Examine the Rockies’ offensive statistics and they are like a hastily written memoir, revealing more than intended. Colorado lacks power, remains ice-cold with runners in scoring position and hasn’t shown the ability to create havoc on the bases.
The Rockies left spring training promising to be aggressive, but their speed hasn’t played out. Colorado ranks 13th in the National League in stolen bases, which helps explain why they lead the league in sacrifice bunts despite playing half their games at hitter-friendly Coors Field.
“We have some good runners, but I don’t have a pure base-stealer,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “And we have tried to hit-and-run (as they did with JD Closser in the second inning Monday), but we have struggled to make contact.”
Hurdle plans to give straight steal signs rather than leaving the runner with the option. Two weeks ago, Hurdle admitted he took away the green light because the runners weren’t using it. Putting runners in motion can leave defenders out of position, while giving hitters a few more fastballs to hit.
“I would like us to run more, and we did it some early,” Hurdle said. “Now I am going to be looking for more opportunities based on predicting pitches (to go on).”
Matt Holliday, one of the game’s most athletic cleanup hitters, promised to be more aggressive. He is tied for second on the team with three steals.
“I think it can help at times to get something going offensively,” Holliday said.
Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd believes the team has usable speed, mentioning Cory Sullivan, Clint Barmes, Jamey Carroll, Brad Hawpe and Holliday, among others. But Sullivan and Barmes have fallen into deep offensive ruts, limiting their chances.
“I was on base like 10 times total last month,” Barmes said. “It’s hard to make something happen when you aren’t getting on.”
The drop in on-base percentage naturally dulls a runner’s daring nature. That is particularly true for the Rockies, whose lineup features predominantly second-year players.
“You can make yourself into a good baserunner,” said Rockies coach Dave Collins, considered one of the best in the business at teaching that skill. “It’s hard because they get so focused on offense. With experience, the good ones understand the importance of baserunning, how it can win you some games.”
Burnitz praises Holliday
Holliday ranks among the league leaders in home runs (13), RBIs (41) and average (.340) but has not caught the imagination of baseball fans. He isn’t among the 15 top National League outfielders receiving all-star votes, a list that includes the Mets’ Xavier Nady and Cardinals reserve So Taguchi.
“I don’t worry about it,” said Holliday, along with closer Brian Fuentes the team’s top candidates for the All-Star Game. “If I take care of business on the field, recognition will come.”
Opposing players have taken notice, perhaps none more than Pittsburgh’s Jeromy Burnitz. He predicted while the two were teammates in 2004 that the Rockies’ slugger would break out.
“He has great fundamentals. He has a great plan,” Burnitz said. “And he has unbelievable talent.”
Rockies recap
One was a lonely number Monday for Omar Quintanilla. Looking to create more offense, manager Clint Hurdle made Quintanilla the leadoff hitter, where he hit a brick wall. Quintanilla had no answer for Pirates starter Ian Snell, striking out in his first three at-bats.
“I haven’t been there much my whole life, but I think I can do it,” Quintanilla said. “I will look to take more pitches.”
NO PROMOTION YET: While general manager Dan O’Dowd has said Double-A shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is “pushing the envelope,” the kid wasn’t promoted to Colorado Springs to fill in for Quintanilla. Paul Cohen, Tulowitzki’s agent, has been told by the Rockies that his client has exceeded their expectations. It will be a surprise if Tulowitzki is not in the big leagues at some point this season.
NO WORD ON KIM: Sun-Woo Kim was expected to be placed on waivers Monday, leaving teams 72 hours to claim him. If Kim is not claimed, he could refuse an outright assignment to Colorado Springs, though that would void the remainder of his $600,000 contract.
