Catch the daily spring training roundup each afternoon from Rockies beat writers Troy E. Renck and Patrick Saunders in Tucson. You’ll find insider information on players and what the team is working on as they get ready for the 2007 season. Check every afternoon for the Rockies Rundown.
Desert Scene
The schedule provides no favors. An off day on the third day is the last thing a club wants. Pitchers require work, players need at-bats. So the Rockies conducted an intrasquad game today at Hi Corbett Field. It featured only a handful of regulars, namely Troy Tulowitzki (1-for-4), Yorvit Torrealba (0-for-1), Jeff Baker (1-for-2)and Cory Sullivan (1-for-3), who made his first start.
Evaluating hitters in this environment isn’t ideal. But Baker continued showing the power that makes him an intriguing option as a bench player. He doubled off starter Jason Hirsh, a rocket that nearly left an exit wound in the 30-foot high center-field wall.
“It’s good to get some at-bats,” Baker said.
Baker started at first base, a position where he’s slowly becoming more comfortable. He hasn’t played there since high school.
“That’s why today was good because I got to work on a lot of bunt plays and holding runners,” Baker said.
Hirsh and Rodrigo Lopez both pitched two scoreless innings, with Lopez impressively pumping strikes. Hirsh, who surrendered three hits, is healthy this spring after dealing with a pinched sciatic nerve last spring.
“I tried to pitch hurt and I didn’t make a favorable impression on the (Astros) manager (Phil Garner),” Hirsh said. “I know that I have to make this team and I am doing everything to make that happen.”
Inside the game
Clint Barmes’ slump can be traced to his openness. As he struggled last season, he listened to all suggestions, all tips, only to find himself in an abyss with a .220 average. This winter he cleared his head in Hawaii on his honeymoon, then returned with a specific plan to address his hitting. He arrived in training camp, holding his hands noticeably higher.
“It helps me get into a better hitting position and I think it gives me more pop,” said Barmes.
Barmes continues to field well in early games and drills. But his ability to beat out rookie Troy Tulowitzki hinges on his ability to hit this spring. Manager Clint Hurdle said last season, he needed a .270 average, minimum, from that position.
Scary moment
Ubaldo Jimenez laughed as the replayed showed on the TV in the clubhouse today. He was OK after suffering a scare Thursday. Pitching against the White Sox, Jimenez was hit by a soft line drive in the forehead. He remained in the game, as most people thought the ball struck him on the heel of his hand.
“No, no, it hit me here,” Jimenez said pointing to the spot. “I am fine. Good thing I have a hard head.”
“He actually pitched better after he got hit,” said catcher Chris Iannetta with a smile.
Dodger blues
The Dodgers have continued to tweak their rotation. In a bit of a surprise, it appears Randy Wolf will start the season’s second game behind Derek Lowe. What that means is Jason Schmidt will face the Rockies on April 9 in the Dodgers’ home opener, with Brad Penny also working that series. The pair went 6-1 in 10 starts against the Rockies last season.
Did you know?
Outfielder Matt Holliday nearly became a Colorado star before he became a Colorado Rockie. The nation’s top-ranked prep quarterback in 1997, Holliday committed to play at Oklahoma State, but seriously considered signing with the University of Colorado. Then coach Rick Neuheisel’s pitch: play minor-league ball for the Rockies and football at CU.
“He was the best of all the guys that recruited me. I definitely thought about doing it,” Holliday said. “I could have seen myself playing for him.”
Holliday stuck to baseball when he joined the Rockies, despite multiple overtures to return to college football.
