PHOENIX — At spring training’s finish line, Scott Podsednik’s speed nosed him past Cory Sullivan for the final roster spot Friday.
Manager Clint Hurdle wanted a different bench dynamic, with Podsednik providing a burst on the basepaths and an alternative leadoff hitter when Willy Taveras needs a break.
“This was not an easy decision,” Hurdle said.
Sullivan, a key reserve during last season’s playoff push, admitted it was difficult to learn he would start his second consecutive year in Triple-A Colorado Springs.
“It’s disappointing,” Sullivan said. “You have to accept it. There’s nothing I can do about it. I look forward to getting back here.”
Sullivan hit .256 this spring and remained the Rockies’ best defensive outfielder. He is a popular figure in the clubhouse, having formed a bond with the core group, including Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins. Some teammates politely declined comment Friday night rather than second-guess the decision.
Jeff Francis, perhaps Sullivan’s closest friend, said it was tough to see his buddy get sent back down.
“You don’t even really know what to say. But it’s not like he can’t come back,” Francis said. “I know he will be ready when we need him.”
There was a chance this winter that Sullivan would not tendered a contract. At least two teams were prepared to sign him had he become a free agent. Instead, Sullivan accepted a one-year, $1 million deal from the Rockies. He will continue to draw that salary in Triple-A.
“I have no regrets. This is where I wanted to be. I have strong friendships with these guys,” Sullivan said.
Podsednik will make $750,000 in the big leagues. He led the Rockies with nine stolen bases this spring, and showed that he was healthy as he played all three outfield positions. Podsednik believes he can avoid injury with a better maintenance plan for his legs this season.
“It is satisfying. I accomplished everything I wanted to do this spring,” Podsednik said.
He dismissed suggestions that he would be uncomfortable in a reserve role, a spot he’s never filled in the big leagues.
“I am going to talk with Ryan Spilborghs about pinch-hitting, that’s for sure,” Podsednik said. “I am still playing the same game, I will just be going in later.”
Hurdle explained that it’s difficult to evaluate players in spring training, but that he had seen enough from Podsednik to continue the experiment into the regular season.
Bowie in the bullpen. Reliever Micah Bowie will fill out the last bullpen spot. Hurdle wanted another left-hander in front of Brian Fuentes, “if he can be an asset and we think (Bowie) can.” Bowie didn’t spend a lot of time analyzing his roster chances this spring, focusing only on his performance.
“It was out of my control. I just put it in God’s hands,” Bowie said.
Hurdle defends Vizcaino. Reliever Luis Vizcaino showed improvement Friday despite giving up a home run to Chris Young. Hurdle saw better fastball command. He also believes that part of Vizcaino’s struggles this spring were due to what was asked of him. The Rockies wanted the right-hander to focus on his fastball control rather than unleash a steady diet of sliders.
“We have not seen the best of him yet,” Hurdle said.
Vizcaino said his elbow felt fine. He was reaching 94 miles per hour Friday and showed off a good slider and split-finger.
“My velocity is almost there. I am getting close to where I want to be,” Vizcaino said. “I have to pitch more down in the zone, I have had all my trouble when the ball has been up.”
Footnotes. Reliever Jose Capellan and Josh Towers cleared waivers and have been assigned to Colorado Springs. Towers can refuse to go, but would forfeit the guaranteed $400,000 portion of his contract if he becomes a free agent. Towers would start for the Sky Sox, while Capellan’s role has not been determined. … Catcher Edwin Bellorin was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs. … If you’re looking for a good laugh, check out Brad Hawpe’s “Hardball Made Easy” instructional baseball video spoof on YouTube. Done for Easton over the winter, Hawpe assured that no players were hurt during the filming of the hilarious spot. … The Rockies hit five home runs Friday, including two tape-measure bombs from Holliday. “It doesn’t matter, they don’t count,” Holliday said. Added Hurdle, “Our offense can be explosive. We have legitimate barrels in spots two through eight.” … Arizona pitcher Doug Davis pitched Friday despite being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He plans to make his first two regular-season starts before having surgery. “Our prayers go out to him,” Hurdle said.
