TUCSON — The Rockies’ opening spring training lineup was notable Wednesday for who was not in it. First baseman Todd Helton, recovering from offseason back surgery, did not play. He explained why after his morning workout.
“I am about a week behind in terms of my conditioning, of just feeling like I can go out there with no worries,” Helton said. “I am swinging and doing all the drills, but it’s a really, really long spring.”
Some marriages are shorter. The Rockies final exhibition game is April 4 in Las Vegas, by which time Colorado will have a much better read on Helton’s odds of staying healthy.
“It will good to get back on the field, to see live groundballs defensively, to run the bases, but I am gearing toward opening day,” Helton said. “I don’t think anybody remembers who leads the Cactus League in hitting. Nobody cares, including me.”
Helton’s absence tweaked the lineup, with Brad Hawpe hitting third and Troy Tulowitzki batting fifth. Joe Koshansky started at first, going 1-for-1 at the plate.
Chris crossed
Catcher Chris Iannetta centered offseason workouts on improving his footwork on throws. It paid immediate dividends Wednesday as he nailed Ryan Roberts stealing second and erased another runner, which didn’t show up in the box score because the hitter whiffed for the final out. Iannetta will play a lot this week before leaving Sunday for the World Baseball Classic. He’s been spending a lot of time with the new pitchers to increase his familiarity.
In the Webb
Barring something unforeseen, Aaron Cook will face the Diamondbacks on opening day. There was no full preview of that matchup Wednesday since Brandon Webb is again sidestepping the Rockies in spring.
“I understand why he would do it because the more looks you get at a guy, the better chance you should have at being successful,” Garrett Atkins said.
Footnotes
Reliever Juan Morillo, out of options, battled control issues, illustrating why he’s a long shot to beat out Ryan Speier for one of the final bullpen spots.
…Ian Stewart played a flawless left field, taking good angles and throwing to the right bases.
…Former Rockie Bret Saberhagen attended Wednesday’s game. He works with agent Dan Evans, who represents Ryan Spilborghs and Glendon Rusch.
… ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth dropped by Hi Corbett with son Daniel, the Diamondbacks’ first-round pick a year ago. The reliever will make his spring debut Friday. He’s expected to begin the season in Double-A.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
ROCKIES RAP
Diamondbacks 5, Rockies 3
At Tucson
At the plate: First baseman Joe Koshansky, starting while Todd Helton rehabs his back, went 1-for-1 with an walk, and RBI and a run scored.
On the mound: Ubaldo Jimenez’s fastball velocity was good but his location was not in a shaky two-inning spring debut. The right-hander was rocked for three runs on three hits, including a two-run homer by Chris Young. Jimenez pitches just once more before leaving for the WBC.
In the field: Catcher Chris Iannetta showed off his arm, gunning down Ryan Roberts on a steal attempt and almost nailing Augie Ojeda with a strong pickoff throw to second.
Footnote: Koshansky scored from first on a second-inning double by Clint Barmes, being waved home by Rich Dauer who looks like he’s going to be an aggressive third-base coach.
Up next: Rockies host the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Scheduled Rockies pitchers: Jason Hirsh, Franklin Morales, Huston Street. Scheduled White Sox starter: Gavin Floyd.
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
