Jeff Francis knows what’s at stake when he takes the mound tonight for the first time since June 28. Francis is aware that the Rockies’ chance of making an improbable run at the National League West title depends on him throwing as he did in 2007.
“I’m eager to go out and compete and hopefully give us a chance to win,” Francis said Tuesday, adding that his sore left shoulder is completely pain-free.
With the trio of Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez and a healthy Francis anchoring the rotation, Francis seriously believes the Rockies can make a push in the NL West.
“Of course I think we can,” he said. “I think I can help this team a lot, if I’m 100 percent and making good pitches.”
Before Francis went on the disabled list with a strained shoulder, he was clearly struggling with command of his fastball and changeup. His 3-7 record and 5.67 ERA in 17 starts reflected that.
The Rockies hope that three impressive rehab starts at Double-A Tulsa helped Francis regain the form that earned him 17 victories last season. Francis worked extensively with Tulsa pitching coach Bo McLaughlin, a man who nurtured Francis in the minors.
Reports from McLaughlin were positive, but Rockies manager Clint Hurdle wants to see Francis in action at the big-league level.
“Time will tell how he pitches up here,” Hurdle said. “But his volume of pitches was good. He was clean and crisp with his fastball command and his changeup. The next step is to put him in a big-league game.”
Learning curve.
Overall, Hurdle is pleased with Garrett Atkins’ performance at first base since he replaced injured Todd Helton. That being said, Hurdle acknowledged that Atkins, who played first base at UCLA, has to regain his comfort zone. Atkins has struggled at times deciding when to go after grounders hit between first and second.
“He’s got to reacquire his feeling for the second baseman’s range and his own range,” Hurdle said. “But by no means could we expect him to come in and perform at 100 percent. I think he’s done an above-average job since he’s gone over there.”
Footnotes.
With Ian Stewart struggling a bit at the plate and Washington lefty John Lannan starting, Clint Barmes started at third base Tuesday. . . . Overall, the Rockies’ defense has been good this season, but not great as it was in 2007. Last season, the Rockies made 68 errors. With Atkins making an error Tuesday night, the Rockies already have 64.
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
