Willy Taveras is about to pull a fast one on Eric Young.
Since the advent of the humidor in 2002, few Rockies offensive records fall anymore. But this will be the result of legs, not a bat. With 51 stolen bases, Taveras sits just two shy of Young’s single-season record set in 1996.
“I told (strength coach) Brad Andress in spring training that I would get 70,” Taveras said Saturday. “This will mean a lot.”
Taveras has reached franchise history’s doorstep in a different fashion. He is batting only .249 — “I haven’t hit like I expect,” he said — but is much more aggressive when he does reach base. He has swiped third base 16 times after being shut out a year ago, and he has been thrown out only six times overall. Taveras hopes those big bag numbers translate into a longer future in Colorado.
“There are not a lot of players out there like me, I will be honest with you,” Taveras said. “I would like to stay here with this group of guys.”
Scott Podsednik, a burner himself, has shared secrets with Taveras on reading pickoff moves and getting better jumps. More than anyone, he can appreciate Taveras’ wheels.
“No one can understand what it’s like to run that much,” Podsednik said. “It’s a lot of wear and tear on the body.”
Livan large.
Livan Hernandez was there in presence, but not voice. Hernandez politely declined to discuss his new team, saying he would talk after today’s start. It’s a bit awkward having Hernandez in the clubhouse with Kip Wells, the likely victim of today’s roster move unless another pitcher lands on the disabled list, sitting 15 feet away.
“I haven’t heard anything yet,” said Wells, who will be owed roughly $900,000 if cut.
The Rockies’ nine-month search to fill the fifth starter’s spot has not come without cost. They will ultimately spend $6.5 million on Hernandez, Wells, Mark Redman, Greg Reynolds and Josh Towers.
Rotating wheels.
Joking that he played rock-paper-scissors to decide, manager Clint Hurdle set his rotation for the Diamondbacks series this week. Jeff Francis gets the middle game in a better matchup against struggling Doug Davis. Ubaldo Jimenez will start the opener opposite Randy Johnson, with Aaron Cook drawing Cy Young Award candidate Dan Haren.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
