Consider it his version of the iPod shuffle.
In adjusting from an everyday player to reserve, outfielder Scott Podsednik has settled into a nice routine. Podsednik, who started Thursday, begins getting loose in the fourth or fifth inning, followed by video work on the pitcher he might face. The process has worked, leaving him one of the game’s best pinch hitters early this season (3-for-9, three walks).
“I felt relatively comfortable coming into this season,” Podsednik said. “You just have to go up there and focus on putting together a good at-bat and not worry about what has gone on before that point.”
He has also thrived as a starter. He went 3-for-5 with a double, one run scored and one stolen base Thursday. In three starts (all in center field), he’s hitting .333.
Taveras sits.
Center fielder Willy Taveras’ absence from the lineup for a second consecutive day came as a mild surprise. Taveras made a defensive mistake in Tuesday’s loss to Philadelphia, throwing to third base and allowing Chase Utley to advance to second base. Taveras was told he was getting a mental break Thursday.
“I want to be in there every day. But I know they want to keep my legs fresh,” Taveras said. “The most important thing is that I feel good. I hope to be in there (tonight).”
Bullpen rotation.
The bullpen situation is fluid, but the current arrangement is as follows: Newly anointed closer Brian Fuentes will handle the ninth; deposed closer Manuel Corpas and Taylor Buchholz will pitch in the eighth; and Kip Wells, Matt Herges and Ryan Speier will be the candidates to pitch the seventh.
Buchholz, who has held the opposition scoreless in eight of his last nine outings, said he would welcome the challenge of pitching the eighth.
Footnotes.
Injured starter Jason Hirsh threw 15 pitches off the mound Thursday. It was the first time he threw off the mound since injuring his shoulder in spring training. “I’m happy. I didn’t feel a thing. My arm felt normal,” Hirsh said. . . . Lefty reliever Micah Bowie (forearm strain) won’t throw for at least a few more days. . . . The Rockies acquired minor-league right- handed pitcher Sean Smith from the Indians to complete the trade that sent infielder Jamey Carroll to Cleveland during the winter meetings. Smith, 24, has made four starts this season for Triple-A Buffalo, going 0-1 with a 4.00 ERA.
Troy E. Renck and Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
