter, said the Royals pounced on him, taking advantage of his off day.
“I got the ball up and they were up there hacking,” he said. “I felt like I was facing an A-ball team out there. They were coming out of their shoes early in the count, and sometimes it makes it tough when they are aggressive like that.”
Jennings’ spot on the team is secure, but the same cannot be said for reliever Keiichi Yabu, battling for the last spot in the bullpen. He allowed four runs and seven hits in the fourth.
Footnotes
For the second time in two games, right fielder Brad Hawpe gunned down a baserunner. This time it was K.C.’s Angel Berroa, caught trying to reach third base from first….Royals starter Scott Elarton, a Lamar native and former Rockie, gave up five earned runs in three innings.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
