TUCSON — The sign in the home dugout provides an explanation: National League champions.
So it is that national reporters are making their way to Hi Corbett Field, after years of understandably treating the Rockies as if they were in the witness relocation program. Manager Clint Hurdle, who became a favorite interview during the playoffs, enjoyed discussing several topics on Wednesday, ranging from the Rockies’ base-running to Ian Stewart’s second-base conversion.
A look at some of the highlights from his press conference:
Q: How do you think this team will respond to adversity? Will it be a pitfall?
A: “No, we’ve had our share of hard times. The season we had last year was special in a lot of ways, but there are still some things out there for us, and again, our expectations are very high. We have shown a commitment to winning in Colorado and we don’t want that to be a one-hit wonder. We are planning to be around for a while.”
Q: Improved base-running is a priority. Can an aggressive mind-set be established this spring?
A: “I think so, and I think that’s one of the great things about spring training — you try things out. And one of the things that is so right with this ballclub, if we put our focus on something, we usually (improve). When we let everybody in that clubhouse know if something is important, they pick up on it very well. Just as they did with the defense last two years ago; just as we did with the stolen bases last year. It’s another phase for our ballclub to make us better. When you are not going out and grabbing a bunch of people outside of your organization, you need each player to improve a little bit.”
Q: How much has pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez grown from this time a year ago?
A: “You see a difference in his walk. I think that is the beauty of life, it’s the beauty of sport. He was a guy we liked. We thought, maybe he’ll develop late in the season, maybe we can find a spot for him and work him into nonpressure situations. But come on, let’s not kid ourselves. And the things he does off the field you bring your father in to live with you and now you are talking about bringing the rest of your family in. I mean, I love my mom and dad, but that thought never crossed my mind my rookie season.
Q: How tough will it be for infielder Ian Stewart to make the transition to second base?
A: “Well, it’s a challenge, but he’s not the first guy to make that transition, nor will he be the last. It’s just a sign of our organization getting better. A lot better. We have some young players who are coming up who are pushing some older players who are established at the major-league level and have done some impressive things. We need to try to be creative, and he needs to stay open-minded and work hard and be open to something besides third if it presents itself.
(Hurdle indicated that the American Idol-like field at second base won’t be pared down until after the games begin).
Q: Do you see a lot of the Diamondbacks in your team? They are much like you.
A: “I don’t doubt the Diamondbacks will be right there. Our division is a pretty strong division. We have changed the landscape of the division in a pretty short period of time. We’ve got a great influx of young talent and great pitching. You have the starting rotations and the bullpens; it’s a very difficult division to play in.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
