TUCSON — For optimal results, play fast and loose.
That is manager Clint Hurdle’s plan to address the loss of speedy Kazuo Matsui. Hurdle knows his lineup has more thump with Troy Tulowitzki hitting second, but the manager wants a few ballads with those power chords. He has asked his team to run the bases more aggressively this spring, identifying it as a top priority beginning with Wednesday’s Cactus League opener against the Chicago White Sox at Tucson Electric Park.
“One of the things that is so right with this ballclub is that if we put our focus on something, we usually (improve),” Hurdle said.
Two years ago it was defense — never letting the ball touch the ground in drills — and the Rockies set a major-league record with a .989 fielding percentage last season. Last spring, the focus was on stealing bases, and the club improved from a 63 percent success rate (85-of-135) in 2006 to 76 percent (100-for-131) a year ago.
Taking the extra base — huge in Hurdle’s eyes — is a skill that resides outside the box score. But the ability to go first to third and score from second on base hits adds up, especially on the road, where “small ball” is more essential in low-scoring games. Hurdle has already told Todd Helton and Matt Holliday that he plans to experiment with switching them in the lineup this spring — Helton to third, Holliday to cleanup — which could create more running opportunities for Holliday.
“I could possibly steal 20 bases, but I am not going to hurt myself trying to do it,” Holliday said. “We will be more aggressive as a team. I don’t think we are going to miss Matsui as much as everyone thinks. He was a good player, but we didn’t have him out there all the time. Who knows? We might not need more stolen bases, anyway.”
Translation: It’s easier to trot around the bases than swipe them. And brute force won’t be an issue with a team that has home run threats occupying the second through seventh spots in the lineup. Still, running needs to be a line on the resume, a skill that pressures defense into mistakes.
The running attack starts at the top with leadoff man Willy Taveras. Without Matsui, Taveras will be relied on heavily to steal bases. After recording a team-high 33 last season in 42 attempts, Taveras believes 70 is within reach. The key is staying healthy and swiping third base more frequently.
“They want me to take advantage of those opportunities when I am at second. I have no problem with that,” Taveras said. “If I can get between 130 and 140 starts, I should easily get to 60 or 70 steals. But I have to make smart decisions.”
Tulowitzki gives the lineup a tantalizing dynamic, a projected 30-home run, 100-RBI masher from the No. 2 spot. He isn’t going to match Matsui’s 32 swipes in 36 attempts, but should help the lineup develop the right mind-set.
“I believe in my ability as a baserunner. I know when to go and will pick my times wisely,” Tulowitzki said. “I am going to have more chances to run, whether it’s on hit-and-runs or steals. You have to be able to play some small ball, advance runners and do those little things to win.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
