Colorado Springs – In the final analysis, John Mabry’s experience beat out the promise of Ryan Spliborghs and Alexis Gomez.
That’s why Rockies manager Clint Hurdle picked Mabry for the final spot on the Rockies’ opening-day, 25-man roster. Hurdle announced the move Friday after the Rockies lost 5-3 in an exhibition game to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, their Triple-A affiliate.
Spliborghs was optioned to Triple-A and Gomez was designated for assignment.
“I think Mabry’s experience speaks to a need that we had,” Hurdle said. “His health is good. We asked him to do an assortment of things this spring and he came through.”
Mabry, 36, will be used primarily as a left-handed pinch hitter, but can also play first and third, or even the outfield in an emergency.
“No. 1, I wanted to be healthy,” Mabry said. “I struggled with that last year, but I got a program going where I stay healthy. I got myself back in baseball shape.”
Hampered by a painful athletic hernia all last season, Mabry had a lackluster 2006 season with the Cubs, hitting a career-low .205 with five homers and 25 RBIs in 107 games.
Mabry rebounded with a terrific spring training, hitting .382 with two homers and five RBIs. Spliborghs’ numbers were even better. He hit .412 with two homers and 11 RBIs. Gomez hit .333 with one triple and six RBIs.
“It was the healthiest competition for a roster spot for any position throughout the spring,” Hurdle said.
In the end, the Rockies believe Mabry will be the better player in a limited role, giving them the bat they need off the bench. Rockies pinch hitters batted .214 last season, 12th in the National League.
Spliborghs also was the victim of circumstance. Because he had an option, the Rockies were able to move him to Colorado Springs without risk of losing him. Also, the Rockies outfield is crowded, with Jeff Baker and Steve Finley already coming off the bench.
“I know I have a chance to come back, in September, or maybe sooner,” Spilborghs said. “I don’t feel too down, I felt like I had a good spring.”
Hurdle said it was a difficult decision.
“Sure, no doubt about it,” he said. “Rhino is well thought of by the organization and well thought of by his teammates, but there is not a doubt in my mind he’ll be back with us at some point this season.”
Hawpe healing
The Rockies waited to make their final roster move until they got a thumbs up on Brade Hawpe’s sprained ankle.
The starting right fielder turned the ankle in practice last week and did not play Saturday, but Hurdle said Hawpe would be ready for Monday’s season-opener against the Diamondbacks.
“Hawpe passed all the test that we threw at him today,” Hurdle said. “He ran, he threw, he ran on the treadmill, he’s ready to go.”
Growing pains
The Rockies started right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez Saturday and he baffled the Sky Sox with four innings of one-hit ball. The roof caved in on Jimenez in the fifth when he gave up four runs on five hits, including a leadoff homer to catcher Alvin Colina.
But that bad inning did nothing to diminish Jimenez’s stature in Hurdle’s eyes.
“He was crisp and efficient all spring, so one inning is not going to change my thoughts on him,” Hurdle said. “He will be a good pitcher here and a good pitcher with the Rockies down the road.”
Jimenez, 23, will begin the season with the Sky Sox, but there is a good chance he’ll be moved up to the majors at some point this season.
Numbers game
Three Rockies will be sporting new numbers then the club opens the regular season Monday. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has changed from No. 14 to No. 2, infield/third-base coach Mike Gallego has changed from No. 2 to No. 4 and outfielder Steve Finley switched from 21 to 12.
Staff Writer Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
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