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.
Inside the game
Earlier today, while their teammates were boarding the bus for a cross-town ride to Tucson Electric Park, catchers Yorvit Torrealba and Javy Lopez stayed behind at Hi Corbett Field practicing their throws to second base.
Given Torrealba’s shoulder woes last season and Lopez’s struggles this spring – he’s 0-for-8 against base stealers in three games – their extra work appeared to be a red flag.
Not so, said catching coach Jamie Quirk.
“Yorvit’s shoulder is fine and he’s throwing well,” Quirk said. “And Javy’s going to be fine. Neither one was playing today, so this gives us a chance to fine-tune a few things without wearing out their arms.”
Lopez’s defense was a looming question when the Rockies signed him during the offseason. Quirk, however, said that right now there is no cause for alarm.
“Remember, Javy is 36 years old, so it’s going to take him some time to get it going,” Quirk said. “He’s just kind of inching back to where he needs to be, but he’ll get there.”
On the plus side, Lopez hit his fourth double of the spring in Monday’s game against the Angels.
Injury watch
Closer Brian Fuentes, who missed his last assignment because of tightness in his back, is scheduled to pitch Wednesday against Milwaukee. Fuentes said Monday that the stiffness was a minor problem.
By the numbers: .846
That’s the Rockies’ stolen-base percentage through their first five Cactus League games. They’ve stolen 11 bases and been caught twice. In 31 spring games last year, the Rockies stole 28 bases and were thrown out 20 times (.583).
Quotable
“Let’s crank it up and go.” — Manager Clint Hurdle on the Rockies’ plan to be more aggressive on the bases.
Staff writer Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
