As a leadoff hitter, Willy Taveras has been a catalyst in the Rockies’ sluggish offensive start. His inability to ignite can be traced to unsuccessful bunts. After recording 37 bunt singles last season in 97 games, he’s on pace for just 22 bunt hits this year.
“I noticed on video that I am not getting the bat out. I need to stop being in such a hurry,” said Taveras, replaced Tuesday by Scott Podsednik. “It doesn’t need to be perfect. They aren’t playing me any differently.”
Taveras is batting .227 with a .297 on-base percentage, statistics that overshadow his ideal aggressiveness on the basepaths (18-for-19 in swipe attempts) and defensive improvement.
The difference lies in the man and the machine. Kazuo Matsui took his special pitching machine to Houston. It was an important part of Taveras’ daily routine, so much so that he is going to call Matsui’s translator to find out where he can get one.
“The old machine had an arm, just like a pitcher. It really helped,” Taveras said. “I know I need to get on base more, and I am going to keep working to get better.”
Right away.
Slumping right fielder Brad Hawpe returned to the lineup Tuesday and plated a run with a third-inning groundout, his first RBI since May 9. Video analysis and talks with manager Clint Hurdle have left Hawpe convinced that he’s simply not on time with his mechanics, which has prevented him from being in position to hit.
“I need to just drive the ball. It’s nothing tricky. I obviously haven’t been as locked in as I should be,” Hawpe said. “Every player has to fight through something like this at least once a season.”
Clawing at Grilli.
Jason Grilli took his biggest hit as a Rockie before even taking the mound. Detroit manager Jim Leyland ripped Grilli for quotes attributed to the reliever in a USA Today article about the Tigers’ slow start where the reliever called the clubhouse “atmosphere stale and stagnant.” Leyland boiled over to Detroit reporters, saying: “You have to be kidding me. Jason Grilli ought to just worry about Colorado. He’s not here any longer because he didn’t pitch good in pressure situations. . . . That’s weak.”
Informed of Leyland’s remarks, Grilli was taken aback and upset. He planned to call his former manager to discuss the situation.
“I said it’s a different team with different chemistry. If they need to make me out (as the bad guy), that’s fine. I am a big enough man,” Grilli said. “I have the utmost respect for their coaching staff, and I am friends with all the guys on that team. I would never throw those guys under the bus.”
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
