PHOENIX — The question has hung over the Rockies in recent days: When-Dex? How about right now.
Rookie outfielder Dexter Fowler arrived with a streak-free shine Wednesday, cranking his first big-league home run on the first pitch of his first start this season.
Fowler, with his Crest-commercial smile, returned to a dugout of high-fives. When he got to Ian Stewart, the slugger mouthed the word, “Wow!”
Fowler’s last two weeks have been a series of wows, from making beautiful catches to landing on the opening day roster.
His home run could not have been scripted better. His parents, John and Trudy, were at Chase Field to witness the feat. Earlier in the day, they were proudly sharing memories of their 23-year-old son. He played for Dad, and excelled by always challenging his brother Wesley, now employed by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“He has never had a sense of entitlement. He knows the value of hard work,” John said.
Mom keeps track of what is written about her talented son. Articles are nothing compared to his bronze medal from the Beijing Olympics and the ball from his first home run. Fowler’s magic carpet ride continues as he’s expected to start the home opener Friday against Philadelphia at Coors Field.
“It was special to do this with my parents here,” Fowler said. “It’s been great so far.”
Caught doing 94. Manuel Corpas didn’t win the Rockies’ closer job, in part because of his diminished velocity. Topping out around 90 miles per hour in spring training, Corpas hit 94 mph Tuesday and Wednesday with filthy sink. It wasn’t an accident.
“I changed my delivery,” Corpas said. “My motion is quicker. I am pushing off more and getting my arm up better.”
Footnote. The Rockies have expressed interest in signing free-agent pitcher Chad Gaudin, but the right-hander is mulling his options. “There have been a lot of teams calling, so we are taking a step back,” agent Larry Reynolds said. Gaudin’s preference is to start and the Rockies can offer only a Triple-A opportunity.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
