LOS ANGELES — He couldn’t have run more patterns if he were at Dove Valley.
Matt Holliday chased flyballs down in the gap, made an over-the-shoulder catch and created a gasp Thursday with a straightforward diving grab of Andre Ethier’s line drive. Holliday’s glovework is a blend of brawn and brains. His tireless workout regimen has left him stronger as the season grows longer, and he’s positioning himself better.
“I am trying to play the counts, watch the hitter’s swing, not just fall into the same spot,” said Holliday, who is batting .344 with 24 home runs and 74 RBIs.
Added starter Jeff Francis: “His defense is underappreciated.”
Holliday’s athleticism has played out more this season. Given the green light, he has swiped 20 bases in 21 attempts. He has an outside shot at joining Dante Bichette (1996), Ellis Burks (1996) and Larry Walker (1997) in the 30-home run, 30-stolen base club.
Thanks for the memories.
Reds starter Josh Fogg and reliever Jeremy Affeldt will receive their National League Championship rings in a pregame ceremony tonight.
“I am looking forward to it. It’s going to be weird doing it in a different uniform, but that’s the way this game is,” Fogg said.
Side order for one.
Even though Francis could pitch through shoulder tightness for the season’s first three months, the soreness sabotaged his preparation. For the first time in his career, Francis couldn’t throw side sessions, a dress rehearsal he takes as seriously as anyone. He’s resumed doing them again, and not coincidentally has put together two of his best starts of the season.
Footnotes.
The Rockies have told Seth Smith to be prepared to play all three outfield positions in spring training. He made his second start at center Thursday. . . . Reliever Matt Herges will test his back injury with a side session today.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
