Who patrols Coors Field’s wide-open spaces in 2007 was a prime topic of discussion Monday and Tuesday as the Rockies conducted their organizational meetings.
It’s no secret the starting center field job is wide open, which is why the skills and weaknesses of Cory Sullivan, Jeff Salazar, Choo Freeman and Ryan Spilborghs were heavily scrutinized. Right field, where rookie Jeff Baker and Brad Hawpe each have had some shining moments, also was a hot topic. Topping the Rockies’ offseason shopping list likely will be an athlete who can cover ground in center field, plus display power and timely hitting.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said the evaluation process is ongoing, a major reason Salazar is seeing a lot of playing time lately.
STARTING AND FINISHING: Josh Fogg was disappointed Monday at a specific media inference he would not make his next start. After a brief meeting with Hurdle, he was told he would get the ball Friday, but nothing was guaranteed after that. Fogg’s 30th start would trigger a $50,000 incentive, one of $200,000 reached by Fogg this season.
“I’m 9-9 right now, and if I can finish 10-9 or 11-9, it makes those last four or five starts where I’ve struggled not so bad,” said Fogg, who has made 29 starts this season. “I think I’ve competed and kept my team in enough games this year that I’ve earned the right to make the rest of my starts.”
VIVA VINNY: Retiring Vinny Castilla will start at third base Sunday against Atlanta as the Rockies pay tribute at Coors Field to one of the most popular players in franchise history. Castilla also will take part in an awards ceremony for the Hispanic Leadership Conference.
Castilla T-shirts will be handed out to fans at Coors Field on Sunday. A Castilla highlight video will be shown to fans after the final home game Thursday, Sept. 28.
This story has been corrected in this online archive. Originally, Because of incorrect information supplied by the Rockies, a note on page 5D Wednesday said Vinny Castilla T-shirts would be given away at Saturday’s game. The T-shirts will be distributed at Sunday’s game.
