PHILADELPHIA – Ian Stewart and Willy Taveras are out, Seth Smith could be in, and manager Clint Hurdle was mulling some last decisions on the eve of the Rockies’ first postseason game since 1995.
Hurdle must pare the club’s current 38-man roster down to 25 by this morning before the Rockies play the Phillies at 1 p.m. Among those who won’t play in the five-game National League division series are Stewart, a rookie third baseman, and center fielder Taveras, who has been rehabbing a lingering quadriceps injury. Both were sent to the Instructional League in Tucson to get at-bats and hone their games.
“We don’t want Willie at 80 percent, that’s not his game,” Hurdle said of the speedy outfielder. “He needs to go out and play.”
Rockies pitchers throwing in the Instructional League include Aaron Cook, Jason Hirsh and Elmer Dessens. Those three could be added to the roster later in the postseason should the Rockies advance to the NLCS or World Series.
Colorado pitchers pared from the division round roster were Ramon Ortiz, Denny Bautista, Dan Serafina and Juan Morillo. Hurdle didn’t say conclusively what he plans to do with reliever Jorge Julio, but he clearly is on the bubble after getting pounded in the 13th inning of the Rockies’ victory over the Padres on Monday.
In looking at the final bench spots, utility infielder Jamey Carroll, outfielders Ryan Spilborghs and Cory Sullivan and backup catcher Chris Iannetta should be locks. That likely leaves two spots open to divide among Smith, Joe Koshansky, Clint Barmes or Omar Quintanilla. Considering Smith’s ability as a pinch hitter in the Rockies’ recent hot streak, he is likely to be on the playoff roster as an outfielder.
“Smith’s in the conversation, without a doubt,” Hurdle said. “You have to take notice of what he’s brought to the ballclub. He’s had some very pivotal at-bats for us.”
Holliday feeling fine
Matt Holliday’s game-winning tumble at home plate in the 13th inning of Monday’s 9-8 victory over the Padres in the wild-card tiebreaker left him bruised and bloodied, but he should be fine for today’s Game 1.
“He’s resting comfortably,” Hurdle said. “He’s got a nice medal of honor on his chin that he’ll be sporting for the next couple of weeks.”
The Rockies took Tuesday off to rest after Monday’s drama and a red-eye flight that got them to Philadelphia about 8:30 a.m. EDT.
Game of shadows
When the Phillies hosted the Nationals on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, late-afternoon shadows made it difficult for batters to pick up the ball. The problem could occur today.
“It is difficult in the shadows,” Phillies second baseman Chase Utley said. “But the only thing you can really do about it is put it out of your mind.”
Footnotes
Dale Scott, a 22-year major-league umpire, will oversee a crew of Jim Reynolds, Chuck Meriwether, Jeff Kellogg, Derryl Cousins and Ed Hickox. None of those umpires was involved in controversies surrounding Rockies home runs incorrectly ruled doubles this season. … Colorado State football coach Sonny Lubick called to wish Hurdle and the Rockies good luck in the playoffs.
The Denver Post’s Troy E. Renck contributed to this report.
