Jeff Francis’ biography in the Rockies’ media guide is packed with accolades, such as:
• Most wins by a left-hander in club history (47).
• Most wins by a left-hander in a season (17, in 2007).
But Francis remains winless heading into his start today against the Twins at Coors Field. Of all the Rockies’ many mysterious disappointments this season, Francis’ is probably the most unexpected. He enters today’s game 0-4 and with a 6.27 ERA.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, sensing Francis needed a confidence boost, had him take a peek at history.
“I called him in the other day and I showed him the media guide,” Hurdle said. “I showed him tangible evidence of who he is and what he’s done.”
But last Tuesday at Arizona, Francis tied his career-worst numbers in hits allowed (13) and earned runs allowed (eight) in a loss to the Diamondbacks. It was a giant leap backward.
“I went out last time and I was aggressive. I just need to keep doing that,” Francis said. “You just try to make pitching as simple as you can when things aren’t going well. I just have to pitch my way out of this.”
Win or lose, Francis shows little emotion on the mound. But Francis says that despite his calm demeanor, he acutely feels every loss. “It’s been tough on me, especially when the team is struggling,” he said. “I feel a shared responsibility for what’s happened, and that’s not easy. But all you can do is go out and do better the next time.”
Stewart on hold.
General manager Dan O’Dowd said Saturday the Rockies have no immediate plans to promote Ian Stewart. Entering Saturday, the third baseman was hitting .276 with 11 homers and 39 RBIs in 39 games at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
“We are just letting him play right now, and we’ll continue to challenge him to knock the door down,” O’Dowd said. “When he does, we’ll figure it out.”
O’Dowd said he believes Stewart could play any corner position in the big leagues.
Footnotes.
Troy Tulowitzki has begun hitting off a tee and doing some light jogging. “I feel really good, and there’s no pain, but I have no idea when they’re thinking about my return,” he said. . . . Asked if the struggles of Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales this season are due, in part, because the rest of the National League now has a solid “book” on the young pitchers, Hurdle said, “A little bit it is, but basically it’s been their lack of command that’s played into it more than anything.”
