TEMPE — Location and destination were the double-barreled themes during the Rockies’ ugly 18-11 loss to the Angels on Wednesday. Third starter Jason Marquis couldn’t spot his pitches, delivering a performance that creates concern, even from some teammates, about a rotation that has been uneven behind Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez.
Jeff Baker admittedly doesn’t know where he’s going to be on opening day — Colorado or another team — but increased his trade value with a remarkable power display, going 4-for-4 with two home runs.
Bench coach Jim Tracy, filling in for manager Clint Hurdle — who spent the day in minor-league camp — stressed patience with Marquis, who is fixing his delivery.
“I have seen it before with veterans, like Omar Daal and Jeff Weaver, that when the bell rings they can go out and throw seven shutout innings in their first start,” said Tracy after Marquis was battered for 12 runs in 3 1/3 innings.
Even for spring, the numbers are a bit unnerving: Marquis (14.14 ERA), Jorge De La Rosa (9.64), Franklin Morales (10 runs in a minor league start Tuesday) and Greg Smith (3 innings Tuesday as he builds up arm strength) are the candidates for the No. 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation.
“I don’t want to tell people not to worry,” catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. “But it is different with a guy like Marquis because of his experience.”
Baker is facing a roster squeeze, out of options at a time when the club is considering breaking camp with Ian Stewart, who could fill Baker’s role, and outfielder Dexter Fowler, who starred again Wednesday with a hustle double while covering more ground than Lewis and Clark in the outfield.
“It’s hard not to think about (trades) when friends are texting you about it,” said Baker.
The Astros have interest and Philadelphia has called.
Footnotes
First baseman Joe Koshansky, his path blocked to the majors, has begun taking flyballs in practice and is expected to play in the outfield on Friday in a minor league game.
… Garrett Atkins (right groin) homered in a minor-league game. He said he will be ready for opening day.
… With Fowler’s mercurial rise, Scott Podsednik is coming to a crossroads. He can ask for his release if not on roster by April 3.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
