Tucson – Jamey Carroll arrived at spring training with a new contract, an extra glove and a miniature Indianapolis Colts helmet.
The helmet, which the Indiana native proudly displays in his locker at Hi Corbett Field, celebrates the Colts’ Super Bowl title. The new contract – a two-year, $4 million deal with a club option for a third season – enabled Carroll to buy a new car.
“It’s a blue Mini Cooper,” Carroll said with a sheepish grin. “I liked the color, and while I don’t want to sound like some obsessed fan, the Colts had something to do with it.”
As for the extra glove, it’s an outfielder’s model and serves as a symbol of Carroll’s versatility. While he will battle Kaz Matsui for playing time at second base, Carroll is willing to embrace his projected role as a super-utility man.
“I always come prepared,” Carroll said.
Manager Clint Hurdle reiterated Saturday he plans to put Carroll, who hit .300 last season with 23 doubles and a team-leading 22 infield hits, in the outfield during spring training and perhaps use him there during the regular season.
“We are definitely in line with that,” Hurdle said. “We have to find and create opportunities for Jamey to stay involved.”
Fit at 36
Catcher Javy Lopez, intent on winning the starting catching job at age 36, says he feels closer to 26.
“I’ve been working out hard, four days a week since November,” the three-time all-star said. “And I did something new this year. I trained in Fort Lauderdale with a bunch of college football players getting ready for the (NFL) combine. It was a very intense workout and it worked really well for me. Physically, I feel great.”
Footnotes
After missing Friday’s opening practice, catcher Yorvit Torrealba, delayed by travel snafus in his native Venezuela, missed Saturday’s workout, too. The club hopes he arrives in time for today’s practice. … Third baseman Garrett Atkins and right fielder Brad Hawpe were the latest veterans to arrive in Tucson.
Patrick Saunderscan be reached at 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
