GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The execution game is providing killer results. The Rockies have demanded improved situational hitting, using classroom sessions and graded “execution” hitting contests. In Wednesday’s 5-0 victory over Cleveland, the Rockies scored three runs on groundouts to second base, following the no-pull, unselfish approach requested by manager Clint Hurdle. This comes after stringing together quality at-bats Tuesday for nine innings after falling behind to Oakland by five runs.
“Last year, I don’t think we would have done that,” Ryan Spilborghs said. “It’s becoming a mind-set.”
Hurdle is using the Twins and Angels as road maps for situational hitting. The club continues to employ practice games in which hitters are evaluated on advancing runners and scoring them from third, for instance, with less than two outs.
“Unselfish hitting becomes infectious,” Hurdle said.
Smith scratched, Jimenez rests.
Pitcher Greg Smith, wiped out by the flu, felt better Wednesday, but will miss his second consecutive start Friday. Pitching coach Bob Apodaca said there is still time for him to be ready for the regular season, but the window is narrow since “he’s starting over from scratch.” Following his record-setting performance at the World Baseball Classic, Ubaldo Jimenez will throw two side sessions rather than start Sunday. His next start will likely come Tuesday.
Apodaca will have slumping Jorge De La Rosa throw to hitters in his next side session, calling Monday’s outing “unacceptable.”
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
