TUCSON — The pain stings, but doesn’t compare to the aching uncertainty.
Former Rockies ace Jeff Francis threw a side session Tuesday and is no closer to making a decision on shoulder surgery, saying he will throw quite a few more times off a mound and face hitters before making any decision.
“It’s been tough. I lie awake every night thinking about it,” said Francis of the possibility of undergoing a potential season-ending surgery to repair a likely torn labrum flap.
Francis remains a month behind in his throwing program because of the injury. He continues to see just enough progress to continue with the experiment, even if all signs point to his first-ever operation. He compared the current feeling in his shoulder to the discomfort he experienced last summer before landing on the disabled list.
“In my mind there’s still reason to wait. But I really don’t want to go through pitching like that again,” Francis said. “But if I can get the ball to the glove, I guess, we’ll see. When I warmed up my first few throws, it hurt pretty good and it loosens up. And there’s a little bit of aching. That’s what I have to go on.”
Barmes, Smith get first shot at starting
Manager Clint Hurdle removed any doubt Tuesday that Clint Barmes is the team’s starting second baseman, with Jeff Baker the No. 2 man.
“Clint Barmes had a very strong season for us there last season,” Hurdle said. “Going in, he’s going to get first look. Jeff Baker did some very good things when he was there. Depending on what kind of lineup we want to throw out there as far as matchups go, I think you will see playing time with both of them.”
Seth Smith remains the top candidate for the left-field job, though Carlos Gonzalez, Matt Murton, Ian Stewart and Baker will get innings this spring.
“I think we’re going to give Seth Smith — along the lines of Clint Barmes — the opportunity to run out there first and see where he can take it,” Hurdle said.
De La Rosa staying in camp
Jorge De La Rosa chose team over country Tuesday, squashing any chance that he will participate in the World Baseball Classic for Mexico.
“I wanted to play, but I wouldn’t get the same work in I need,” De La Rosa said. “I need to stay here.”
De La Rosa had been tempted to pitch for Mexican manager Vinny Castilla in the WBC after Francis’ injury moved him to the more secure fourth spot in the rotation from the fifth.
Infielder Omar Quintanilla remains a candidate to play, but won’t go if he has no chance of starting.
Footnotes
Baker was held out of batting practice Tuesday after receiving a cortisone shot in his elbow.
…Reliever Taylor Buchholz has been bothered by back pain, but doesn’t expect to miss any time.
…Hurdle didn’t predict where prospect Dexter Fowler will begin the season, saying only, “Where ever he goes, he needs playing time. I want to make that loud and clear.”
…Scott Podsednik held a mini-baserunning clinic with Ryan Spilborghs and Barmes in the morning, showing them how to get a better jump off first base on steal attempts.
