TUCSON — There are a plenty of unanswered questions about the 2008 Rockies, but a couple of things are certain:
Manager Clint Hurdle spelled out his reasons why this afternoon.
“Tulo made some significant strides when he was moved to the two spot,” Hurdle said. “His at-bats became cleaner, his pitch selection improved.”
Tulowitzki spent part of last season in the seventh spot, a place which enables him to drive in runs. But Hurdle sees the No. 2 hole as a better fit for the versatile shortstop. Hurdle reiterated that he’d like to have Tulowitzki steal more bases. He also believes the one-two punch, featuring Willy Taveras leading off with Tulowitzki hitting behind him, will reap benefits.
“I really like a guy who can drive in a run, drive in a runner from first,” Hurdle said. “We don’t always have to be stealing a base (in order) to score.”
Hurdle had a ready explanation for his decision to continue batting slugger Matt Holliday third, followed by Helton at cleanup.
“There’s a lot of respect given to Todd Helton as an offensive force,” Hurdle said, referring to opposing managers and pitchers. “And I think it helps set up Matt in the three spot. One of the staples I was brought up with (is) you have your best hitter in your lineup hitting third.”
Podsednik’s chances: Outfielder Scott Podsednik, a major component of the White Sox 2005 World Series championship team, signed a late, minor-league deal with the Rockies, hoping to find a way to make the 25-man roster.
Today, Hurdle spelled out what Podsednik must do to make the team.
“He’s got to be able to play center field, go get the ball,” Hurdle said. “He’s got to put the barrel on the ball, move it around, put it on the ground, stay healthy, steal some bases.”
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
