TUCSON — Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca called for a curveball Saturday afternoon. Kip Wells responded with a big bender that elicited a fist pump from catcher Yorvit Torrealba and a smile from Apodaca.
It was a nice first impression from Wells, a 30-year-old right-hander trying to resurrect his career and earn a spot at the back of the Rockies’ starting rotation.
In two of the past three seasons, Wells led the National League in losses. He was 7-17 with a 5.70 ERA with the Cardinals last season and 8-18 with a 5.09 ERA with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2005. But the Rockies, hopeful that a change of scenery and some tutoring will make a difference, gave Wells a one-year contract worth $3.1 million.
“We’ve seen him from the other dugout and it always seemed that when he pitched against us, it was always just one inning when he caved in,” Apodaca said as the Rockies conducted their first workout of spring training. “It seemed that when he needed to make that one critical pitch, he wasn’t able to make it. But there is no question that he’s got outstanding stuff. I told him that I didn’t want him to try and be a location pitcher. I want to see him throw his stuff.”
The 2007 season was difficult for Wells, who found himself seeking solutions in too many places. During the offseason, he decided to study his pitching motion, revamp it and stick with it. In the past, Wells constantly tinkered with his mechanics.
“I’d sign with a team and I’d get to spring training thinking the pitching coach was going to have some revelation for me that was going to help me turn the corner,” Wells said. “Now I have taken ownership of my own career. I needed to know when I’m doing something wrong, and why. And I needed to know when I was doing something right, and why.”
Wells has flashed promise during his eight years in the majors. He went 10-9 with a 3.28 ERA with Pittsburgh in 2003. He has a plus fastball, as well as a decent curveball, changeup and slider.
“I think my numbers have been really skewed,” Wells said. “When I’m on, I pitch really well and don’t get hurt at all. But when I get out of control, I really lose it. I’ll either have four innings, seven runs, or seven innings and one run. But I know my stuff’s still there, the capability is still there.”
