TUCSON — One day at spring training and I have yet to see a syringe, a subpoena or a (wink, wink) personal trainer. And, far as I know, it’s one man to a bathroom stall.
There is one thing, though, that’s everywhere to be found at the Rockies’ camp at Hi Corbett Field. And, no, I’m not talking about the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
It’s called heightened expectations.
The sign in the home dugout says it all: “Colorado Rockies, ’07 NL Champs.” Now, that’s something you don’t see every day. In fact, at the risk of telling you something you already know, it’s a first in the Rockies’ 15-year history.
In a typical Rockies spring training camp, there were no expectations. Stuff happens when you finish last or next-to-last for almost an entire decade. But now, there’s a different vibe, a different level of anticipation, a heightened sense of pride in wearing a Rockies uniform.
As Todd Helton said last October, “That logo will never be looked at the same way.”
History tells us that some players and teams don’t react well to heightened expectations, but let the record show the Rockies are embracing their newfound stature. Pressure? At spring training? Not a chance.
“I don’t think there’s a big difference in feel,” said Jeff Francis, the Rockies’ likely opening-day starter. “I think there’s a certain attitude and approach players take to spring training, and it’s the same every year whether you win 100 games or lose 100 games. There’s always the hope that this is the year for your team.”
All that the Rockies of past years had was hope. Now they have a real, live track record. Nobody is expecting another 21-1 run, but nobody is expecting to be an also-ran in the NL West, either.
“They do expect more of themselves,” Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. “We want to win the West; that’s a goal. That’s part of the new territory we’ve embarked upon. They’re committed to getting back.”
Part of it is human nature, Hurdle said. Now that the Rockies have tasted success, they want more.
Rocktober, he said, “was all good, but we’re thinking it could have been better. Now we have some experience to draw upon.”
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily sports commentaries on The Jimmy Page during the week mid-day. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
