On second thought, maybe there’s another way to create a lineup spot for third baseman Ian Stewart, who took groundballs at second base Tuesday for the first time. Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd wouldn’t rule it out when asked if he would considering switching the prospect’s position.
“Things will be evaluated at the end of the season,” O’Dowd said through a team official.
According to multiple sources, the move has been discussed at organizational meetings and could lead to Stewart heading to the instructional league for a crash course.
Stewart’s current path to a full-time job on the big-league level is blocked at third base, unless Garrett Atkins is traded.
Moving Stewart would free up a spot for both their bats in the lineup. Second base is uncertain because of Kazuo Matsui’s pending free agency.
“If they wanted me to work on it and it gave me a job next year, I would definitely do it,” said Stewart, who also has been taking flyballs during batting practice. “I will meet with them before the season ends, and we’ll see what they have to say.”
Should Stewart, 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, make the conversion he would be baseball’s biggest second baseman. Only the Dodgers’ Jeff Kent compares physically at 6-2, 210.
Stewart guessed that the last time he played second was in Little League. It’s not completely unheard of – the Braves’ Kelly Johnson was converted from outfielder to second base.
Taveras’ plans change
Likely out for the season with a torn tendon in his right quadriceps, center fielder Willy Taveras plans to change his winter workout routines. He will follow a program designed by strength coach Brad Andress with increased intensity and also return to Denver periodically for evaluation.
“I will do whatever they think is best,” said Taveras, who admitted playing in his first full season at high altitude was more taxing than he expected.
Cool on winter ball
Rockies closer Manny Corpas has not decided whether to pitch in Venezuela this winter. Whether or not he plays, Corpas will finish his winter conditioning by spending much of January lifting and working out again at Coors Field.
“If I do play, it would be just for a month for Caracas,” Corpas said.
Footnotes
During this homestand, Coors Field ushers began wearing TROY for ROY buttons, promoting shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for NL rookie of the year honors. … If Elmer Dessens’ left hamstring responds well after he throws to hitters today, he could start this weekend.
