Shimmering sunlight, casual conversation, several unfamiliar names, and ultimately 16 grown men in Hooters’ waitress outfits.
Wednesday afternoon in Denver felt much more like March in Tucson.
The Padres trotted out rookie starter Josh Geer, who is trying to find traction in the big leagues and reclaim his dignity after wearing neon orange shorts and a white tube top out of the clubhouse as part of the team’s rookie hazing.
The Rockies countered with Livan Hernandez, who is trying to gain momentum as he enters free agency in a few weeks.
The unknown kid and the struggling veteran staged one of the best pitching performances at Coors Field this season. Ultimately, the Rockies won 1-0 on one powerful swing from reserve first baseman Joe Koshansky.
“When you get an opportunity, you don’t want to go 0-for-4 with four strikeouts,” Koshansky. “It was satisfying.”
When the Rockies beat the Padres by one run to end last season, it was one of the greatest, most compelling games in baseball history. The victory advanced the Rockies to the playoffs, captivating a region. There will be no water-cooler talk about Wednesday’s win, beyond what it means for the future.
In the Rockies third 1-0 victory at Coors Field this season – humidor, hello – Seth Smith got another look in center field. Manager Clint Hurdle wants to get a better read on Smith in that position given Willy Taveras’ uncertain future and the club’s stated plans to start Dexter Fowler in Triple-A next season. Smith, who has leaned out and is moving better, has made the routine plays.
“It’s big out there,” Smith said. “I will probably be sore (today).”
As an indication that the Rockies are keeping all their options open regarding trades this winter, Hurdle said he has “no doubt” that third baseman Ian Stewart could play the outfield if necessary. The Rockies plan to shop outfielder Matt Holliday and infielder Garrett Atkins this winter in their pursuit of a frontline starting pitcher.
How that shakes out could impact Stewart, who has shown a powerful bat in the second half.
Other experiments need not wait. Glendon Rusch was brought in to face a left-handed hitter Wednesday as the Rockies audition him as a left-handed specialist/longman in the bullpen.
“It’s a role that I feel like I can adapt to,” Rusch said. “I would love to come back here.”
Greg Reynolds will get another chance Sunday, trying to regain confidence after Monday’s beat down. Jason Hirsh also remains a candidate to start. Both have been challenged to have strong winters in order to compete for a rotation spot next spring.
“I would like the opportunity to start (this season), but if I don’t it wouldn’t be a tremendous disappointment,” Hirsh said.
Bounced from the rotation last week, Hernandez took advantage of possibly his last appearance in a Rockies’ uniform. Hernandez, given the ball when Jeff Francis’ season ended Tuesday with a sore shoulder, worked five scoreless innings throwing 75 pitches of all varieties, from his back-door curveball to his sinking fastball.
“I don’t have anything to prove. I just come here and pitch like I have always done,” Hernandez said. “Ask the manager if I will (get another start).”
A few different faces certainly will over the final nine games.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
