TUCSON — Outfielder Cory Sullivan proved a valuable reserve clause during the Rockies’ playoff push last season. This spring, as a year ago, his challenge is to avoid being written out of the script.
Steve Finley snatched Sullivan’s spot last spring, before failing miserably. Scott Podsednik arrived in Tucson on Monday bent on winning Sullivan’s bench spot, providing a speedy alternative if Willy Taveras battles injuries again. Sullivan might have lost his job briefly last season, but he has never lost his confidence.
“I just have to go out there and do what I do. I have three years in the big leagues and have been pretty consistent,” Sullivan said. “My worst year in the big leagues I hit (.267 with 100 strikeouts in 2006). I struck out too much then, but I think I have ironed out my plate approach.”
After a “terrible start” in Triple-A Colorado Springs, Sullivan batted .286 in 72 games with the Rockies last season. Sullivan is a premier defender, his strongest ally in making the final roster. Podsednik, who has 181 stolen bases since 2004, was given no guarantees after signing a $750,000 minor- league contract.
He is trying to resurrect his career after sports hernia surgery sabotaged his past two seasons with the White Sox.
“Bottom line is there weren’t a lot of opportunities out there and I am excited about this one,” said Podsednik, who can request his release March 30 if not on the 25-man roster. “Because of the injuries, I had no explosiveness, no first step. I feel like I have plenty of baseball left in me.”
Iannetta adjusts approach.
No longer bothered by wrist pain after November surgery, backup catcher Chris Iannetta promised a different offensive approach. He hit .218 in 67 games last season and ultimately required a refresher course in Colorado Springs.
“I knew all I needed was at-bats, but I didn’t realize that until I was sent down,” said Iannetta, who will compete with Edwin Bellorin for a reserve spot. “I learned that I have to swing earlier in at-bats. I have always been patient, but you don’t have that luxury when you aren’t playing every day.”
Mac set back.
Reliever Zach McClellan played catch Monday, testing his sore left knee. McClellan expects to return to Denver on Friday for surgery on a torn meniscus that could sideline him for three weeks. “It will be a quick rehab. It’s more mental than physical,” McClellan said.
Footnotes.
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is the new pitchman for Honda of Greeley, featured on commercials currently airing. . . . Look for the Rockies to air more creative TV ads this spring featuring Todd Helton. The club employed a TV campaign last spring for the first time since 1993. . . . Franklin Morales, who had four wisdom teeth pulled eight days ago, played long toss and will throw a side session Thursday.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
